@ Mazda Motor Corporation
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Mazda CX-5 vs VW Golf – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Mazda CX-5 or VW Golf?

Mazda CX-5

3 (1 Reviews)
rate

VW Golf

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

CX-5 @ Mazda Motor Corporation

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

VW Golf has a to a small extent advantage in terms of price – it starts at 25200 £, while the Mazda CX-5 costs 30000 £. That’s a price difference of around 4805 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Golf manages with 1.10 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the Mazda CX-5 with 7 L. The difference is about 5.90 L per 100 km.

Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Golf has a clearly edge – offering 333 HP compared to 141 HP. That’s roughly 192 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is convincingly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.60 s, while the Mazda CX-5 takes 10.50 s. That’s about 5.90 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Golf performs evident better – reaching 270 km/h, while the Mazda CX-5 tops out at 195 km/h. The difference is around 75 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: VW Golf pulls significantly stronger with 420 Nm compared to 238 Nm. That’s about 182 Nm difference.

CX-5 @ Mazda Motor Corporation

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, VW Golf is noticeable lighter – 1307 kg compared to 1629 kg. The difference is around 322 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Mazda CX-5 offers noticeable more room – 583 L compared to 381 L. That’s a difference of about 202 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Mazda CX-5 performs distinct better – up to 2019 L, which is about 782 L more than the VW Golf.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the VW Golf shows itself to be is largely superior and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

Mazda CX-5
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis
from about £25,200
Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW Golf

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 8.1 L
  • Electric Range : 131 - 143 km

Mazda CX-5

3 (1 Reviews)
rate

The Mazda CX-5 blends elegant, athletic styling with a surprisingly engaging driving character, turning routine trips into small, satisfying adventures. Inside it feels thoughtfully built and comfortable, offering sensible practicality and a premium feel that punches above its price.

details

VW Golf

The VW Golf remains the everyman’s favourite — cleverly balanced, composed and just posh enough to feel grown-up without pretending to be something it’s not. It slips through town and eats up longer trips with a refined cabin, practical layout and a kindly, capable character that turns everyday driving into something a little bit special.

details
Mazda CX-5
VW Golf
CX-5 @ Mazda Motor Corporation
Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
30000 - 39500 £
Price
25200 - 47600 £
Consumption L/100km
7 - 7.4 L
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 8.1 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
157 - 168 g/km
co2
25 - 184 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
56 - 58 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1629 - 1671 kg
Curb weight
1307 - 1662 kg
Trunk capacity
583 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
4690 mm
Length
4282 - 4296 mm
Width
1860 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1695 mm
Height
1454 - 1483 mm
Max trunk capacity
2019 L
Max trunk capacity
1129 - 1237 L
Payload
-
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
141 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.5 - 10.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
195 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 270 km/h
Torque
238 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
104 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
2488 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, G, C, B
Brand
Mazda
Brand
VW
What drivetrain options does the Mazda CX-5 have?

The Mazda CX-5 is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.

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