2025 Subaru Forester vs 2025 Volkswagen Taos
Comparison Overview
The most significant divergence between the 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2025 Volkswagen Taos is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Taos starting at $25,495 compared to the Forester's $29,995, a difference of $4,500. Performance metrics show the Forester delivering marginally more power with 180 horsepower versus the Taos' 174 hp, although the Taos achieves better fuel economy at 31 combined MPG compared to the Forester's 29 combined MPG. Dimensionally, the Forester is substantially longer at 183.3 inches against the Taos' 175.9 inches, which translates into slightly superior cargo volume: 29.6 cubic feet versus 27.9 cubic feet. Both utilize regular unleaded fuel, but the Forester's standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) contrasts with the Taos' standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration, influencing their utility.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Volkswagen Taos wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 combined MPG compared to the Forester's 29 MPG.
2025 Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester offers a larger footprint, with 29.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity and standard AWD capability for variable conditions.
2025 Subaru Forester
The Forester provides a higher peak horsepower rating at 180 hp, aligning better with performance-oriented expectations.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Volkswagen Taos secures the value proposition by offering a substantially lower entry MSRP of $25,495.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- You prioritize standard all-wheel drive for consistent traction in varied weather.
- You require maximum interior utility, benefiting from 29.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer the slightly higher output of 180 horsepower over the Taos' 174 hp.
Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...
- Controlling the initial purchase price is paramount, as it is $4,500 cheaper than the Forester.
- Optimizing fuel consumption is key, given its 36 highway MPG rating.
- You prefer the smooth shifting of an 8-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Forester | Volkswagen Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.3" | 175.9" |
| Width | 72.0" | 72.5" |
| Height | 68.1" | 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm | 174 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 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 | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/33 MPG | 28/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 431.6/547.8 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
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 | 1 | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.3 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.7 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 | 39.6 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.4 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.7 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 | 225/60R H | 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 Forester and 2025 Volkswagen Taos.
What is the primary difference in drivetrain between the 2025 Forester and the 2025 Taos?
The 2025 Subaru Forester includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) across all trims, whereas the 2025 Volkswagen Taos base model comes standard with Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). This impacts their expected capability in low-traction environments.
How much more does the 2025 Subaru Forester cost compared to the Taos?
The Forester carries a starting MSRP of $29,995, making it $4,500 more expensive than the Volkswagen Taos, which begins at $25,495. This significant upfront cost difference is a major consideration.
Which crossover offers better fuel economy?
The Volkswagen Taos is more efficient, boasting a combined MPG of 31 (28 city/36 highway), slightly edging out the Subaru Forester's 29 combined MPG (26 city/33 highway).
Is the Subaru Forester larger than the Volkswagen Taos?
Yes, the Forester is physically larger, measuring 183.3 inches in length compared to the Taos' 175.9 inches. This contributes to the Forester's slightly greater maximum cargo capacity of 29.6 cu ft versus 27.9 cu ft.
How do the engine power specifications compare?
The Forester produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, while the Taos generates 174 horsepower but slightly more torque at 184 lb-ft. The Taos transmission is an 8-speed automatic, while the Forester uses a continuously variable-speed automatic.
Do both vehicles require premium fuel?
No, both the 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2025 Volkswagen Taos are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, minimizing long-term running costs for both models.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool