Compare the2025 Mazda CX-50VS 2025 Volkswagen Taos

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Mazda CX-50 have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Volkswagen Taos doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the CX-50 are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Taos doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Mazda CX-50 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Taos doesn’t offer knee airbags.

With its standard Smart Brake Support, the Mazda CX-50 is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Volkswagen Taos, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

	CX-50	Taos
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
	Crossing Child - DAY
12 MPH	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH	AVOIDED	-9 MPH
	Crossing Adult - NIGHT
12 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
12 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-14 MPH
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-14 MPH
	Parallel Adult - NIGHT
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	No Slowing
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	No Slowing
37 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	No Slowing
Warning Issued-Brights	2.4 sec	No Warning
37 MPH Low beams	-35 MPH	No Slowing
Warning Issued-Low beams	1.8 sec	No Warning

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Mazda CX-50 achieved an “Acceptable” rating for its forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, outperforming the Volkswagen Taos which scored “Poor” - the lowest rating - in these critical safety features.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the CX-50. But it costs extra on the Taos.

The CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus has a standard 360° Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Taos only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

The CX-50’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Taos doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the CX-50 and the Taos have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Mazda CX-50 is safer than the Volkswagen Taos:

	CX-50	Taos
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	100	285
Neck Injury Risk	23.2%	32%
Neck Stress	209 lbs.	413 lbs.
Neck Compression	11 lbs.	28 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	211	224
Chest Compression	.6 inches	.7 inches
Neck Injury Risk	22%	45%
Neck Stress	106 lbs.	135 lbs.
Neck Compression	74 lbs.	207 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	264/347 lbs.	643/432 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the CX-50 is much safer than the Taos:

	CX-50	Taos
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh/hip Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Leg/foot Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
	Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	MARGINAL
Thigh Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Mazda CX-50 is safer than the Volkswagen Taos:

	CX-50	Taos
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	35	111
Hip Force	114 lbs.	394 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	67	393
Spine Acceleration	38 G’s	69 G’s
Hip Force	499 lbs.	673 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	214	338
Spine Acceleration	28 G’s	46 G’s
Hip Force	521 lbs.	939 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Mazda CX-50 is safer than the Taos:

	CX-50	Taos
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Structure	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	114	189
Neck Tension	268 lbs.	379 lbs.
Neck Compression	22 lbs.	45 lbs.
Shoulder Deflection	1.34 in	1.57 in
Pelvis	ACCEPTABLE	POOR
Pelvis Force	982 lbs.	1406 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	47	259
Neck Tension	67 lbs.	89 lbs.
Neck Compression	45 lbs.	112 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	.87 in	1.65 in
Shoulder Force	201 lbs.	312 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.71 in	1.54 in
Torso Deflection Rate	8 MPH	16 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	491 lbs.	781 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the general design of front seat head restraints for their ability to protect front seat occupants from whiplash injuries. The IIHS also performs a dynamic test on those seats with “good” or “acceptable” geometry. In these ratings, the CX-50 with leather seats is safer than the Taos:

	CX-50	Taos
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Head Restraint Design	GOOD	GOOD
Distance from Back of Head	30 mm	38 mm
Dynamic Test Rating	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Seat Design	Pass	Fail
Torso Acceleration	13.3 g’s	13.3 g’s
Neck Force Rating	Low	Low
Max Neck Shearing Force	0	0

(Lower numerical results are better in all tests.)

The Mazda CX-50 has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2025 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Taos is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2025.

Warranty

Mazda’s powertrain warranty covers the CX-50 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Volkswagen covers the Taos. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the Taos ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The CX-50’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Taos’ (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

Reliability

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the CX-50’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the Taos’ camshafts. If the Taos’ belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the CX-50’s reliability 23 points higher than the Taos.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are better in initial quality than Volkswagen vehicles. With 9 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Mazda higher than Volkswagen.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Volkswagen is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Mazda 12 places higher in reliability than Volkswagen.

Engine

The CX-50’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 13 more horsepower (187 vs. 174) and 1 lbs.-ft. more torque (185 vs. 184) than the Taos’ 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The CX-50’s optional 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 45 more horsepower (219 vs. 174) than the Taos’ 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The CX-50’s optional 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 82 more horsepower (256 vs. 174) and 136 lbs.-ft. more torque (320 vs. 184) than the Taos’ 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mazda CX-50 is faster than the Volkswagen Taos:

	CX-50 4 cyl.	CX-50 4 cyl. hybrid gas	Taos
Zero to 60 MPH	8.5 sec	7.6 sec	8.9 sec
Quarter Mile	16.5 sec	15.8 sec	16.7 sec

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the CX-50 gets better mileage than the Taos:

			MPG
CX-50
	AWD	2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	39 city/37 hwy
Taos
	FWD	1.5 turbo 4-cyl.	28 city/36 hwy
	AWD	1.5 turbo 4-cyl.	25 city/33 hwy

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the CX-50 (except Turbo/Hybrid)’s fuel efficiency. The Taos doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the CX-50 Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Taos doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The CX-50 Hybrid’s standard fuel tank has 1.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Taos FWD’s standard fuel tank (14.5 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The CX-50’s standard fuel tank has 1.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Taos AWD’s standard fuel tank (15.9 vs. 14.5 gallons).

Transmission

The CX-50 has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Taos doesn’t offer a CVT.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the CX-50’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Taos:

	CX-50	Taos
Front Rotors	12.8 inches	12.3 inches
Rear Rotors	12.8 inches	10.7 inches

The CX-50 stops much shorter than the Taos:

	CX-50	Taos
70 to 0 MPH	161 feet	185 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	113 feet	127 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the CX-50 has larger standard tires than the Taos (225/65R17 vs. 215/50R18). The CX-50 Premium Plus/Turbo’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Taos (245/45R20 vs. 235/45R19).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the CX-50 Premium Plus/Turbo has standard 20-inch wheels. The Taos’ largest wheels are only 19-inches.

Suspension and Handling

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the CX-50’s wheelbase is 5.3 inches longer than on the Taos (110.8 inches vs. 105.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the CX-50 is 3.3 inches wider in the front and 4.6 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Taos.

The CX-50 handles at .87 G’s, while the Taos SEL pulls only .83 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Taos SEL 4Motion® (26.8 seconds @ .63 average G’s vs. 27.4 seconds @ .61 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Taos (8.6 vs. 7.6 inches), allowing the CX-50 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Passenger Space

The CX-50 has 1.6 inches more front legroom, 1.9 inches more rear legroom and 6.7 inches more rear hip room than the Taos.

Cargo Capacity

The CX-50 has a much larger cargo volume than the Taos with its rear seat up (31.4 vs. 27.9 cubic feet).

The CX-50’s cargo area is larger than the Taos’ in almost every dimension:

	CX-50	Taos
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	42.6”/75.4”	34.3”/65.2”
Max Width	55.6”	48.5”
Min Width	40.2”	40”
Height	30.2”	37”

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the CX-50’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Taos doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the CX-50 Preferred/Premium/Turbo has a standard power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The Taos doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Towing

The CX-50 has a 2000 lbs. towing capacity. The Taos has no towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The CX-50 uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Taos uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the CX-50 Premium Plus/Turbo/Hybrid Premium, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Taos doesn’t offer a memory system.

The CX-50 Premium Plus/Turbo Premium has a standard heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Taos doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The CX-50’s standard Advanced Keyless Entry and Start allow you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. KESSY Push-Button Start standard on the Taos only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle. KESSY Push-Button Start is not available on the Taos SE/SEL.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the CX-50 has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the Taos only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

Consumer Reports rated the CX-50’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the Taos’ headlights, which were rated “Good.”

When the CX-50 Turbo is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Taos’ mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The CX-50’s optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Taos offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the Mazda CX-50 and Volkswagen Taos offer exterior mirrors that can be folded to provide convenience. The CX-50 offers available power folding mirrors, which allow for easy, one-touch folding or unfolding at the driver’s discretion. This provides added convenience when maneuvering or parking, as well as when walking past the parked vehicle. In comparison, the Taos’ foldable mirrors are manual, requiring the driver to get out and physically fold them once parked and unfold them before getting in.

Both the CX-50 and the Taos offer available heated front seats. The CX-50 Turbo also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Taos.

The CX-50 has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the Taos SE/SEL.

Both the CX-50 and the Taos offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the CX-50 has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Taos doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Compared to the Volkswagen Taos, the Mazda CX-50 eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries with its optional integrated Homelink® universal remote controlled from the rear view mirror.

Compared to traditional radio, the Mazda CX-50’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the Taos SE/SEL.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Mazda CX-50, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Volkswagen Taos isn't recommended.

The Mazda CX-50 outsold the Volkswagen Taos by 23% during 2024.

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