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Mazda CX-5 vs VW Polo comparison

Compare performance (141 HP vs 207 HP), boot space and price (30,000 £ vs 17,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda CX-5 or VW Polo?

Mazda CX-5 vs VW Polo: Key differences

Mazda CX-5

4.6 (9 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly more trunk space
details

VW Polo

4.2 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • markedly more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • substantially lighter
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:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

VW Polo is clearly cheaper – starting at 17,300 £ , while the Mazda CX-5 costs 30,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 12,733 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Polo uses 5.1 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Mazda CX-5 with 7 L/100km. The difference is about 1.9 L/100km.

Polo

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Polo offers markedly more power – delivering 207 HP compared to 141 HP. That’s roughly 66 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Polo is clearly 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 Polo delivers visibly more torque with 320 Nm compared to 238 Nm. That’s about 82 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 Polo is substantially lighter – 1,143 kg compared to 1,629 kg. The difference is around 486 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mazda CX-5 offers visibly more boot space – 466 L compared to 351 L. That’s a difference of about 115 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mazda CX-5 carries noticeably more – 601 kg compared to 457 kg. That’s a difference of about 144 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Polo is far ahead 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 £17,300
Polo

VW Polo

  • Engine Type Petrol
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 80 - 207 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
details

Frequently compared as well

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Mazda CX-5
VW Polo

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 Polo

The Polo is a well-built, comfortable hatchback that blends a refined cabin and composed manners into a compact package. It's easy to live with day to day, offering sensible space, tidy controls and reassuring quality that make it a practical choice for city or longer trips.

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Reviews VW Polo

4.2 (4 Reviews)
rate
Michel
13 Jun 2026, 15:24:46

Nice, spacious car with many options available (panoramic roof and travel assist).

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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Mazda CX-5
VW Polo

Costs and Consumption
Price
30,000 - 39,500 £
Price
17,300 - 30,800 £
Consumption L/100km
7 - 7.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
157 - 169 g/km
co2
116 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,629 - 1,671 kg
Curb weight
1,143 - 1,378 kg
Trunk capacity
466 L
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,860 mm
Width
1,751 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
566 - 601 kg
Payload
432 - 457 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol
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
Power HP
141 HP
Power HP
80 - 207 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.5 - 10.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 15.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
238 Nm
Torque
93 - 320 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
104 kW
Power kW
59 - 152 kW
Engine capacity
2,488 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
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.