When you need to get away for a while, you’ll want the Volkswagen Taos or the Mazda CX-5 by your side. While you take care of your itinerary and focus on making memories, these SUVs will take care of the rest, from delivering energy and endurance to your travels to carrying all your essentials.
Which model will make the better companion? Dearborn, Detroit, and Hamtramck MI drivers can find out by reading the comparison below provided by the team at LaFontaine Volkswagen Dearborn.
TRANSMISSION
EPA-ESTIMATED MPG
CARGO CAPACITY
Whether you’re embarking on a staycation or traveling from state to state, the VW Taos and the Mazda CX-5 will help you put your peppiest foot forward. Both models have exciting powertrains under their respective hoods; however, only one has fuel efficiency to match. Which one could it be?
The Volkswagen and the Mazda have energetic base engines, each outputting at least 180 lb-ft of torque. That much torque will make your drive feel effortless, even when climbing steep hills or when tugging along some gear.
Speaking of seamless performance, drivers may prefer the VW Taos thanks to its 8-speed automatic transmission. More gears mean a larger ratio spread overall and a smaller ratio spread between gears. The result? Improved acceleration and a quieter ride! On the other hand, the Mazda offers a 6-speed automatic transmission, which may not offer as smooth a ride.
These SUVs have smooth moves, but which one will help you leave the pump in the dust? Below, let’s explore their fuel economies:
- VW Taos: EPA-estimated 28 city/36 highway MPG*
- Mazda CX-5: EPA-estimated 24 city/30 highway MPG
With wins in both city and highway miles, the VW Taos provides added range that drivers love. With higher fuel efficiency in the Volkswagen, you may even get to your destination quicker since you won’t have to stop as often for gas!
What do tents, bathing suits, coolers, party attire, and kayaks all have in common? They’re all gear you could take along on your next getaway! No matter what you decide to pack, the VW Taos and the Mazda CX-5 can handle it. They’ll also keep you comfortable when driving from Point A to Point B too!
The Volkswagen and the Mazda both allow you to optimize their cabins for your cargo. You’ll find 60/40 split-folding seats in the VW Taos and 40/20/40 split one-touch fold-down and reclining seats in the CX-5. If you need space for a rear-seat passenger, the larger 60/40-split in the VW Taos will provide more passenger wiggle room than the Mazda’s split seating.
If it’s just you and your special someone going away for the weekend, you’ll have up to 65.9 cubic feet of cargo space in the VW Taos. The Mazda CX-5 falls just shy with 59.3 cubic feet. More space in the Volkswagen gives you more flexibility and leaves room for spontaneous shopping sprees or souvenir pickups!
When it comes to upgrades, the VW and the Mazda are evenly matched. Both models are available with leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. So, wherever you travel, you can meet your comfort requirements.
When comparing their base trims, the VW Taos takes the cake thanks to its CloudTex and cloth seats. These hybrid seats blend cloth and leatherette. Who says you can’t enjoy the best of both worlds? Actually, the Mazda CX-5 did, since it only comes with standard cloth seats. Leatherette is an available upgrade.
When you’re exploring new towns and uncharted paths with your precious cargo, safety is of utmost importance. Good thing the VW Taos and the Mazda CX-5 come with standard driver-assistance suites. Say hello to confident driving!
IQ.DRIVE and i-Activsense® are the standard safety suites on the VW Taos and the Mazda CX-5. Both have brand-specific features; however, they share a few in common, including:
- Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert
- Available Park Distance Control, Rear
Under the guidance of these features, you’ll feel confident behind the wheel and better prepared for unexpected events.
How fast are you allowed to travel on this road? What was that sign back there? Is there construction happening ahead? With the available Dynamic Road Sign Display, the VW Taos can display traffic signs and speed limits onto the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, so you’ll always have the information you seek.
Plus, it can display speed warnings as well as restricted traffic zones, helping you stay focused on the road.
Although the CX-5 has its own unique safety aids, it goes without a similar road sign display that keeps you in the know on new routes.
Either the VW Taos or the Mazda CX-5 would make an excellent companion for camping trips, romantic getaways, or Dearborn, Detroit, or Hamtramck MI staycations. However, with its better fuel efficiency, larger cargo capacity, and unique safety feature, we believe the VW Taos wins overall.
Stop by LaFontaine Volkswagen Dearborn today to test drive this small yet road-trip-ready SUV today!
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Shop Volkswagen Taos Value Your Trade Apply for Financing Schedule a Test Drive128 city/36 highway mpg (Taos 1.5L, 8-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and?vehicle?condition.