Compare the2026 Volkswagen TaosVS 2025 Mazda CX-70

Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the Taos deploy with different levels of force or don’t deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The Taos’ side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The CX-70’s side airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Volkswagen Taos achieved a “Acceptable” rating - the second highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Mazda CX-70 has not been tested.

Both the Taos and the CX-70 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive and rear parking sensors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Volkswagen Taos is safer than the Mazda CX-70:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Volkswagen Taos is safer than the Mazda CX-70:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Taos comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck. The CX-70’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The Taos’ corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the CX-70’s (7 vs. 5 years).

Volkswagen pays for scheduled maintenance on the Taos for 2 years and 20,000 miles. Volkswagen will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Mazda doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the CX-70.

There are over 17 percent more Volkswagen dealers than there are Mazda dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Taos’ warranty.

On the EPA test cycle the Taos gets better mileage than the CX-70 running its gasoline engine:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Taos uses regular unleaded gasoline. The CX-70 PHEV requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Volkswagen Taos higher (7 out of 10) than the Mazda CX-70 (5 to 6). This means the Taos produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CX-70 every 15,000 miles.

The Taos SEL 4Motion® handles at .85 G’s, while the CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Taos 4Motion®’s turning circle is 3.3 feet tighter than the CX-70’s (34.8 feet vs. 38.1 feet). The Taos’ turning circle is 3 feet tighter than the CX-70’s (35.1 feet vs. 38.1 feet).

The Volkswagen Taos may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1650 to 1750 pounds less than the Mazda CX-70.

The Taos is 2 feet shorter than the CX-70, making the Taos easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Taos is 6 inches narrower than the CX-70, making the Taos easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

The Taos has 1 inch more front headroom and .5 inches more rear headroom than the CX-70.

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Taos easier. The Taos’ cargo hatch lift-over height is 27 inches, while the CX-70’s liftover is 31.2 inches.

The Taos’ driver power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The CX-70’s power window (except driver window) switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the Taos to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The CX-70 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Taos has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel is only available on the CX-70 Premium Plus/Turbo S.

Compared to traditional radio, the Volkswagen Taos’ standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-70 Premium.

The Taos is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The CX-70 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

The Volkswagen Taos outsold the Mazda CX-70 by almost six to one during 2024.