VS
At a Glance
Power
186hp @ 6000
174hp @ 5500
Torque
186lb-ft @ 4000
184lb-ft @ 1750
Fuel
28 mpg est.
32 mpg est.
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
1.5 L/91ci
Choosing between the Mazda CX-30 and the Volkswagen Taos is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Mazda CX-30 delivers 186hp @ 6000 while the Volkswagen Taos produces 174hp @ 5500. On fuel, the CX-30 returns 28 mpg est. while the Taos uses 32 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $26,375 for the CX-30 and $26,500 for the Taos. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Mazda CX-302.5 S Premium AWD 2026 - From $26,375
Volkswagen TaosS FWD 2026 - From $26,500
Performance
Power Output (hp)
186hp @ 6000
174hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
186lb-ft @ 4000
184lb-ft @ 1750
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
1.5 L/91ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
6
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
28 mpg est.
32 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
24 (Est)mpg
28mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
31 (Est)mpg
36mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
12.7gal
13.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
173in
175.8in
Width (in)
70.7in
72.5in
Height (in)
61.4in
64.4in
Wheelbase (in)
104.4in
105.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3395lbs
3181lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
CX-30
Fuel Economy
Taos
Value
Tied
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Mazda CX-30
Lower starting price ($26,375)
Higher fuel consumption (28 mpg est.)
Volkswagen Taos
Better fuel economy (32 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CX-30 or Taos?
The CX-30 gets 28 mpg est. and the Taos gets 32 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Taos is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the CX-30 or Taos?
The CX-30 produces 186hp @ 6000 and 186lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Taos delivers 174hp @ 5500 and 184lb-ft @ 1750 of torque. The CX-30 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the CX-30 and Taos?
The CX-30 starts from $26,375 and the Taos from $26,500, a difference of just $125, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the CX-30 or the Taos?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.