2025 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Volkswagen Taos
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2026 Volkswagen Taos often comes down to prioritizing rugged capability over upfront savings. A key dilemma for shoppers is whether the standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) security of the Forester, starting at an MSRP of $29,995, outweighs the Taos's lower entry point of $26,500. While the Taos edges out efficiency with 31 combined MPG, the Forester offers more usable space, boasting 29.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Taos's 27.9 cubic feet. Performance is comparable, though the Forester ekes out slightly more power with 180 hp versus the Taos's 174 hp. If you frequently encounter inclement weather, the standard AWD on the Forester makes it a safer bet, despite its slightly larger 183.3-inch length.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Volkswagen Taos
The 2026 VW Taos wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 combined MPG versus the Forester's 29.
2025 Subaru Forester
The 2025 Subaru Forester is better for families as it is significantly taller at 68.1 inches and offers more cargo room at 29.6 cubic feet.
2025 Subaru Forester
The Forester offers a slight performance edge with 180 horsepower and standard symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for better handling confidence.
2026 Volkswagen Taos
The VW Taos provides better initial value with an MSRP that is $3,495 lower than the Forester.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- You need confidence in snowy or slippery conditions because the Forester includes standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You plan on hauling bulky items, as the Forester has a larger 29.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You prefer slightly more power, as the Forester produces 180 hp compared to the Taos's 174 hp.
Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...
- Keeping the purchase price low is essential, given the Taos starts at just $26,500.
- Maximizing fuel efficiency for highway driving is critical, highlighted by its 36 highway MPG rating.
- You prefer the control offered by a traditional 8-speed shiftable 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 2026 Volkswagen Taos.
How much more efficient is the 2026 VW Taos compared to the 2025 Subaru Forester?
The Taos has a clear edge in fuel economy, achieving 31 combined MPG (28 city/36 highway). In comparison, the Forester offers 29 combined MPG (26 city/33 highway).
Is the price difference between the two crossovers significant for budget shoppers?
Yes, there is a noticeable $3,495 difference in starting MSRP, with the 2026 Taos priced at $26,500 versus the Forester's $29,995.
Which vehicle offers better capability for rough roads or snow?
The 2025 Subaru Forester includes standard All-Wheel Drive, which is generally preferred over the Taos's standard Front-Wheel Drive configuration for adverse weather.
Does the smaller size of the Taos affect cargo hauling?
Slightly, the Forester offers 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, marginally beating the Taos, which provides 27.9 cubic feet.
How do their respective horsepower and torque figures compare?
The Forester has 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, while the Taos has 174 hp but slightly more low-end pull with 184 lb-ft of torque.
Which crossover is physically larger?
The 2025 Subaru Forester is larger overall, measuring 183.3 inches in length and significantly taller at 68.1 inches, compared to the Taos's 175.9-inch length and 64.5-inch height.
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