2025 Volkswagen Taos vs 2026 Ford Maverick
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos bursts onto the scene with its compact agility and a potent 174 hp output from its turbocharged engine, delivering a spirited drive in a nimble 175.9-inch frame. Contrast this with the radically practical 2026 Ford Maverick, a vehicle that defies its Crossover classification by bringing a truck bed utility, while boasting a stunning 38 MPG combined economy. The Taos starts at an attractive $25,495, undercutting the Maverick's $28,145 sticker price, but the Maverick counters with a higher 191 hp peak, albeit with lower torque at 155 lb-ft compared to the Taos’s 184 lb-ft. Crucially, the Maverick offers an incredible 7 MPG greater combined fuel efficiency, achieving 38 MPG versus the Taos's 31 MPG, making long treks dramatically cheaper despite the Maverick’s greater length of 199.8 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Maverick
The 2026 Ford Maverick offers substantially better efficiency with 38 MPG combined, significantly reducing daily running costs.
2026 Ford Maverick
The Maverick’s larger dimensions (68.8 inches tall vs. 64.5 inches) and inherent utility provide superior space and flexibility for family hauling.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos offers a higher torque figure of 184 lb-ft paired with a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission, suggesting a more engaging conventional driving feel.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos wins on initial cost, starting at $25,495 compared to the Maverick's $28,145 MSRP.
Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...
- You prioritize a lower entry price point, with the Taos starting at $25,495.
- You prefer the feel of a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT-style unit.
- You value superior low-end grunt, as the Taos offers 184 lb-ft of torque versus the Maverick's 155 lb-ft.
Choose the Ford Maverick if...
- Maximizing fuel savings is critical, thanks to the Maverick's best-in-class 38 MPG combined rating.
- You require greater cargo capacity afforded by the Maverick's utility bed configuration.
- You prefer the stronger peak horsepower figure of 191 hp, even if the torque is lower.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volkswagen Taos | Ford Maverick |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 175.9" | 199.8" |
| Width | 72.5" | 72.6" |
| Height | 64.5" | 68.8" |
| Wheelbase | 105.9" | 121.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Volkswagen | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Volkswagen | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 174 hp @ 5500 rpm | 191 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm | 155 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | Volkswagen | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | electrically variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Volkswagen | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/36 MPG | 42/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 38 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 369.6/475.2 mi. | 579.6/483.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 13.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Volkswagen | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Volkswagen | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 13.2 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Volkswagen | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| One-Touch Power Windows | — | 1 |
Frontseats
| Feature | Volkswagen | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.1 in. | 42.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.9 in. | 55.4 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 | ✓ | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Volkswagen | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.8 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.9 in. | 35.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.4 in. | 54.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Volkswagen | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/55R H | P225/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Volkswagen | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Volkswagen | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volkswagen Taos and 2026 Ford Maverick.
What is the primary difference in fuel economy between the two vehicles?
The 2026 Ford Maverick holds a significant advantage here, delivering a combined 38 MPG. The 2025 Volkswagen Taos achieves 31 MPG combined, meaning the Maverick saves approximately 7 MPG on every drive.
How does the power output compare, and does it matter for city driving?
The Maverick produces more horsepower at 191 hp, suggesting better top-end performance, while the Taos counters with higher torque (184 lb-ft vs. 155 lb-ft). Higher torque in the Taos may make it feel snappier during initial acceleration from city stops.
Which vehicle has a lower starting price for budget-conscious buyers?
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos presents the lower barrier to entry, listed at an MSRP of $25,495. The 2026 Ford Maverick starts higher, priced at $28,145.
Is the Maverick truly a Crossover given its dimensions compared to the Taos?
While both are listed as Crossovers, the Maverick is physically much larger, measuring 199.8 inches long and 68.8 inches tall compared to the Taos's 175.9-inch length and 64.5-inch height, indicating a closer relation to a compact truck format.
Are both vehicles able to use regular unleaded gasoline?
Yes, both the 2025 Volkswagen Taos and the 2026 Ford Maverick are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, simplifying ownership costs.
What are the mechanical transmission differences buyers should note?
The Taos utilizes a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which enthusiasts often prefer for predictable shifts. The Maverick employs an electrically variable-speed automatic transmission, often optimized for maximum efficiency.
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