2025 Volkswagen Taos vs 2026 Buick Encore GX

$25,495 · Crossover

$25,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Volkswagen Taos and the 2026 Buick Encore GX lies in engine output, where the Taos delivers a substantial 37 more horsepower (174 hp vs. 137 hp) and 22 lb-ft more torque (184 lb-ft vs. 162 lb-ft). This power advantage suggests superior acceleration for the Taos. Fuel efficiency is closely matched, with the Taos achieving 31 MPG combined compared to the Encore GX's 30 MPG combined, though the Taos favors highway driving (36 MPG) over the Encore GX’s more balanced 30/31 MPG split. The Taos also offers greater utility, boasting 27.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the Encore GX’s 23.5 cu ft. Priced nearly identically at $25,495 (Taos) and $25,900 (Encore GX), the Taos provides more horsepower and cargo volume for a slightly lower entry price.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Taos

The Taos’ superior 36 MPG highway rating makes it marginally more economical for extended highway commuting than the Encore GX’s 31 MPG highway figure.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Taos

The Taos provides 4.4 cubic feet more cargo capacity (27.9 cu ft vs. 23.5 cu ft), offering better utility for family needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volkswagen Taos

With 174 horsepower, the Taos offers significantly more power than the Encore GX's 137 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Taos

The Taos has a lower MSRP ($25,495 vs. $25,900) while delivering superior power and more cargo volume.

Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...

You prioritize performance, as the Taos offers 174 hp compared to 137 hp in the Encore GX.
You need maximum storage capacity, with the Taos offering 27.9 cu ft versus 23.5 cu ft.
You seek better highway fuel economy, achieving 36 MPG on the highway with the Taos using regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Buick Encore GX if...

You frequently use E85 fuel, as the Encore GX supports flex-fuel capability.
You prefer a vehicle with a slightly more compact footprint (171.2 inches long vs. 175.9 inches).
You prefer the fuel economy consistency of a CVT, whereas the Taos uses a conventional 8-speed automatic.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Volkswagen Taos	Buick Encore GX
Length	175.9"	171.2"
Width	72.5"	71.4"
Height	64.5"	64.1"
Wheelbase	105.9"	102.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Volkswagen	Buick
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
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 Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Volkswagen	Buick
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	1.2 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 3
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	174 hp @ 5500 rpm	137 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	12
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Volkswagen	Buick
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Volkswagen	Buick
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/36 MPG	30/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	369.6/475.2 mi.	396.0/409.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Volkswagen	Buick
Push Button Start	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Volkswagen	Buick
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	11.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Volkswagen	Buick
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
One-Touch Power Windows	—	4
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Volkswagen	Buick
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	40.1 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	55.4 in.
Front Hip Room	53.9 in.	51.9 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Volkswagen	Buick
Rear Head Room	39.8 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.9 in.	36.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	45.4 in.	50.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Volkswagen	Buick
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/55R H	225/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—

Suspension

Feature	Volkswagen	Buick
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Volkswagen	Buick
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ 100000 mi.	6 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 20000 mi.	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volkswagen Taos and 2026 Buick Encore GX.

What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Taos and the 2026 Encore GX?

The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is significantly more powerful, delivering 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Buick Encore GX produces only 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 37 hp deficit for the Buick.

How do the cargo capacities compare for these two compact crossovers?

The 2025 Volkswagen Taos provides superior overall hauling capability with 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The 2026 Buick Encore GX offers 23.5 cubic feet, which is 4.4 cubic feet less than the Taos.

Which vehicle is generally better for daily long-distance highway driving based on MPG figures?

The Volkswagen Taos holds a slight edge for highway efficiency, rated at 36 MPG highway compared to the Encore GX's 31 MPG highway. However, the Encore GX achieves slightly better city efficiency (30 MPG city vs. 28 MPG city for the Taos).

Is there a significant difference in the starting price between the two models?

The starting prices are very close, with the 2025 Taos priced at $25,495 and the 2026 Encore GX at $25,900. Despite being slightly cheaper, the Taos offers greater standard performance metrics.

What are the differences in fuel requirements and transmission types?

The Taos exclusively uses regular unleaded fuel with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Conversely, the Encore GX is a flex-fuel capable vehicle and utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).

How do the exterior dimensions stack up?

The Taos is longer, measuring 175.9 inches in length compared to the Encore GX's 171.2 inches, making the Taos slightly larger overall in its footprint.