2025 Nissan Rogue vs 2026 Volkswagen Taos
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical variance lies in power output, with the 2025 Nissan Rogue delivering 201 horsepower against the 2026 Volkswagen Taos's 174 horsepower, a substantial 27 hp advantage for the Rogue. In terms of efficiency, the Rogue edges out the competition by achieving a combined 33 MPG, slightly superior to the Taos's 31 MPG combined rating. Pricewise, the Taos starts significantly lower at an MSRP of $26,500 compared to the Rogue's $28,590, creating a clear value proposition. Dimensionally, the Rogue is larger, measuring 183.0 inches in length versus the Taos’s 175.9 inches, which translates to better utility: 31.6 cubic feet of cargo space in the Rogue versus 27.9 cu ft in the Taos. While both utilize front-wheel drive configurations, the Rogue offers superior torque at 225 lb-ft compared to the Taos's 184 lb-ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue offers superior fuel economy at 33 MPG combined versus the Taos's 31 MPG, slightly reducing long-term operating costs.
2025 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue provides 3.7 cubic feet more maximum cargo capacity (31.6 cu ft vs. 27.9 cu ft), accommodating more family gear.
2025 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue outperforms the Taos significantly in power metrics, generating 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque compared to the Taos's 174 hp and 184 lb-ft.
2026 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos wins on initial investment, starting at an MSRP of $26,500, which is $2,090 less than the Rogue’s starting price.
Choose the Nissan Rogue if...
- You prioritize immediate power, as the Rogue produces 201 horsepower.
- Maximum hauling capability is essential, given the Rogue’s 31.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- Slightly better highway efficiency is desired, evidenced by the Rogue's 37 MPG highway rating.
Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...
- Keeping the initial purchase price below $27,000 is a primary goal, with an MSRP of $26,500.
- You prefer a traditional geared automatic, as the Taos uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic over the Rogue’s CVT.
- A smaller footprint is preferred, as the Taos is 7.1 inches shorter in length than the Rogue.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Rogue | Volkswagen Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.0" | 175.9" |
| Width | 72.4" | 72.5" |
| Height | 66.5" | 64.5" |
| Wheelbase | 106.5" | 105.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 201 hp @ 5600 rpm | 174 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 225 lb-ft @ 2800 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 | Nissan | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/37 MPG | 28/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 33 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 435.0/536.5 mi. | 369.6/475.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.1 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 | Nissan | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.2 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.5 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 45.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/65R17 | 215/55R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | 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 | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Rogue and 2026 Volkswagen Taos.
What is the primary difference in powertrain performance between the 2025 Rogue and the 2026 Taos?
The 2025 Nissan Rogue holds a substantial 27 horsepower advantage, delivering 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the 2026 Volkswagen Taos produces 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, making the Rogue the significantly more potent option.
Which crossover offers better space for luggage and equipment?
The 2025 Nissan Rogue is the clear winner for cargo volume, offering 31.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. The 2026 Volkswagen Taos offers 27.9 cubic feet, making the Rogue superior for larger hauling needs.
How do the starting MSRPs compare for these two models?
The 2026 Volkswagen Taos undercuts the Rogue on price, starting at $26,500, while the 2025 Nissan Rogue begins at $28,590. This creates a price gap of $2,090 favoring the Taos.
Are there differences in transmission technology between the two vehicles?
Yes, the vehicles use different automatic transmissions. The Rogue utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), whereas the Taos is equipped with a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
What are the combined fuel economy ratings for the front-wheel-drive versions?
The 2025 Nissan Rogue achieves a combined 33 MPG (30 city/37 highway). The 2026 Volkswagen Taos trails slightly, posting a combined 31 MPG (28 city/36 highway).
Which vehicle is physically larger for parking ease?
The Nissan Rogue is dimensionally larger, measuring 183.0 inches long and 66.5 inches high. The Taos is notably shorter at 175.9 inches in length and 64.5 inches in height, potentially making it easier to maneuver in tight spots.
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