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Mazda CX-5 vs VW Golf comparison

Compare performance (141 HP vs 325 HP), boot space and price (30,000 £ vs 28,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda CX-5 or VW Golf?

Mazda CX-5 vs VW Golf: Key differences

Mazda CX-5

4.7 (8 Reviews)
rate
  • a bit more trunk space
details

VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • barely cheaper
  • substantially more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • noticeably lighter
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

CX-5

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

VW Golf is barely cheaper – starting at 28,300 £ , while the Mazda CX-5 costs 30,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 1,710 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Golf uses 1.1 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Mazda CX-5 with 7 L/100km. The difference is about 5.9 L/100km.

Golf

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Golf offers substantially more power – delivering 325 HP compared to 141 HP. That’s roughly 184 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.3 s, while the Mazda CX-5 takes 10.5 s. That’s about 5.2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Golf delivers clearly more torque with 420 Nm compared to 238 Nm. That’s about 182 Nm more.

CX-5

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Golf is noticeably lighter – 1,307 kg compared to 1,629 kg. The difference is around 322 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mazda CX-5 offers a bit more boot space – 466 L compared to 381 L. That’s a difference of about 85 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mazda CX-5 carries slightly more – 601 kg compared to 508 kg. That’s a difference of about 93 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Golf is decisively ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £28,300
Golf

VW Golf

  • Engine Type Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 116 - 325 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range 131 - 143 km
details

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View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

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View detailed analysis

Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 blends sporty handling with a refined, premium interior, making everyday driving feel engaging and comfortable. It pairs stylish design and thoughtful cabin materials with user-friendly tech to deliver a well-rounded compact SUV that suits drivers who want more driver involvement without sacrificing practicality.

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Reviews Mazda CX-5

4.7 (8 Reviews)
rate
Marc Adriaans
4 Jun 2026, 13:04:31

I've been driving Mazdas for about ten years now without problems and with a lot of enjoyment. The last 3.5 years in a CX‑5. A really nice, smooth car that can tow quite a bit too, although I wouldn't recommend doing that with the FWD because it lacks grip on the front axle — so if you fit a towbar always choose the AWD. The only downside I can think of, after long consideration, is... nothing 🤔

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Bengt
25 Jan 2026, 14:05:09

I've owned several Volvos, but I drive a Mazda now and would never switch back.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

VW Golf

The Golf is a quietly accomplished compact that blends practicality, refinement and approachable driving manners into a very usable everyday package. It’s well built, comfortable and versatile, making it a smart choice whether you want sensible family transport or an enjoyable commuter.

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Reviews VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Mazda CX-5
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
Price
30,000 - 39,500 £
Price
28,300 - 46,700 £
Consumption L/100km
7 - 7.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
157 - 169 g/km
co2
25 - 173 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,629 - 1,671 kg
Curb weight
1,307 - 1,662 kg
Trunk capacity
466 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,860 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
566 - 601 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
141 HP
Power HP
116 - 325 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.5 - 10.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.3 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
238 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
104 kW
Power kW
85 - 239 kW
Engine capacity
2,488 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F, B
Brand
Mazda
Brand
VW
Is the Mazda CX-5 offered with different drivetrains?

The Mazda CX-5 is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.