2025 Subaru Outback vs 2025 Volkswagen Taos
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the rugged reliability of the 2025 Subaru Outback and the budget-friendliness of the 2025 Volkswagen Taos presents a common crossover dilemma: size and standard capability versus lower cost and better efficiency. The Outback demands a higher initial investment, starting at $29,995 compared to the Taos's $25,495, a difference of $4,500. However, the Subaru offers standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a larger footprint (191.1 inches long), lending itself to rougher terrain. Conversely, the Taos excels in pure fuel economy, boasting a combined 31 MPG versus the Outback's 28 MPG, and it achieves a notably higher highway rating of 36 MPG compared to the Outback's 32 MPG. While the Outback brings 182 hp to the fight, the Taos counters with slightly more low-end grunt at 184 lb-ft of torque, despite having only 174 hp.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Volkswagen Taos wins for commuters due to its superior combined 31 MPG fuel economy and lower entry price of $25,495.
2025 Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is better suited for families needing more space, offering 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity against the Taos's 27.9 cu ft.
2025 Subaru Outback
Enthusiasts preferring predictable handling in varied conditions will favor the Outback's standard All-Wheel Drive system.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Volkswagen Taos offers better immediate value by saving the buyer $4,500 upfront.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- You prioritize standard all-wheel drive capability for snow or unpaved roads.
- You need maximum hauling room, as the Outback offers 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
- You prefer the slightly higher base horsepower rating of 182 hp from the Subaru engine.
Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...
- Keeping the initial purchase price low is critical, given the $4,500 MSRP difference.
- Maximizing highway driving range is important, thanks to the Taos's 36 MPG highway rating.
- You value the slightly higher torque figure of 184 lb-ft provided by the Taos.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Outback | Volkswagen Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.1" | 175.9" |
| Width | 73.0" | 72.5" |
| Height | 66.1" | 64.5" |
| Wheelbase | 108.1" | 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 | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 174 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft @ 4400 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) | 26/32 MPG | 28/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 481.0/592.0 mi. | 369.6/475.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 40.1 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.5 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 |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.4 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 45.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 225/65R 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 Outback and 2025 Volkswagen Taos.
How much more does the 2025 Subaru Outback cost than the 2025 Volkswagen Taos?
The Subaru Outback has a significantly higher starting MSRP at $29,995, which is $4,500 more than the Volkswagen Taos, which begins at $25,495.
Which crossover is better on gas for long road trips?
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is the more efficient choice for highway travel, achieving an EPA-estimated 36 MPG on the highway compared to the Outback's 32 MPG.
Is the standard drivetrain different between these two vehicles?
Yes, the Outback comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the base model Taos uses Front-Wheel Drive.
How does the cargo capacity compare between the two crossovers?
The larger 2025 Subaru Outback offers 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which is notably more than the Taos's 27.9 cubic feet.
Which vehicle provides more engine pulling power (torque)?
Surprisingly, the smaller Volkswagen Taos delivers slightly more torque at 184 lb-ft, even though the Subaru Outback has a slight edge in horsepower (182 hp vs. 174 hp).
Are both vehicles designed to run on standard fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2025 Volkswagen Taos are specified to use regular unleaded gasoline.
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