2025 Subaru Impreza vs 2025 Volkswagen Taos

$24,360 · Wagon

$25,495 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant measurable difference is the power output, where the 2025 Volkswagen Taos delivers 174 horsepower compared to the 2025 Subaru Impreza's 152 horsepower, a 22 hp advantage. This translates to the Taos offering higher torque at 184 lb-ft versus the Impreza's 145 lb-ft. However, the Impreza maintains a slight edge in efficiency with 30 combined MPG against the Taos' 31 combined MPG, though the Taos achieves slightly better highway mileage at 36 MPG versus 34 MPG for the Impreza. In terms of utility, the Taos boasts substantially more cargo volume at 27.9 cubic feet compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet. Pricewise, the Impreza is more accessible at an MSRP of $24,360, undercutting the Taos' $25,495. Furthermore, the Impreza is standard All-Wheel Drive, while the base Taos utilizes Front-Wheel Drive, influencing all-weather capability.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza is the superior commuter choice due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system and slightly lower entry MSRP of $24,360.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Taos

The Volkswagen Taos is better suited for families, offering significantly more cargo capacity at 27.9 cubic feet compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volkswagen Taos

Enthusiasts will favor the Taos due to its superior power figures, producing 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Impreza

The Impreza presents better entry value at $24,360 and includes AWD standard, which is often an expensive option on competitors.

Choose the Subaru Impreza if...

You prioritize standard All-Wheel Drive performance for varied road conditions.
Your budget requires a lower starting MSRP, at $24,360.
You prefer the driving dynamics and packaging of a traditional wagon body style (176.2 inches long).

Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...

Maximum utility is essential, given its 27.9 cu ft of cargo space.
You desire greater acceleration provided by 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
A slightly taller ride height is preferred, evidenced by the Taos' 64.5 inches height versus the Impreza's 58.3 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Impreza	Volkswagen Taos
Length	176.2"	175.9"
Width	70.1"	72.5"
Height	58.3"	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	2.0 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	—

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)	30 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	✓	✓
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	2	—
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 Material	Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	205/55R16	215/55R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent

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 Impreza and 2025 Volkswagen Taos.

How do the drivetrains compare between the 2025 Impreza and Taos?

The Subaru Impreza comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, utilizing a Continuously Variable Transmission. Conversely, the base Volkswagen Taos uses Front-Wheel Drive paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for daily driving?

The Volkswagen Taos marginally leads in overall fuel economy with a combined rating of 31 MPG (28 city/36 highway). The Subaru Impreza is very close at 30 combined MPG (27 city/34 highway).

Is the extra cost of the Taos justified by increased performance metrics?

The Taos costs $1,135 more than the Impreza but returns 22 more horsepower (174 hp vs 152 hp) and 39 more lb-ft of torque (184 lb-ft vs 145 lb-ft), providing measurable performance gains.

Which vehicle has the advantage in physical dimensions and interior space?

The Taos is notably taller at 64.5 inches compared to the Impreza's 58.3 inches, contributing to its superior cargo capacity of 27.9 cu ft versus the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft.