2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2025 Volkswagen Taos
Comparison Overview
Trying to decide between the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2025 Volkswagen Taos often boils down to prioritizing space versus budget and fuel savings. The most immediate difference is the starting price; the Taos is a clear winner here at $25,495 compared to the Equinox's $28,600, saving buyers over three thousand dollars upfront. However, the Equinox is significantly larger, measuring 183.2 inches long versus the Taos's 175.9 inches, which translates to slightly better utility. While horsepower is nearly identical (175 hp for the Equinox vs. 174 hp for the Taos), the efficiency gap is substantial. The Taos achieves an excellent 31 MPG combined, significantly better than the Equinox's 27 MPG combined, meaning fewer trips to the pump over the long run, even though both use regular unleaded fuel.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 31 MPG versus the Equinox's 27 MPG.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox offers slightly more physical room, being 183.2 inches long with 29.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Taos.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
Enthusiasts might prefer the Taos's 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over the Equinox's continuously variable-speed automatic.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos provides better overall value by offering a $3,105 lower MSRP and superior fuel efficiency.
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...
- You need more outright passenger and cargo space (29.8 cu ft vs. 27.9 cu ft).
- You prefer the traditional feel of a CVT alternative, even though the Equinox uses one.
- You prefer the slightly more powerful offering, as the Equinox has 175 hp versus the Taos's 174 hp.
Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...
- Saving money upfront is crucial, as the Taos starts $3,105 cheaper.
- Maximizing fuel economy is a priority, thanks to the Taos's 31 MPG combined rating.
- You prefer a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Equinox | Volkswagen Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.2" | 175.9" |
| Width | 74.9" | 72.5" |
| Height | 65.6" | 64.5" |
| Wheelbase | 107.5" | 105.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm | 174 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/28 MPG | 28/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 384.8/414.4 mi. | 369.6/475.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | 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 | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.3 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 | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.2 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Seat Material: 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 |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.2 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.9 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.8 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.7 in. | 45.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | 215/55R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Chevrolet | 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 Chevrolet Equinox and 2025 Volkswagen Taos.
How much more fuel efficient is the 2025 VW Taos than the 2025 Chevy Equinox?
The Taos holds a noticeable advantage, achieving 31 MPG combined, whereas the Equinox is rated at 27 MPG combined. This 4 MPG difference means the Taos will save you significantly on gas over the course of a year.
Which vehicle is bigger for hauling cargo?
The Chevrolet Equinox is the larger option for cargo, offering 29.8 cubic feet of capacity. The Volkswagen Taos provides 27.9 cubic feet, meaning the Equinox wins in pure usable space.
Is the 2025 Equinox much more powerful than the Taos?
Not really; the power figures are nearly identical, with the Equinox putting out 175 hp and the Taos at 174 hp. Both also share the same 184 lb-ft of torque.
What is the major price difference between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox has an MSRP of $28,600, making it $3,105 more expensive than the Volkswagen Taos, which starts at $25,495.
Do these cars use different types of automatic transmissions?
Yes, they do; the Equinox utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, while the Taos uses a more conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Are there significant differences in size that impact city driving?
The Taos is smaller in every dimension, being shorter in length (175.9 inches vs. 183.2 inches) and narrower, which might make maneuvering and parking in tight city spots slightly easier.
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