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 2024 Mazda CX-30 and 2024 Volkswagen Taos are small SUVs that are great on gas while offering plenty of the safety and convenience technology that buyers in this segment demand.
Let’s take a closer look at these two vehicles.
2024 Mazda CX-30
Mazda’s really produced a standout small SUV with the 2024 CX-30. 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.
It’s powered by a 191-horsepower 4-cylinder that provides ample power, while standard all-wheel drive (AWD) ensures you can get anywhere you want to go and have some fun doing it. There aren’t many complaints about the Mazda CX-30. Pricing starts at $26,415, including destination charge.
Mazda CX-30 Highlights
Power up: The CX-30’s base engine makes 191 hp, but the turbocharged version puts out 250 hp if you need more power. That gives it much more punch than the Taos.
Choices: The Mazda CX-30 can be outfitted with various grades, ranging from a starting price of just over $26K to $36,800. These grades offer not only a more powerful engine but also more safety and comfort technologies, allowing you to configure the SUV the way you want.
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 scores possible, you’re getting a very safe small vehicle.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-30 models near you.
2024 Volkswagen Taos
Volkswagen was late to the subcompact SUV game, but as you can see with the 2024 Taos, now that it’s here, it’s playing for keeps. The 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 below $26,000, which is critical to success in this segment. Prices start at $25,420, including destination charge.
Volkswagen Taos Highlights
Tech safety: The IQ.Drive active safety and driver-assistance suite becomes standard on the Taos. It bundles adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and active blind-spot monitoring.
Free and easy: All new 2024 Taos models come 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 AWD isn’t unusual in this segment (it’s standard on the Mazda CX-30); VW’s system is among the best and includes four user-adjustable 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. The SUVs also feature plenty of safety and convenience technology, making them popular options.
Conclusion
Choosing between this pair of SUVs isn’t an easy job. They are similar in size, shape, and technology. However, there is a big difference in the powertrains, where the base version of the Mazda CX-30 boasts 33 hp more than the Taos. Plus, you can upgrade to a 250 hp Mazda engine. The Mazda is the sportier choice, but the Taos is roomier and more efficient. Since they’re priced about the same, pick the one that suits your wants and needs better.
| 2024 Mazda CX-30 | 2024 Volkswagen Taos | |
| Starting Price | $26,370 | $25,420 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 158 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 stars | 4 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 104.4 inches | 105.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 173.0 inches | 175.8 inches |
| Width | 70.7 inches | 72.5 inches |
| Height | 61.7 inches | 64.4 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 cubic feet | 27.9 cubic feet |
