2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2025 Volkswagen Taos
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and the 2025 Volkswagen Taos often comes down to prioritizing standard capability versus maximizing space and efficiency. If you live where snow and dirt roads are common, the Crosstrek's standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is a huge plus, even though it manages only 29 MPG combined compared to the Taos's 31 MPG combined. The Taos leaps ahead in practicality, offering significantly more cargo room at 27.9 cubic feet versus the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft. Power delivery is also different: the Taos packs a punch with 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, easily outclassing the Crosstrek's 152 hp. Despite the Crosstrek starting at a slightly higher MSRP of $26,560 versus the Taos's $25,495, buyers must weigh AWD confidence against the Taos's superior highway fuel economy of 36 MPG.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Volkswagen Taos wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 31 MPG and slightly lower starting MSRP of $25,495.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
Families will heavily favor the Taos because it offers significantly more cargo capacity at 27.9 cubic feet compared to the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
Enthusiasts will prefer the Taos for its 22 hp advantage, producing 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos offers better overall utility and efficiency metrics for a lower initial investment than the Crosstrek.
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability for year-round traction, as this comes standard on the Crosstrek.
- You prefer the Crosstrek's slightly smaller exterior footprint, measuring 176.4 inches long versus the Taos's length.
- You value the Crosstrek's 34 MPG highway rating achieved while running AWD.
Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...
- Maximizing storage is crucial, given the Taos provides 27.9 cu ft of cargo volume.
- You want better acceleration, as the Taos boasts 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
- You are looking for the most fuel-efficient option, achieving 31 MPG combined on regular unleaded.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Crosstrek | Volkswagen Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.4" | 175.9" |
| Width | 70.9" | 72.5" |
| Height | 62.8" | 64.5" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 105.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm | 174 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 145 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 | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/34 MPG | 28/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 448.2/564.4 mi. | 369.6/475.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.6 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.9 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.1 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 | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.3 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.2 in. | 45.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/60R17 | 215/55R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | 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./ 20000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and 2025 Volkswagen Taos.
Which crossover is faster off the line, the Crosstrek or the Taos?
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is the quicker vehicle, generating 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This outpaces the Subaru Crosstrek's 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque by a notable margin.
Does the standard AWD on the Crosstrek offset the Taos's better fuel economy?
It depends on your environment; the Taos achieves 31 MPG combined with FWD, while the Crosstrek manages 29 MPG combined with standard AWD. If you frequently drive in poor weather, the guaranteed AWD grip might outweigh the 2 MPG difference.
How much more storage space does the Taos offer compared to the Crosstrek?
The Taos offers significantly more usable space, boasting 27.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Crosstrek is considerably tighter inside, offering only 19.9 cubic feet for luggage or gear.
Is there a big price difference between the two base models?
Yes, the Volkswagen Taos has a slight starting price advantage at $25,495 compared to the Subaru Crosstrek's MSRP of $26,560. This difference amounts to just over $1,000 upfront.
Which car is better for long highway road trips regarding fuel?
The Taos is better for highway cruising efficiency, achieving 36 MPG on the highway versus the Crosstrek's 34 MPG highway rating.
What transmission types are offered in these models?
The Subaru Crosstrek utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission for its power delivery. In contrast, the Volkswagen Taos features a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
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