2025 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2026 Volkswagen Taos
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2026 Volkswagen Taos often boils down to size versus savings. If you need maximum space in a compact footprint, the Outlander's larger body (185.8 inches long) and slightly higher power output (181 hp) might draw you in. However, the Taos presents a compelling argument for efficiency and budget, starting at a notably lower MSRP of $26,500 compared to the Outlander's $29,995. This $3,495 initial saving is amplified by the Taos’s superior fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined versus the Outlander’s 27 MPG combined. While the Outlander offers more overall volume, the Taos packs nearly double the cargo space behind the second row, boasting 27.9 cu ft versus the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft, which is a critical metric for many buyers prioritizing utility despite the smaller exterior dimensions.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Volkswagen Taos
The 2026 Volkswagen Taos wins for commuters due to its 4 MPG advantage in combined efficiency (31 MPG vs. 27 MPG).
2026 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos offers significantly more usable storage with 27.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander's tight 10.9 cu ft.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander provides a small performance edge with 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque versus the Taos's 174 hp and 184 lb-ft.
2026 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos delivers better overall value by saving buyers $3,495 upfront and providing substantially better long-term running costs through higher MPG.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...
- You prioritize slightly more power with 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque.
- You require the slightly larger physical footprint provided by its 185.8-inch length.
- You need the security of the higher-rated 2025 model year vehicle.
Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...
- Saving money is key, given the $3,495 lower starting MSRP of $26,500.
- Your primary concern is maximizing cargo utility, as 27.9 cu ft drastically beats the Outlander’s 10.9 cu ft.
- You want to minimize fuel stops by taking advantage of its 36 MPG highway rating.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander | Volkswagen Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 175.9" |
| Width | 74.7" | 72.5" |
| Height | 68.7" | 64.5" |
| Wheelbase | 106.5" | 105.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm | 174 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 3600 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 | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/31 MPG | 28/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 348.0/449.5 mi. | 369.6/475.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.9 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 45.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/60R18 | 215/55R H |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander and 2026 Volkswagen Taos.
How does the fuel economy difference between the two crossovers impact ownership costs?
The 2026 Taos holds a substantial advantage, offering 31 MPG combined versus the Outlander's 27 MPG combined. Over the course of a year, that 4 MPG difference will translate into measurable annual savings at the pump, particularly if you drive frequently.
Despite being physically smaller, why does the Taos have more cargo space?
The Taos's design cleverly allocates interior volume, resulting in 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which is nearly 17 cu ft more than the 10.9 cu ft offered by the Outlander. This suggests the Taos utilizes its smaller 175.9-inch length more efficiently for hauling gear.
Which vehicle is better for highway cruising based on their transmissions?
The 2026 Taos, equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic, generally offers smoother highway efficiency compared to the 2025 Outlander's continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT). This could contribute to the Taos's better 36 MPG highway rating.
If I need to pull a small trailer, which vehicle offers better torque?
The 2026 Volkswagen Taos edges out the Outlander in pulling power with 184 lb-ft of torque compared to the Outlander’s 181 lb-ft. While both are modest, the Taos has a slight advantage in low-end grunt.
How significant is the initial purchase price difference?
The 2025 Outlander starts at $29,995, meaning the 2026 Taos offers an immediate savings of $3,495 upon purchase at its $26,500 base MSRP.
Are there major differences in power output between the two cars?
Yes, the Outlander has slightly more horsepower at 181 hp compared to the Taos’s 174 hp. However, both vehicles run on regular unleaded fuel and are naturally aspirated.
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