2022 VW Taos vs Mazda CX-5 Review - BEST AFFORDABLE LUXURY SUVs 

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It's comical that these are being promoted as "compact" and "sub-compact" - and I think that has everything to do with the fact that the largest three-row SUVs on the market like the Tahoe are now approaching the size of an Amazon fulfilment warehouse...

I’ve been LOVING the comparison videos so far!!

The review we’ve all been waiting for!!!

I like what you guys are doing with the comparisons and trying to keep the opinions balanced. Keep it up 👍

The CX-5 is 4 years old now and still knocking it out of the park. Crazy.

Really great idea doing the slow motion train track test!

This was a back to basics Classic Yuri and Jakub video. I soooo enjoyed this video, super enjoyed it and sent it to some people looking at CUV’s

just want to thank you guys for reviewing affordable cars for viewers, even that the vids don’t get as much views. Please keeping the awesome work cominggggg!

I've own 3 Mazda. One CX-3 GS, one CX-5 GS and now a CX-5 Signature in that beautiful Soul Red. People who owns Mazda (specially the CX-5) have such a strong love for their vehicle. So am I. Till you drive one everyday, see the quality's and reliability long term and the fun to drive you have in town, highway, or little roads, you cant understand why owners are so die hard Mazda's fans. There's a reason why owners are re-buying them over and over again. Not saying it's perfect but definitely a strong contender that's worth to try when you are shopping for a new vehicle.

Being from New Mexico Yuri has the more correct pronunciation of Taos.

Heres tomore ordinary car reviews! Thoroughly enjoyed this review lads :)

The CX5 looks good, sounds better, lives longer, and is nice and built nicely

Thanks for the great review guys. My CX5 in Australia is pretty much exactly like the one you've tested. I've had it from new for about 16 months, with no complaints. 2020 model, so the smaller infotainment screen on the dash. Great all round car with the 2.5 Turbo coupled to the 6 speed automatic. Plenty of power for overtaking on country roads, and for towing a trailer loaded with 750 kg of assorted gear on occasion. The seat bases are firm but I still find them to be very comfortable on both short and long runs. Handling is good for what it is, an SUV, and I agree the ride can be a little on the firm side on the rough stuff, but I usually drive on sealed roads so it's not an issue for me.

Of these two, im going with mazda!

I love the train track test keep doing that one please!

Yuri gets the cx-5 as a long term while jackob gets the E63 wagon 😅😂

In the Taos (or really any VW/Audi product), you can get heavier steering by doing a custom drive mode. Put the steering in sport and keep the drive in normal for better efficiency. I think that improves the drive experience.

Just bought a new Taos yesterday I really love driving it. This is my first subcompact SUV I was in a Jetta before. Really looking forward to my 1 hour drive tomorrow!

Picking up a taos in cornflower blue tmrw! It really surprised us on the test drive, great family vehicle without getting a massive boat

My girlfriend bought a black CX5 signature last month during the sale, what a great car. Good amount of power and space, very high-quality interior, also looks really good from the outside.

The CX-5 just looks too good in that red. If only they still made the RX7...

Really appreciate the knee comfort Inn the review. I'm 6'3 and would like to see more of this

Great video and good comparison. More videos like this !

Yuri’s haircut is phenomenal

I’d be going for the Mazda! I’d skip the Taos and go for the Tiguan if going vw though

got a Taos about 5 months ago and its holding up pretty well. It has pretty much everything I want in a car except more power, which is really my personal opinion. Its fast enough for day to day driving and to have a bit of fun with but every other aspect of the car is really good: the space, the comfort, the tech features (but the infotaintment does have a few quirks), and the styling of everything. Overall a pretty solid car.

I had to replay it 3x but to know there's a fellow Youri on YT. Heck yeah!

that red looks incredible in person when the light is hitting it. i really like it.

CX5 has always been a great choice and continues to be very reliable ….

I adore the Cx5 just waiting on the new design. Hope to see larger sunroof in CX5

As a 2018 Mazda CX5 owner, I approve this video. It's a little tight in space, but otherwise punches way above it's weight. I will say there is a great sweet spot ignored here - the Touring trim - for $25k (in 2018), you get most of what counts and the interior is still super high quality. That makes the value equation really tip in the Mazda's favor.

I'm so glad that you guys made this video because these are basically my two strongest options for cars when I'm shopping for one this fall! I was already leaning Taos and after this video I think my feelings are confirmed! Cue me watching this video 30 more times trying to figure out which one to get

I haven’t even watched the video yet and I have to say that THIS is the review that I have been waiting for.

Very helpful video thanks.

I test drove a Taos while car shopping a few weeks ago. I wanted to like it so bad, they're really nice looking inside and out. Two things made it a no-go for me. 1) I'm 5'9" tall and the seating position was so odd! With the seat adjusted to reach the pedals and the steering wheel adjusted all the way out and down, I couldn't rest my arms on either the center or door armrest. That'd be ok for short trips but not a road trip. 2) I drove 2 and the DSG in both was laggy and jerky when cold. You'd step on the gas and nothing for a second then it would jerk into motion. I've owned a DSG equipped Golf in the past and know how to drive them. I was bummed it was a flop and actually ended up in a Mazda. I actually like how they are a little old school. Buttons for all the controls, buttery smooth 6 speed trans mounted to a real torquey 2.5 turbo, just a blast to drive and not unnecessarily complicated.

The rear of the Taos reminds me of the old Audi Q7

The way Jakub says “Tay-ohs” cracks me up 😂

My dad's manual 2014 cx5 has 230k miles on the original clutch. Such a great car.

Literally have both these cars and the reviews are on point.

I'm still amazed my 2017 CX-5 still looks amazing after nearly 4.5 years of ownership. The fact that my CX-5 is virtually indistinguishable from a 2021 model doesn't hurt, either.

I've been driving a CX-5 for years and still love mine (2013 Touring). It's getting a little older but it still has relatively low miles and has been very reliable over the past 5.5 years that I've owned it. I'll probably trade in for a new CX-5 Turbo next year or something. It's a fair bit smaller than my Dad's CR-V for being in the same segment, but it's been totally adequate for my needs, I fold down the seats and haul all kinds of stuff without issue. In the past I've owned VWs and Subarus, cars with cults of their own... and I've got to say that my experience with Mazda has been a lot more enjoyable. The Taos is an intriguing model to me, but as someone who tries to keep cars for a long time and does not want to have to be in the shop all the time.... I don't think I can in good conscience buy another VW.

I really like this review, yall should do more like it 👍

I totally agree with the red Mazda paint so lovely and glows it’s self. My sunglasses is polarized and every time I see or on the road I’d like a magnetic to my eyes.

The CX-5 is due for a styling refresh, but still looks better than that Taos. Wife had one in that red for the last 3 years and loved it. Jakub, her lease ended in July. She now has an ID.4 and adores it. Gets admirers everywhere we go. I don't understand the hate. It's not fast, but it's quite nice.

You're right guys, i'm from Quebec and we tow everything with anything. Tow it like you stole it :) Keep up the good work

2 very tempting choices! Very nice vehicules and awesome review

Cool video. Thanks!

I’ve been driving my Cornflower Blue Taos (rhymes with house) for about a month now, and like it more every day. Driving in Sport greatly reduces the hesitation, but what really changes the 4Motion dual clutch model is using the manual mode. Although even in manual mode the computer will upshift just above 5000rpm in 1st and 2nd, which sucks, but the car is in its torque sweetspot, and it just rips, with lighting fast shifts that make it super fun at stoplights. I’ve shocked several twice as expensive sporty cars getting away from the light. Sure once we’re approaching 80kmh they’d be kicking sand in my face, but traffic lights are closer than that! My two previous cars were a 2018 Golf and a 1st gen 2010 Tiguan, both with the Tiptronic 6 speed with manual function, and neither would hold a candle to the way shifting manually works on this Taos. I have the mid level trim, Comfortline in Canada, SE in the States, and guess what? The thing does have launch control! Sometimes my obsessive compulsive need to read owner’s manuals cover to cover pays off.

I have a 2018 Golf Alltrack which I love, but I want something a little higher off the ground. I've been a VW fan all my life but the CX-5 looks pretty good, and has great ratings. I just hate to lose the handling a VW has which it seems the Taos is lacking.. Guess a test drive in both is next. Also, the 2023 CX-50 comes out in the spring.

Hello from Malaysia! Gotten CX-5 2.5 turbo for a year now, first 3 months fed it lower grade fuel, and switched to premium fuel. Not gonna look back! The poweris much more addictive, and engine sounds smoother too! Great vids guys!

We have 2 cx5's for our daughters. They have been bullet proof! Non turbo 2.5 with an actual 6 speed automatic has been so reliable.

I own a 2019 cx5 grand touring reserve with the turbo and i gotta say its an amazing car. I tested the taos and it too was the only other option i considered. The others are either too slow or to junky. Only reason taos lost is because its too new so for 30k i was getting a base model

Picking up the Taos today! Thank you.

Thanks for the video 👍

The mazda looks fantastic!

Guys!!!!!!!! I am thrilled you did a review on these 2 SUVs. I had just recently narrowed my search down to the CX-5 and Taos. Watched all the RU-vid videos on them and test drove both 3 times! For 33K, I could get the CX-5 Grand Touring premium FWD or the Taos SEL. Both are peppy, steer well, feel substantial, comfortable seating, and are fun to drive. I like the exterior of the Taos better and the interior of the CX-5 better. But you get more features in the CX-5 than the Taos (for the trims I chose). The only thing the CX-5 did not have is a panoramic sunroof (comes with a small sunroof), which I use a lot. The doors feel cheap and thin in the Taos and has more noise in cabin. The CX-5 doors are thicker and more substantial and has a quiet interior. I made my decision based on the interior. Taos felt cheap and simple with more plastic than leather. The CX-5 felt premium and upscale and only plastic is at the bottom of the doors where the storage is. Dash is soft touch. It looks and feels better. So, I purchased the Mazda 2 weeks ago and have NO regrets. It's really nice to drive. I love it and the Bose sound system is 💣. My husband liked the Taos (but likes my choice as well), so maybe when he is ready for a new vehicle we can get the Taos.

When you understand VW called the Tiguan the Tiguan because it was a combination of tiger and iguana, you know that they named this the Taos because it’s Tacos without the C.

Okay, im sold. Will be buying the Taos next year

WOW... GREAT COMPARISON BETWEEN 2022 TAOS & 2021 CX-5... IT WAS A SETUP FOR VW

I recently test drove a vw Taos here in Virginia and loved how it handled and had decent pickup for a cross over. I am still researching which one I want to get, but I will be looking Mazda next.

I think you cannot compare a 1.5 baby engine (fake pipes), baby blue, front wheels with the 2.5 turbo red blood 4x4 Mazda. Mazda is more sport/luxury oriented and way more reliable.

Hi, The Straight Pipes. It would be great if you can make comparison between Mazda CX 5 and Volkswagen Tiguan. But I don't know do you have VW Tiguan in Canada or not. Thank you for great content!!!

We have a Mazda in white and I think it looks best white, stunning looking car

The CX-5 over the Taos anyday.

I value my money. Id go for mazda

I've owned a 2019 Jetta and 2018 Mazda 6 reserve ..which has the same engines as the Taos and CX-5 and it all comes down to preference. Honestly with the 1.4 VW engine it's not too shabby but you notice it most on the highway or when accelerating to merge or switch lanes. But the great fuel efficiency almost makes up for it. As for Mazda 2.5 engine it's a beast. Fuel efficiency is pretty good on the Highway and city is average. Point blank if you want speed go CX-5, if you want comfort and smooth ride go VW!

I just bought a used 2019 cx5 gt turbo and I like it so far.

The CX-5 is a much smarter choice.

I think I’d take the Mazda just for pure longevity that and I’ve never had a good experience with German cars :/

My wife went back and forth between the CX-5 and the Tiguan different car I know but she chose the CX-5 carbon edition after trying several different cars

Yuri: "This is alright though with the PDK." I can't. I think I fell out of my chair laughing.

I chose the CX5 turbo in the first 10 seconds. 🙂 That Koda design 😍

The sunroof on the Taos is what won me.

love ur vids, but can u PLEASE review the fully equipped 2021 range rover SVAutobiography. again love ur vids.

Sup fella’s! When do you guys think you will drive the new Kona N??? Thanks David

The CX-5 has way nicer wheels; upscale and elegant yet still sporty. The Taos' wheels look heavy and a bit cheap.

The Mazda CX5 looks sexy. The VW Taos to me looks like an electric shaver on wheels , diggin' that blue color though ;)

@TheStraightPipes you guys should do a Canadian warranty comparison with head to head videos

Love the CX5. Happy owner of a 2016 CX5

Tested both this week. I'm 6' 3" with long legs and the Taos had a better seating position. Both had enough legroom, but my knee or shin wasn't resting against the center console of the Taos. Plus its steering wheel had more telescoping range. The CX-5 driver's seating area seemed a bit tighter and the large console while padded, was right up against my leg. That would get old after awhile. The CX-5 definitely had the more premium looking interior though.

The Teos looks great. Especially for someone with the original Tiguan, a similarly sized VW is very tempting as the current tiguan has gotten way bigger, but it's such a shame they put the 1.5 in it instead of the 2.0 TSI. There is just no way it will please VW enthusiasts without a bit more power

What surprises me is the low tow rating on the CX5, considering it's HP and Torque numbers. Especially when you consider the fact that something like the very similarly powered Hyundai Santa Fe turbo can tow 5,000 pounds.

Does the DSG equipped Taos have Launch Control?, I recently drove the VW Tiguan for the Mexican market with a 6 speed DSG and it does have Launch control, it doesn't make it any fast, but it is fun to use.

That Mazda red color has yet to be matched by any other carmaker.

Guys. "Towse", it's one syllable. It's a town in New Mexico.

Guys, loving that intro music ✌🏼

I test drove the Taos and the turbo lag was annoying. I bought the cx5. More power and fun to drive.

That VW Taos is basically a Seat Ateca remastered for north America

Bought a 2022 Taos a month ago and love it! Very great car so far, smooth ride and plenty of features for my liking. I get a lot of complements, the white on black looks great. I came from Ford sooo the vw was going to be better lol

My dealer was able to add the remote start feature and program it into the existing key fob.

I'd take the Mazda anyday. The Mazda is just more premium, especially with the paint, real exhaust tips, 360 camera and the more powerful engine. I just wish they made the rims larger and made the screen a touch screen (nothing wrong with the infotainment and the rotary wheel) on the mazda

If you put a "C" in Taos you get the Volkswagen Tacos!

Wife just got the 2022 sel vw taos, I've been a vw fan for a long time and I will always go vw over Mazda..funny thing I was telling my wife I was gonna swap her rims with my gti lol

In Europe VW group sells 4 midsize (american subcompact) SUVs: shorter Tiguan, Audi Q3, Seat Ateca and Škoda Karoq. This Taos has side profile like Seat, interior looks audi-shape/skoda-quality.

We have the CX5. Love it. Yuri is saying Taos correctly. 😉

Once you own a Mazda Cx-5 it’s tough for you to look at other brand in same class. It’s just very classy and simplicity rather than putting 10,000 techs and buttons into one infotainment system.

I'm on my 2nd cx5, first was a touring and now I have a CE turbo. Fantastic cars. Got a cx30 for the wife too. I have never had any positive experiences with VW, so besides besides fact I've owned 7 mazdas now (there's my bias aside) that's the clear winner. Sure VW does some things well, but they never seem to last long without draining your wallet

Hey Yuri do you mind explaining why you prefer "disconnected cars"? How come you don't like to use the app? My 330i is connected with the app I'm wondering if there's some sort of potential security issue.

Do you have a video comparing the 2022 Tiguan vs the cx5?