2025 Volkswagen Taos vs Mazda CX 5 vs Honda CRV 2025

Compact crossovers are popular because they combine the benefits of a roomy SUV body with modest dimensions perfect for maneuvering on busy Indianapolis roads. The compact crossover class is competitive, with new vehicles like the 2025 Volkswagen Taos going head-to-head with the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, and many others. So, how should you go about choosing the right car for you? This comparison aims to compare engine options, interior features, and tech so you can make an informed choice.

2025 Compact SUV Showdown: Volkswagen Taos vs Mazda CX-5 vs Honda CR-V

Many of the car comparison specs for these three SUVs are close. They all have similar interior dimensions, providing room for five passengers across two rows of seats. Their engines are comparable in potency, although the Taos excels in fuel economy, whereas the CX-5 shines with powerful acceleration.

Key specs for the 2025 Taos include:

  • A turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque provides enough power for highway and city driving.
  • Great fuel efficiency for a compact crossover with 36 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg on city roads.
  • More than 27 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, giving you plenty of room for groceries or your kids' school gear.

As for the Mazda CX-5, it boasts:

  • A 2.5L four-cylinder engine putting out 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, or a turbocharged option with 227 horsepower to provide superior acceleration off the line.
  • Solid fuel economy of 26 mpg on city roads and 31 mpg at highway speeds.
  • Approximately 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, offering enough space for your daily needs.

Joining in our compare cars features test, the CR-V has:

  • A 1.5L turbo-four engine with 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque.
  • Gas mileage of 28 mpg on city roads and 34 mpg at highway speeds, coming close to the Taos' excellent numbers.
  • 39 cubic feet of storage behind the rear row, making the CR-V the largest vehicle out of the three in our comparison.

2025 Volkswagen Taos: The Newcomer's Profile

In addition to great fuel economy, the Taos is equipped with upscale interior features like a heated steering wheel and an 8-inch touch screen for accessing your entertainment features. There are three trims available in the Taos lineup: S, SE, and SEL.

Another big bonus is the price tag. In a Honda CR-V vs VW Taos price comparison, the Taos comes out as the clear winner for budget buyers. Its starting price is around $25,000, whereas you'll have to spend at least $30,000 to get behind the wheel of a CR-V. It's important to keep in mind, with the Honda CR-V vs Volkswagen Taos comparison, that the CR-V is a bigger vehicle.

Other exciting Taos features include:

  • A Wi-Fi hotspot so you can stay connected at all times.
  • A long list of standard safety features for your protection, like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control.
  • Optional all-wheel drive for better performance on wet roads or during cold Indiana winter driving.
  • Optional synthetic leather or genuine leather upholstery, and power-adjustable front seats for added luxury.

2025 Mazda CX-5: The Premium Choice

Our car specs comparison tool shows that, in addition to excellent acceleration, the CX-5 also offers a large 10.2-inch infotainment touch screen and standard keyless entry to ensure easy access to your vehicle. If we compare car engines from our three competitors, Mazda's lineup offers the most power, but also has the lowest fuel economy.

Some additional CX-5 features include:

  • Synthetic leather upholstery and heated front seats for additional comfort.
  • The I-Activsense Safety suite of features helps you avoid collisions and stay safe.
  • An optional power liftgate for ease of access to the cargo area.
  • Wireless device charging so you can keep your phone charged on your journey.

Eight trims are offered in the CX-5 lineup. They range in price from an MSRP of around $29,000 to just over $40,000.

2025 Honda CR-V: The Reliable Favorite

The CR-V showcases its reliability with standard cloth upholstery and a 7-inch display for your entertainment system. In addition to its standard gas engine, you can also opt for a hybrid powertrain for improved efficiency. The Mazda CX-5 vs VW Taos comparison shows a significant difference in vehicle size, with CR-V owners gaining an additional 15 cubic feet behind the rear row of seats. By contrast, the Mazda CX-5 vs Honda CR-V dimensions comparison is closer, with the CX-5 offering about 30 cubic feet at the rear compared to the CR-V's 39 cubic feet.

Other standout features in the CR-V are:

  • A dual-zone automatic climate control for added comfort wherever you're seated.
  • Leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel for a more upscale cabin.
  • An optional larger 9-inch touch screen for improved access to your favorite features.
  • Honda's Sensing suite of driver assistance features helps you stay safe on the road.

The three trims on offer in the CR-V's lineup are 60, EX, and EX-L. They range in price from around $30,000 to about $35,000.

Which Compact SUV Should You Choose at Speedway Volkswagen?

We've shown in our Volkswagen Taos vs Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 comparison that each of these three vehicles has its strengths. The Taos is a great choice for budget-conscious drivers who still want a high-performing vehicle. Despite costing less than the CR-V and CX-5, the Taos has the best fuel economy and an engine that almost matches the others in potency. If you'd like to take the Taos for a test drive in Indianapolis or find out about our excellent VW financing options, feel free to contact our team today.