Compare performance (141 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (30,000 £ vs 36,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda CX-5 or VW Passat?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
In the ever-evolving world of automobiles, the battle between an SUV and a Wagon is always intriguing. Today, we're placing the Mazda CX-5 and VW Passat side by side to see how they match up. Both have their own distinct strengths, but which one comes out on top in terms of technical prowess and innovative features? Let's dive in.
The Mazda CX-5 offers a variety of engine types, including Petrol MHEV and Diesel, with power ranging from 150 to 194 HP. It provides flexibility with both a manual and automatic gearbox and caters to different driving preferences by offering both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. The torque in the range of 213 to 445 Nm ensures a responsive driving experience.
On the other hand, the VW Passat offers a broader range of engine types, including Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, and Petrol. Notably, the Passat’s power spectrum ranges from 122 to 272 HP. The Dual-Clutch Automatic transmission promises smooth gear shifts, and the front-wheel and all-wheel drive options cater to varying driving needs. With maximum torque reaching up to 400 Nm, the Passat delivers a robust performance.
Mazda CX-5's fuel consumption ranges between 5.6 to 7.6 L/100km. While this is competitive, the VW Passat, with petrol and diesel, claims a more efficient range of 4.9 to 8.1 L/100km. The real standout is its plugin hybrid variant, which consumes an impressively low 0.4 L/100km while offering an electric range of up to 126 km, highlighting VW’s commitment to sustainable driving.
The Mazda CX-5, with its SUV stature, measures 4575 mm in length, 1845 mm in width, and 1680 mm in height. It presents a decent trunk capacity of 522 L and seats five comfortably, making it an ideal family vehicle.
In contrast, the VW Passat, a classic wagon, boasts a larger length of 4917 mm but sits lower at 1521 mm in height, offering a spacious trunk capacity of 690 L. This makes it appealing for those needing more cargo space on road trips.
While focusing on the Mazda CX-5, it provides a commendable range of modern driver-assistance technologies and comfort features, including various sensors and infotainment systems that enhance daily drives.
The VW Passat, however, incorporates cutting-edge plugin hybrid technology that sets it apart in eco-friendliness and efficiency, and its interior amenities and build quality reflect a sophisticated design philosophy.
Both the Mazda CX-5 and VW Passat bring something unique to the table. The CX-5 appeals to those who enjoy a reliable, comfortable SUV experience with versatility in driving modes. Meanwhile, the VW Passat shines with its hybrid technology, spacious design, and advanced features, attracting environmentally conscious drivers and those requiring ample cargo space.
The choice between the two ultimately hinges on personal priorities: space and innovation with the Passat or a balanced, dynamic drive with the CX-5.
Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.
Mazda CX-5 is noticeably cheaper – starting at 30,000 £ , while the VW Passat costs 36,500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 6,471 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Passat uses 1.2 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Mazda CX-5 with 7 L/100km. The difference is about 5.8 L/100km.
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 Passat offers significantly more power – delivering 272 HP compared to 141 HP. That’s roughly 131 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Passat is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 7.1 s, while the Mazda CX-5 takes 10.5 s. That’s about 3.4 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Passat delivers substantially more torque with 400 Nm compared to 238 Nm. That’s about 162 Nm more.
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 terms of curb weight, VW Passat is barely lighter – 1,573 kg compared to 1,629 kg. The difference is around 56 kg.
Looking at boot space, the VW Passat offers visibly more boot space – 690 L compared to 466 L. That’s a difference of about 224 L.
When it comes to payload, the Mazda CX-5 carries very slightly more – 601 kg compared to 577 kg. That’s a difference of about 24 kg.
The VW Passat 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.
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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The VW Passat is the grown-up family car that gets the basics absolutely right — roomy, comfortable and built to handle weekday commutes and weekend getaways without fuss. It won't set your pulse racing, but its calm composure and sensible packaging make it boring in the best possible way: a dependable, no‑drama choice for buyers who value practicality over flash.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
30,000 - 39,500 £
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Price
36,500 - 58,500 £
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Consumption L/100km
7 - 7.5 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 5.8 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
-
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Electric Range
124 - 135 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
157 - 169 g/km
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co2
28 - 153 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Dimensions and Body |
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|---|---|
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Body Type
SUV
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Body Type
Estate
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
-
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Doors
-
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Curb weight
1,629 - 1,671 kg
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Curb weight
1,573 - 1,858 kg
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Trunk capacity
466 L
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Trunk capacity
510 - 690 L
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Length
-
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Length
-
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Width
1,860 mm
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Width
1,849 mm
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Height
-
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Height
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Payload
566 - 601 kg
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Payload
501 - 577 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
141 HP
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Power HP
122 - 272 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.5 - 10.9 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.1 - 10.7 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
-
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Torque
238 Nm
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Torque
250 - 400 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Power kW
104 kW
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Power kW
90 - 200 kW
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Engine capacity
2,488 cm3
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Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,968 cm3
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General |
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|---|---|
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Model Year
2025
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Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
F
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, B
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Brand
Mazda
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Brand
VW
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
Česko
España