2025 Buick Envista vs 2026 Volkswagen Taos
Comparison Overview
The big question facing budget crossover shoppers is whether to prioritize the slightly lower entry price or slightly more punchy performance. The 2025 Buick Envista starts sharply at an MSRP of $23,800, undercutting the 2026 Volkswagen Taos, which begins at $26,500. However, the Taos brings significantly more grunt to the table, boasting 174 hp compared to the Envista’s 137 hp. Fuel economy is extremely close, with the Taos achieving 31 MPG combined versus the Envista’s 30 MPG combined. Size-wise, the Taos is noticeably taller at 64.5 inches versus 61.2 inches, translating to a huge advantage in utility, as the Taos offers 27.9 cu ft of cargo space, substantially more than the Envista’s 20.7 cu ft. Ultimately, choosing between these two means balancing the Envista's $2,700 initial savings against the Taos's superior horsepower and cargo capacity.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos wins for commuters due to its slightly better combined MPG of 31 and an extra gear in its 8-speed automatic transmission for potentially smoother highway cruising.
2026 Volkswagen Taos
The 2026 Volkswagen Taos is the clear winner for families because it offers nearly 7.2 cubic feet more cargo space at 27.9 cu ft compared to the Envista’s 20.7 cu ft.
2026 Volkswagen Taos
Enthusiasts will prefer the Taos as it provides a substantial 37 horsepower advantage and 184 lb-ft of torque over the Envista’s corresponding figures.
2025 Buick Envista
The 2025 Buick Envista secures the value win by having a starting MSRP that is $2,700 less expensive than the Taos, making it cheaper upfront.
Choose the Buick Envista if...
- You need the absolute lowest entry price, as the Envista starts at $23,800.
- You prefer the slightly longer footprint (182.6 inches) for overall length, despite less height.
- You don't mind utilizing flex-fuel (E85) capability for potential fuel cost savings.
Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...
- You prioritize highway cruising efficiency, as the Taos achieves 36 MPG highway versus the Envista's 32 MPG.
- You require maximum utility, benefiting from the Taos's superior 27.9 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You want noticeably quicker acceleration powered by 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Envista | Volkswagen Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6" | 175.9" |
| Width | 71.5" | 72.5" |
| Height | 61.2" | 64.5" |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 105.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Buick | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 174 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Buick | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/32 MPG | 28/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 369.6/422.4 mi. | 369.6/475.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Buick | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Buick | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.9 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.3 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Buick | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.8 in. | 45.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/60R17 | 215/55R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Buick | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Buick | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Envista and 2026 Volkswagen Taos.
Is the 2026 VW Taos significantly larger than the 2025 Buick Envista?
Yes, the Taos is taller, measuring 64.5 inches high compared to the Envista's 61.2 inches, and this vertical advantage translates into substantially more cargo room, offering 27.9 cu ft versus 20.7 cu ft in the Buick.
How much of a difference will the horsepower gap make in daily driving?
The 37 hp difference means the Taos's 174 hp engine will feel much stronger merging onto highways or passing slower traffic compared to the Envista’s 137 hp.
Which car saves me more money in the long run?
While the Envista is cheaper upfront by $2,700, the Taos has slightly better efficiency (31 combined MPG vs 30) and slightly better highway efficiency (36 MPG vs 32), which may lead to minor long-term fuel savings.
Does one car offer a better transmission setup?
The 2026 Taos comes standard with an 8-speed shiftable automatic, which generally offers smoother operation and potentially better highway fuel economy than the Envista's 6-speed shiftable automatic.
What is the main fuel difference between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Buick Envista is a flex-fuel vehicle, meaning it can run on E85 or standard unleaded gas, whereas the 2026 Volkswagen Taos specifically requires regular unleaded fuel.
If I frequently carry passengers, will either car feel cramped?
Given that both are compact crossovers, headroom might be comparable, but the Taos is the better choice for cargo volume needed for family trips or gear due to its 27.9 cu ft capacity.
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