2024 Volkswagen Taos vs Mazda CX-5

The 2024 model year offers a host of exciting new vehicles, including the 2024 Volkswagen Taos and the 2024 Mazda CX-5. Both vehicles offer distinct features, performance capabilities, and value propositions that make them ideal for drivers looking for a mix of versatility, practicality, and style. Whether you’re looking for a five-seater for daily commuting, weekend getaways, or urban adventures, the Volkswagen Taos and Mazda CX-5 are both efficient, agile vehicles that come with plenty of modern amenities.

In this article, our team at Capistrano Volkswagen explores the differences between these two vehicles, taking a look at their design, technology, performance, safety features, and overall value. Whether you’re in the market for a compact SUV or simply curious about the latest offerings in the automotive industry, reading this article on the 2024 Volkswagen Taos vs. Mazda CX-5 can help you decide which vehicle is best for you.

Price

The 2024 Volkswagen Taos comes in at an MSRP of $23,995 for the base trim and increases up to $33,515 for the top trim. The Mazda CX-5’s MSRP is $29,300 for the base model and increases up to $40,600 for the top trims. While the Taos has a lower entry-level price point, it’s important to note that prices vary according to factors such as trim level and optional features.

Performance Features

The 2024 Volkswagen Taos features a 1.5L Turbocharged Stratified Injection 16-valve dual overhead camshaft turbo four-cylinder engine across its lineup, regardless of trim level. Front-wheel-drive models on the two lower base trims have an eight-speed transmission, while the higher trim has 4MOTION all-wheel drive (AWD) with a seven-speed direct shift gearbox dual-clutch automatic transmission. It produces a reasonable 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Drivers will love the available AWD modes that allow you to switch between snow, on-road, off-road, and custom modes.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 boasts two engine options, depending on the trim level. The base and lower trims feature a SKYACTIV-G 2.5 engine under the hood, producing 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft torque. All models come standard with i-Activ AWD. The SKYACTIV-G 2.5 engine with Dynamic Pressure Turbo delivers 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque with 87 octane unleaded fuel. Upgrading to 93 octane premium unleaded fuel increases this to 256 horsepower and torque with 500 additional rpm. Available Mazda Intelligent Drive Select technology allows you to tweak your drive modes in different conditions.

Efficiency Ratings

According to Volkswagen, the 2024 Taos has a fuel efficiency rating of 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The 2024 Mazda, on the other hand, has a fuel efficiency rating of 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with the base engine. The more powerful turbocharged engine available on the higher trims offers 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Exterior Design

The Taos boasts a sleek, proud exterior design that’s ideal for conquering city streets and highways alike. It features smooth surfaces and subtle curves with LED headlights and taillights. Drivers can expect features such as 19-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, an adaptive front lighting system with dynamic cornering lights, and an integrated light bar in the front grille. A power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof and silver roof rails add a sense of style to this compact SUV.

Japanese minimalism inspired Mazda’s KODO design philosophy for the CX-5. The vehicle boasts sleek exterior styling with a bold front grille, LED headlights with signature lighting, 19-inch alloy wheels, roof-mounted shark fin antennas, silver accents on the mirrors and bumpers, and a body-colored lower bumper and wheel arches. Higher trims come with additional styling accents, such as gloss black wheel arches, a gloss black front grille, and gloss black bumpers and rocker moldings.

Interior Comfort

The new Taos boasts a modern interior with all the conveniences you could need for up to five people. It comes with plenty of useful technology, such as the Volkswagen digital cockpit, two-tone pattern seating, an optional central 8-inch touch screen with voice control, and an available heated leatherette steering wheel. Higher trims boast the convenience of an eight-way power adjustable driver seat with lumbar support, ambient interior lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, and a six-way manually adjustable passenger seat. Other handy features include available keyless access, wireless charging, and remote engine start.

The new five-seater Mazda boasts a stylish interior that varies according to the trim level. Enjoy a genuine wood trim and caturra brown nappa leather-trimmed seats in the CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature or a black leather interior and red stitching in the 2.5 Turbo Premium. All models boast a high-level infotainment system with voice command, a tilt and telescopic steering column, and a push-button start. Wireless charging, LED illuminated visor vanity mirrors, and a power sliding-glass moonroof with a one-touch-open feature and interior sunshade are available in higher trims.

Safety Features

The Volkswagen Taos comes with a host of safety features, including an intelligent crash-responsive system and adaptive cruise control. It also offers several reliable safety features, such as an automatic post-collision braking system, a tire pressure monitoring system, six stability-enhancing systems, and a blind-spot monitor with a dynamic road sign display.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has awarded the 2024 Mazda CX-5 the 2023 Top Safety Pick, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rated it five stars for overall safety. Handy features include dynamic stability control with a traction control system, hill-launch assist, a lane departure warning system, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts.

Visit Us for a Test Drive

The 2024 Volkswagen Taos and the 2024 Mazda CX-5 are both compact SUVs that are designed for drivers who prioritize versatility, practicality, and style. These vehicles are perfect for individuals, families, and professionals looking for the right balance of performance, comfort, and intuitive features. The best way to decide which car is best for you is with a test drive. Visit Capistrano Volkswagen to take the new Volkswagen Taos for a test drive, or visit the Mazda dealership right next door to test-drive the CX-5. Our experts can offer expert advice and financing assistance should you need it.