2025 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Volkswagen Taos
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Maverick bursts onto the scene with efficiency, boasting an exceptional combined MPG of 38, significantly outpacing the 2026 Volkswagen Taos’s 31 MPG rating. Excitement for the Maverick centers on its thrifty nature, delivering 42 MPG city for dedicated commuters. Conversely, the Taos tempts buyers with a slightly lower MSRP of $26,500 and superior low-end pulling power, evidenced by 184 lb-ft of torque compared to the Maverick's 155 lb-ft, even though it generates a higher 174 hp. While the Maverick offers robust length at 199.8 inches, the smaller Taos, measuring 175.9 inches long, still manages 27.9 cu ft of cargo capacity. Drivers looking for the longest daily commute savings will favor the Maverick's fuel economy advantage of 7 MPG overall.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Maverick
The 2025 Ford Maverick wins for commuters due to its class-leading 38 combined MPG rating, saving significant fuel costs.
2026 Volkswagen Taos
The 2026 Volkswagen Taos is slightly favored for families by offering a respectable 27.9 cu ft of cargo capacity within a more compact footprint.
2025 Ford Maverick
Enthusiasts will prefer the Maverick for its higher 191 hp output and superior maximum fuel efficiency across nearly all driving cycles.
2026 Volkswagen Taos
The 2026 Volkswagen Taos presents a stronger initial value proposition with its lower MSRP of $26,500 compared to the Maverick's $28,145.
Choose the Ford Maverick if...
- Your primary goal is maximizing fuel economy, as the Maverick achieves 42 MPG in city driving.
- You need a longer vehicle body for aesthetic preference or specific loading needs, as the Maverick is 199.8 inches long.
- You want the higher peak horsepower rating of 191 hp for slightly peppier acceleration.
Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...
- You prioritize saving upfront costs, as the Taos starts at $26,500, undercutting the Maverick by over $1,600.
- You require better low-end acceleration feel, benefiting from the Taos's superior 184 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer a tighter vehicle for urban maneuvering, as the Taos is nearly 24 inches shorter in length than the Maverick.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Maverick | Volkswagen Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.8" | 175.9" |
| Width | 72.6" | 72.5" |
| Height | 68.8" | 64.5" |
| Wheelbase | 121.1" | 105.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 5600 rpm | 174 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 155 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | electrically variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 42/35 MPG | 28/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 38 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 579.6/483.0 mi. | 369.6/475.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.8 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 13.2 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.4 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 |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.9 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.1 in. | 45.4 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R17 | 215/55R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Maverick and 2026 Volkswagen Taos.
How much better is the fuel economy between the 2025 Maverick and the 2026 Taos?
The 2025 Ford Maverick offers a substantial advantage, achieving 38 combined MPG compared to the 2026 Volkswagen Taos's 31 combined MPG. This results in a significant 7 MPG difference favoring the Maverick for long-term running costs.
Which vehicle has better straight-line power, the Maverick or the Taos?
The 2025 Ford Maverick technically boasts higher peak horsepower at 191 hp versus the Taos’s 174 hp. However, the 2026 Taos offers significantly more low-end pull with 184 lb-ft of torque compared to the Maverick's 155 lb-ft.
Is the 2026 Volkswagen Taos smaller than the 2025 Ford Maverick?
Yes, the Taos is notably more compact, measuring 175.9 inches in length, whereas the Maverick stretches out to 199.8 inches. This difference of almost 24 inches makes the Taos slightly easier to park.
How do the starting prices compare for these two crossovers?
The 2026 Volkswagen Taos has a lower entry price point at $26,500, making it the more budget-friendly option initially. The 2025 Ford Maverick starts slightly higher at $28,145 MSRP.
What is the difference in drivetrain and transmission between the two models?
Both vehicles utilize front-wheel drive, but they employ different transmissions; the Maverick uses an electrically variable-speed automatic, while the Taos features a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Does the size difference impact cargo capacity significantly?
Despite being shorter, the 2026 Taos lists a cargo capacity of 27.9 cu ft. Specific cargo dimensions for the 2025 Maverick were not provided, making a direct comparison difficult, though the Maverick's extra length suggests potentially more overall utility.
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