2025 Volkswagen Taos Vs. 2025 Mazda CX-30 | MPG, Interior, Specs

Volkswagen Taos Vs. Mazda CX-30

Explore cargo space, specifications, and interior perks in our Volkswagen Taos vs. Mazda CX-30 head-to-head battle to see which subcompact crossover model wins the crown in each category. With up to 27.9 cubic feet of standard cargo volume behind the rear seats and more off-road-ready features, the Volkswagen Taos deserves ample attention in this stylish two-row SUV comparison. We have a clear winner, but we'll let you draw your own conclusion.

Visit our Tom Wood Volkswagen showroom to get an in-person look at what the new VW Taos can offer on your morning commute, next road trip, and beyond. In the meantime, read on for an in-depth comparison of these vehicles.

Mazda CX-30 vs. Volkswagen Taos Trims

We open up the comparison between these excellent SUV contenders with a look at their trims. The Mazda CX-30 brings eight options to the 2025 model year:

  • MAZDA CX-30 2.5 S
  • MAZDA CX-30 2.5 S SELECT SPORT
  • MAZDA CX-30 2.5 S PREFERRED
  • MAZDA CX-30 2.5 S CARBON EDITION
  • MAZDA CX-30 2.5 S PREMIUM
  • MAZDA CX-30 2.5 CARBON TURBO
  • MAZDA CX-30 2.5 TURBO PREMIUM
  • MAZDA CX-30 2.5 TURBO PREMIUM PLUS
Mazda CX-30 vs. Volkswagen Taos Trims

While we stock various trim level options at Tom Wood Volkswagen, we also know they can be difficult to understand. Which one has the perfect combination of features? What trims offer which add-ons? Which model is best suited to a growing family or a daily commuter? Our team is ready to help answer these questions.

But first, let's check out the 2025 Volkswagen Taos and its trim levels:

  • Taos S
  • Taos SE
  • Taos SE Black
  • Taos SEL

While the list for the Volkswagen Taos trims is shorter, it's streamlined and simple to navigate. Dive into the details in our next section to learn how the VW Taos interior outpaces that of the 2025 Mazda CX-30.

Mazda CX-30 vs. Volkswagen Taos Interior & Features

Each trim of these efficient SUVs offers varying amenities, but how do they stack up against one another? The Mazda CX-30 2.5 S is the base model and includes appealing perks, like cloth upholstery, steering-wheel-mounted controls, and a remote keyless entry system.

However, the more luxurious and intricate features aren't available on the base model, but they can certainly be found on higher trims. For example, paddle shifters come on three trims – 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 Turbo Premium, and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus – heated front seats begin at the 2.5 S Preferred tier, and only the top two trims come with a heated steering wheel.

Mazda CX-30 vs. Volkswagen Taos Interior & Features

Although the Mazda CX-30 interior includes attractive perks, the Volkswagen Taos is more forthcoming with its offerings. Even a brief look at our new Volkswagen Taos inventory will showcase features that the Mazda CX-30 – while stylish and modern – simply doesn't offer. For example, the base model S offers a sophisticated leather-wrapped gearshift knob, Adaptive Cruise Control, and a VW Digital Cockpit gauge cluster.

On the top SEL trim, you'll get larger 19-inch wheels and ventilated front seats – two amenities the Mazda CX-30 doesn't have. It's also worth noting that you get these top VW amenities for a lower starting MSRP than that of the top Mazda CX-30 trim.

As we see, in the category of interior perks, the Volkswagen Taos pulls ahead a little more of the Mazda CX-30 with its seamless sophistication, impressive design, and excellent offerings.

Mazda CX-30 vs. Volkswagen Taos Specs, Towing & MPG

Both models in our Volkswagen Taos vs. Mazda CX-30 comparison are stylish, contemporary, and appealing, but which is more powerful? The Mazda CX-30 is outfitted with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that outputs 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, helping it pack more punch than its competitor. Higher trims have a turbocharged 2.5-liter Pressure Turbo engine that upgrades these values to 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque with regular gas.

In contrast, the VW Taos, on each of its four trim levels, comes with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Although the Mazda CX-30 has a more powerful engine and has better specifications at face value, there is one caveat in this category. With the VW Taos, every trim level has a turbocharged engine – turbo performance only comes on the top three trims with the Mazda CX-30, which also means a higher price tag.

Additionally, when it comes to hauling, we find that neither vehicle is rated for towing and should not have any heavy loads attached.

Mazda CX-30 vs. Volkswagen Taos Specs, Towing & MPG

However, both models have been rated for MPG values. If you're looking for a more fuel-efficient model, the Volkswagen Taos is the winner. Our champion, with its standard drivetrain and engine outfittings, gets an EPA-estimated 28/36/31 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),1 and with the available 4Motion technology, an EPA-estimated 25/33/28 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2

Similarly, the standard engine for the Mazda CX-30 gives the model an EPA-estimated 26/33/29 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),3 while the turbocharged option gets an EPA-estimated 22/30/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).3

As you can see, the VW Taos MPG values are more appealing than the 2025 Mazda CX-30 MPG ratings.

Volkswagen Taos vs. Mazda CX-30 Dimensions

As tempting as the VW Taos specs are compared to the Mazda CX-30 specs, we should also see how these innovative models compare in size and dimensions. In length alone, we find the Volkswagen Taos peeling off for victory, as it measures 175.9 inches, and the Mazda CX-30 measures only 173 inches. VW Taos dimensions include a width of 72.5 inches, a slightly bigger frame than the Mazda CX-30, which measures only 70.7 inches in width.

Either model has an elevated height, but if you want a better road view, the Volkswagen Taos is the better model. While the VW Taos is up to 65.1 inches tall, the Mazda CX-30 dimensions only rise up to 62.2 inches in height on a few models and 61.7 inches on the majority of trims.

If you're looking for an elegant but spacious ride, the VW Taos is the SUV for you. Its exterior dimensions are magnetic, drawing the eye without forgoing a size that expertly allows city navigation, countryside excursions, and more.

Mazda CX-30 vs. Volkswagen Taos Cargo Volume

While we've determined in our Volkswagen Taos vs. Mazda CX-30 comparison that both exteriors are thoughtfully designed, how does the interior measure up in each? Here's another place where we can champion the VW Taos, as it has more cubic feet of load space than its Mazda CX-30 competitor. While the Mazda CX-30 has ample space for luggage and gear with its 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, the VW Taos offers 27.9 cubic feet with FWD configurations and 24.9 when equipped with 4MOTION AWD. That means the Volkswagen Taos gives you more room for the same belongings.

Given the larger dimensions of the VW Taos, it should come as no surprise that this vehicle offers more interior volume than the Mazda CX-30. The passenger volume of each vehicle helps prove this, if the amount of cargo volume behind the second row hasn't already.

The Volkswagen Taos has up to 99.5 cubic feet of passenger volume on models without a sunroof and 96.7 cubic feet on models with one. Regardless of your choice, the Volkswagen Taos delivers more than the Mazda CX-30, which gives up to 94.1 cubic feet of passenger volume.

Volkswagen Taos vs. Mazda CX-30 Safety

Regarding safety features, these two vehicles go head-to-head evenly with their standard offerings. Both models come with a standard Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and more. However, the Volkswagen Taos gives you more peace of mind with the available Dynamic Road Sign Display and Emergency Assist, which the Mazda CX-30 doesn't offer on its own higher trim level selections.

To take advantage of this driver-assistance resource and so much more, browse our new Volkswagen specials. Our advisors can help you take home this model for an appealing monthly cost.

Shop the New VW Taos at Tom Wood Volkswagen Today

Are you ready to slide inside the winner of our Volkswagen Taos vs. Mazda CX-30 comparison – the VW Taos? This model has more cargo space behind the second row and offers larger wheels and more robust features in its more succinct, easy-to-navigate trim level lineup. Contact us to get your in-person look today!

Don't forget to call our Volkswagen service center when your new or pre-owned vehicle needs routine care or maintenance. Our seasoned experts only use genuine OEM parts and accessories to help get your car back safely on the road.


Make an Inquiry

* Indicates a required field


128 city/36 highway MPG (2025 Taos 1.5L FWD, 8-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

225 city/33 highway MPG (2025 Taos 1.5L AWD, 8-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

3EPA-estimated mileage. Actual results will vary.