2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV that offered a balance between simplicity and detailed enhancements. It was available in S, SE, or SEL trims, with a single engine option and choices between front-wheel drive and 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Taos was priced from $22,995 to $33,045, with a destination charge of $1,195. The 4Motion upgrade brought significant changes, including a dual-clutch automated manual transmission and an independent multilink rear suspension, altering the driving character. The Taos's exterior styling was consistent with Volkswagen's lineup, featuring 19-inch wheels and Cornflower Blue paint for a vibrant look. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic materials, though the SEL trim offered two-tone perforated leather and upscale dashboard materials.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV segment. It was praised for its stylish design and high-quality materials, giving it a luxury feel. The CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 187-hp four-cylinder and a turbocharged 256-hp engine. The turbocharged engine provided impressive power, especially with premium fuel, and the CX-5 boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The CX-5's redesign as the CX-50 was part of Mazda's broader marketing strategy, but the 2023 model still exuded quality and sophistication across its eight available versions, priced from $26,700 to $39,650.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The engine's torque delivery was delayed, leading to a sudden surge of power, which, combined with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, resulted in erratic shifting. The standard eight-speed automatic transmission offered smoother driving but was limited to front-wheel drive. The Taos SEL 4Motion, with its Sport mode, provided a more engaging driving experience, aided by Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires. However, its off-road capabilities were limited by a ground clearance of 6.6 inches. The Taos SEL 4Motion achieved an EPA rating of 28 mpg in combined driving, with real-world testing showing 27.1 mpg.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The turbocharged version delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with regular gas. The turbo engine's torque arrived at 2,000 rpm with regular gas and 2,500 rpm with premium, providing quick acceleration. The CX-5's updates improved structural rigidity, suspension dampening, and transmission responsiveness, enhancing its driving dynamics. The turbocharged model returned 21.4 mpg in combined driving during testing, slightly below the EPA's 24 mpg estimate. The CX-5 excelled on paved roads, offering a firm, connected ride with responsive steering and brakes.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was noted for its spacious interior, with ample front seat adjustments and heated and ventilated front seats in the SEL 4Motion. The rear seat offered generous legroom and rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space varied with the drive system, with front-wheel-drive models offering 27.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 65.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The 4Motion models had slightly less cargo space due to the independent rear suspension. The Taos also featured a center pass-through for ski trips.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's front seats were improved for comfort and support, with power adjustments and heated and ventilated options available in higher trims. The Signature trim included Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with smaller storage areas and a cramped rear seat. Cargo space measured 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, less than some rivals but more than some luxury models.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came with Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, with SE and SEL trims featuring an 8-inch display with MIB3 software. All trims included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Car-Net services. The SE trim added wireless connectivity and SiriusXM, while the SEL included navigation and a BeatsAudio system. However, the infotainment system's voice recognition and user experience were criticized for complexity and slow response.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch display with Mazda Connect, which was visually appealing but frustrating to use. The system lacked effective voice recognition and required complex physical controls. The user experience was often cumbersome, especially when tuning radio stations. Despite these issues, Mazda Connect offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. Higher trims included a Bose audio system and advanced camera features for parking assistance.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered IQ Drive safety technologies, standard or available across all trims. The Taos S could be equipped with a $995 package including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The SEL trim included these features as standard, along with rain-sensing wipers and road sign recognition. The Taos's reverse automatic braking was overly sensitive but could be disabled. Crash test ratings were not available at the time of review.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety with its i-Activsense technology, offering most features as standard. The 2.5 Turbo Signature trim added a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5's safety systems operated smoothly, with a head-up display in higher trims. The SUV received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. However, the lack of a warning for driving without headlights at night was a concern.