Volkswagen Tayron vs Mazda CX-90
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Volkswagen Tayron starts from $48,290 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-90 opens at $74,385. That makes the Volkswagen Tayron the more affordable entry point by $26,095.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $53,119 and $81,824 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Volkswagen Tayron and Mazda CX-90 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Volkswagen Tayron and 91% for the Mazda CX-90.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Volkswagen Tayron and 6 in the Mazda CX-90. The Volkswagen Tayron adds a 360-degree camera that the Mazda CX-90 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen Tayron features a 12.9-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda CX-90 gets a 10.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Tayron uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds.
The Mazda CX-90 responds with a Petrol making 254kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds.
The Mazda CX-90 has the clear power advantage at 254kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen Tayron measures 4,792mm long on a 2,791mm wheelbase, 328mm shorter than the Mazda CX-90 at 5,120mm (3,120mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-90 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 570L in the Volkswagen Tayron and 257L in the Mazda CX-90, giving the Volkswagen Tayron a 313L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda CX-90 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.2m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,166/year for the Volkswagen Tayron and $2,337/year for the Mazda CX-90. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Tayron.
Estimated annual total: $2,166 (Volkswagen Tayron) vs $2,337 (Mazda CX-90). The Volkswagen Tayron saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Tayron) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-90). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Tayron if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-90 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Tayron takes 3 of 4 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Volkswagen Tayron will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Tayron has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volkswagen Tayron and Mazda CX-90?
The Volkswagen Tayron is the cheapest at $48,290 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-90 by $26,095.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Tayron uses the least fuel at 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Volkswagen Tayron and Mazda CX-90 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Tayron has the largest boot at 570L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Tayron has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-90 makes the most power at 254kW.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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