Compare The Volkswagen Taos vs. The Competition

Compact Excellence: The 2025 Volkswagen Taos vs. the Competition

A refreshing choice in the compact SUV market, the 2025 Volkswagen Taos exudes practicality, sophistication, and a dynamic driving experience. Competing against the Mazda CX-30 and the Buick Envista, the Taos offers standout performance, superior interior space, and advanced technology that make it a clear favorite for drivers who demand both value and refinement. Let's explore how the 2025 Volkswagen Taos compares to its rivals and why it's the ultimate compact SUV for your lifestyle in Grapevine, TX.

Volkswagen Taos vs. Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 is known for its sporty handling and upscale design, but the 2025 Volkswagen Taos outshines it in several critical areas.

Performance and Efficiency

The Taos features a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque through Irving, TX, paired with an efficient 8-speed automatic transmission (or a 7-speed dual-clutch for AWD models). The CX-30 also offers a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower, but its naturally aspirated setup lacks the responsive, turbocharged feel of the Taos, particularly at lower speeds.

The Taos boasts better fuel efficiency, with up to 28 MPG city / 36 MPG highway, while the CX-30 lags slightly behind at 26 MPG city / 33 MPG highway. This makes the Taos a more economical choice for daily driving.

Interior Space and Comfort

One of the Taos's strongest advantages is its interior space. It offers 99.5 cubic feet of passenger volume and 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space, significantly more than the CX-30's 94.1 cubic feet of passenger space and 20.2 cubic feet of cargo room. This translates to more legroom for rear passengers and better utility for drivers near Fort Worth, TX, who need space for luggage or gear.

Technology and Features

Both SUVs include modern tech, but the Taos offers a more intuitive experience with its Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and optional 10.25-inch display, which provides customizable views of navigation and vehicle data. The CX-30's infotainment system, while stylish, relies on a rotary controller that some drivers find less user-friendly.

Verdict: The 2025 Volkswagen Taos excels with its superior fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and intuitive technology, making it the better choice for those who value practicality without sacrificing style.

Volkswagen Taos vs. Buick Envista

The Buick Envista, a newcomer to the compact SUV segment, attempts to combine style and affordability, but it struggles to match the refined performance and thoughtful design of the Taos.

Performance and Drivability

The Taos's turbocharged 1.5L engine provides 158 horsepower, offering a balanced combination of power and efficiency. The Envista, meanwhile, features a smaller 1.2L turbocharged engine that delivers only 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, leaving it underpowered compared to the Taos. On the road, the Taos's responsive turbocharged performance and available 4Motion® all-wheel-drive system offer superior handling and confidence, especially in challenging conditions. The Envista's front-wheel-drive-only setup and less robust powertrain make it less versatile for drivers who face varied driving environments around Dallas.

Interior Space and Utility

The Volkswagen Taos once again shines when it comes to interior space. With 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row (and up to 65.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down), it easily outclasses Envista's 20.7 cubic feet of cargo space. Thanks to its clever design and thoughtful packaging, passengers in the Taos also enjoy more headroom and rear legroom. While the Envista focuses on a sleek, coupe-like profile, the Taos prioritizes functionality without compromising style.

Technology and Features

Both the Taos and Envista come equipped with modern technology, but the Taos takes it a step further with its Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and available IQ.DRIVE® safety suite includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and emergency assist. The Envista offers standard driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency brake and Lane Keep Assist, but it lacks the premium feel and customization of Taos's advanced systems.

Verdict: The 2025 Volkswagen Taos offers a more powerful engine, greater interior space, and more sophisticated technology, making it a superior choice for drivers who want both utility and refinement.