Mazda and Volkswagen enjoy a long history of producing attractive, reliable, and affordable sedans in the United States, and now they’re doing the same with their SUVs. The 2025 Mazda CX-30 and 2025 Volkswagen Taos are small SUVs that are great on gas while offering plenty of safety and convenience technology that buyers in this segment demand.
Let’s take a closer look at these two vehicles.
2025 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 is a standout in the subcompact SUV segment. It features a stylish exterior, strong performance and capability, and a tech-laden interior with the right balance of buttons and dials instead of just a touchscreen.
A 191-horsepower 4-cylinder engine provides thrust, elevating the CX-30’s performance above most rivals. Not only does it deliver better-than-expected power, but that grunt also motivates a standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, ensuring confident traction on slippery roads. In other words, the CX-30 combines above-average performance with smile-inducing driving dynamics.
Mazda CX-30 Highlights
Power up: The CX-30’s base engine makes 191 hp; however, if you want more performance, the turbocharged version provides 250 hp. That gives it much more punch than the Taos.
Driving Dynamics: The Mazda CX-30’s superpower is its uncanny ability to deliver responsive performance and sporty, car-like handling. Combine that with top-tier steering and braking, and you have a small, practical SUV that is also a hoot to drive.
Safety first: With a 5-Star crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarding the Mazda CX-30 its highest accolade of Top Safety Pick+, you have one safe SUV you can trust.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-30 models near you.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
Volkswagen was late to the subcompact SUV game, but that doesn’t mean it lags behind the competition. In fact, VW refreshed the Taos for 2025, boosting its performance, increasing its technology, and refining its styling. The result: the VW Taos is roomy and comfortable, and it looks great. While it may not be the leader in any one category, it just does everything well. More importantly, it does so while keeping prices sensible.
Volkswagen Taos Highlights
Bigger interior: Both of these SUVs fit in the subcompact class, but the Taos has a notably roomier interior than the CX-30. Compared to the Mazda, the VW has more headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the back seats and a whopping 45% more maximum cargo space.
Free and easy: Every new Taos model comes with two years or 20,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. The Mazda CX-30 has no such complimentary maintenance plan, although it does have longer powertrain warranty coverage.
Driver-friendly: The Taos uses VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system. Offering all-wheel drive isn’t unusual in this segment (it’s standard on the Mazda CX-30); VW’s system is among the best and includes four driver-selectable drive modes, including off-road and off-road custom.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Taos models near you.
Similarities
With simple yet attractive exterior styling, the Mazda CX-30 and VW Taos make for very appealing options. Both deliver a sporty vibe with their handling. They also feature plenty of safety and convenience technology, making them appealing options.
Pricing
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The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for vehicles and vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Mazda CX-30 | 2025 Volkswagen Taos | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 174 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic/AWD | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 26 city/33 highway/29 combined mpg | 28 city/36 highway/31 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 250 hp turbo 4-cylinder | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 4-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 104.4 inches | 105.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 173.0 inches | 175.9 inches |
| Width | 70.7 inches | 72.5 inches |
| Height | 61.7 inches | 64.5 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 34.8 feet | 35.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.1 inches | 40.7 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.3 inches | 39.8 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 40.1 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 36.3 inches | 37.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.6 inches | 56.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 53.6 inches | 55.2 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 20.2/45.2 cubic feet | 27.9/65.9 cubic feet |
Conclusion
Choosing between these SUVs is as simple as focusing on what is important to you. Although they are similar in exterior size, shape, and technology, they do have some glaring differences. For example, there is a notable difference in their powertrains, particularly if you opt for the CX-30’s available turbo upgrade. The CX-30 is simply significantly quicker and more powerful. Consequently, the CX-30 gets our nod as the more performance-oriented of the two. However, the Taos provides substantially more interior space for passengers and cargo. Therefore, if maximum utility tops your must-have list, the roomier Taos is for you.
