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Mazda CX-5 vs VW Grand California comparison

Compare performance (141 HP vs 163 HP), boot space and price (30,000 £ vs 70,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda CX-5 or VW Grand California?

Mazda CX-5 vs VW Grand California: Key differences

Mazda CX-5

4.6 (9 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • significantly lighter
  • substantially more trunk space
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VW Grand California

  • a bit more power
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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.

Mazda CX-5 is considerably cheaper – starting at 30,000 £ , while the VW Grand California costs 70,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 40,245 £.

Grand California

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 Grand California offers a bit more power – delivering 163 HP compared to 141 HP. That’s roughly 22 HP more horsepower.

CX-5

Space and Everyday Use:

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

Seats: Mazda CX-5 offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, Mazda CX-5 is significantly lighter – 1,629 kg compared to 3,052 kg. The difference is around 1,423 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mazda CX-5 offers substantially more boot space – 466 L compared to 0 L. That’s a difference of about 466 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mazda CX-5 carries noticeably more – 601 kg compared to 448 kg. That’s a difference of about 153 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mazda CX-5 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 £30,000
CX-5

Mazda CX-5

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 141 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 7 - 7.5 L/100km
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Mazda CX-5
VW Grand California

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 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

4.6 (9 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 Grand California

The Grand California is Volkswagen's remarkable take on the camper van, blending practicality with comfort for the ultimate road trip experience. With ample space for both living and storage, it's designed for adventure seekers who don't want to compromise on amenities. Whether you're exploring coastal roads or setting up camp in the mountains, the Grand California offers a perfect home away from home.

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Reviews VW Grand California

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

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Mazda CX-5
VW Grand California

Costs and Consumption
Price
30,000 - 39,500 £
Price
70,200 - 77,900 £
Consumption L/100km
7 - 7.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
157 - 169 g/km
co2
-
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
75 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Bus
Seats
5
Seats
4
Doors
-
Doors
4
Curb weight
1,629 - 1,671 kg
Curb weight
3,052 - 3,354 kg
Trunk capacity
466 L
Trunk capacity
0 L
Length
-
Length
5,986 - 6,836 mm
Width
1,860 mm
Width
2,040 mm
Height
-
Height
2,839 - 2,971 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
566 - 601 kg
Payload
146 - 448 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
141 HP
Power HP
163 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.5 - 10.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
-
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
238 Nm
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
104 kW
Power kW
120 kW
Engine capacity
2,488 cm3
Engine capacity
1,968 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
F
CO2 Efficiency Class
-
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.