@ Mazda Motor Corporation
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Mazda CX-5 vs VW Passat – Which car suits you better?

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda CX-5 or VW Passat?

CX-5 @ Mazda Motor Corporation

Head-to-Head: Mazda CX-5 vs. VW Passat

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.

Passat @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Performance and Powertrain

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.

CX-5 @ Mazda Motor Corporation

Efficiency and Consumption

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.

Passat @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Dimensions and Capacity

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.

CX-5 @ Mazda Motor Corporation

Innovations and Features

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.

Passat @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Conclusion

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.

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

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 has a somewhat advantage in terms of price – it starts at 30000 £, while the VW Passat costs 35700 £. That’s a price difference of around 5734 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Passat manages with 1.20 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the Mazda CX-5 with 7 L. The difference is about 5.80 L per 100 km.

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 Passat has a convincingly edge – offering 272 HP compared to 141 HP. That’s roughly 131 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Passat is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.80 s, while the Mazda CX-5 takes 10.50 s. That’s about 4.70 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Passat performs noticeable better – reaching 250 km/h, while the Mazda CX-5 tops out at 195 km/h. The difference is around 55 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: VW Passat pulls convincingly stronger with 400 Nm compared to 238 Nm. That’s about 162 Nm difference.

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 curb weight, VW Passat is hardly perceptible lighter – 1573 kg compared to 1629 kg. The difference is around 56 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Passat offers a bit more room – 690 L compared to 583 L. That’s a difference of about 107 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Mazda CX-5 performs minimal better – up to 2019 L, which is about 99 L more than the VW Passat.

Who wins the race?

The VW Passat proves to be leaves the rival little chance and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
VW Passat is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £35,700
Passat @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW Passat

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 122 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.2 - 8 L
  • Electric Range : 124 - 135 km

Mazda CX-5

3 (1)
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 Passat

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.

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

Costs and Consumption

Price
30000 - 39500 £
Price
35700 - 58500 £
Consumption L/100km
7 - 7.4 L
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 8 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
124 - 135 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
157 - 168 g/km
co2
28 - 181 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
56 - 58 L
Fuel tank capacity
45 - 66 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1629 - 1671 kg
Curb weight
1573 - 1858 kg
Trunk capacity
583 L
Trunk capacity
510 - 690 L
Length
4690 mm
Length
4917 mm
Width
1860 mm
Width
1849 mm
Height
1695 mm
Height
1521 mm
Max trunk capacity
2019 L
Max trunk capacity
1770 - 1920 L
Payload
-
Payload
501 - 577 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
141 HP
Power HP
122 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.5 - 10.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.8 - 10.7 s
Max Speed
195 km/h
Max Speed
212 - 250 km/h
Torque
238 Nm
Torque
250 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
104 kW
Power kW
90 - 200 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
G, D, E, 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.