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Mazda CX-5 vs VW Golf Variant comparison

Compare performance (141 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (30,000 £ vs 28,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda CX-5 or VW Golf Variant?

Mazda CX-5 vs VW Golf Variant: Key differences

Mazda CX-5

4.7 (8 Reviews)
rate
details

VW Golf Variant

  • barely cheaper
  • noticeably more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • moderately lighter
  • marginally more trunk space
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:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

VW Golf Variant is barely cheaper – starting at 28,800 £ , while the Mazda CX-5 costs 30,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 1,144 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Golf Variant uses 4.3 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Mazda CX-5 with 7 L/100km. The difference is about 2.7 L/100km.

Golf Variant

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 Variant offers noticeably more power – delivering 204 HP compared to 141 HP. That’s roughly 63 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf Variant is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 6.5 s, while the Mazda CX-5 takes 10.5 s. That’s about 4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Golf Variant delivers visibly more torque with 360 Nm compared to 238 Nm. That’s about 122 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 Variant is moderately lighter – 1,366 kg compared to 1,629 kg. The difference is around 263 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Golf Variant offers marginally more boot space – 611 L compared to 583 L. That’s a difference of about 28 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mazda CX-5 carries only slightly more – 601 kg compared to 547 kg. That’s a difference of about 54 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Golf Variant is clearly superior overall 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 £28,800
Golf Variant

VW Golf Variant

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 204 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.3 - 7 L/100km
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Frequently compared as well

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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mazda CX-5

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.

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Reviews Mazda CX-5

4.7 (8 Reviews)
rate
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 Variant

The Golf Estate packs Volkswagen's familiar poise into a practical, grown-up estate that quietly makes everyday life easier without shouting for attention. It's clever, comfortable and roomy enough for weekend kit or family chaos, offering smart packaging and refined manners that make it a sensible and surprisingly stylish choice for buyers who need space but don't want a van.

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DB2021AU00624_medium
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DB2021AU00816_medium
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DB2021AU00641_medium
DB2021AU00910_medium

Reviews VW Golf Variant

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

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Mazda CX-5
VW Golf Variant

Costs and Consumption
Price
30,000 - 39,500 £
Price
28,800 - 38,800 £
Consumption L/100km
7 - 7.4 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
157 - 168 g/km
co2
114 - 159 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
56 - 58 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,629 - 1,671 kg
Curb weight
1,366 - 1,551 kg
Trunk capacity
466 - 583 L
Trunk capacity
611 L
Length
4,690 mm
Length
-
Width
1,860 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
1,695 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
2,019 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
601 kg
Payload
509 - 547 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
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 - 204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.5 - 10.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
195 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
238 Nm
Torque
220 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
104 kW
Power kW
85 - 150 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, F, C
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.