2025 Volkswagen Taos vs 2026 Honda HR-V

$25,495 · Crossover

$26,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

When you're cross-shopping subcompact SUVs, the biggest question often boils down to efficiency versus responsiveness. The 2025 Volkswagen Taos boasts a respectable combined 31 MPG, slightly edging out the 2026 Honda HR-V's 28 MPG combined, which might save a little at the pump over time. However, the Taos delivers a punchier 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque compared to the HR-V's 158 hp and 138 lb-ft, making freeway merging feel easier in the VW. In terms of space, the Taos is slightly shorter at 175.9 inches, yet it offers better utility with 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space versus the HR-V's 24.4 cu ft. The Taos starts slightly lower at an MSRP of $25,495, presenting a more accessible entry point than the HR-V's $26,200.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Taos

The Taos wins for commuters due to its superior 31 MPG combined fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Taos

With 27.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, the Taos offers more usable space for family gear than the HR-V's 24.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volkswagen Taos

The Taos appeals more to enthusiasts with 174 horsepower, significantly higher than the HR-V's 158 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Taos

The Taos provides better performance and efficiency for a lower starting price of $25,495.

Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...

You prioritize horsepower, as the Taos offers 174 hp versus the HR-V's 158 hp.
You want better highway efficiency, with the Taos achieving 36 MPG highway.
You need maximum hauling ability, given the Taos's larger 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space.

Choose the Honda HR-V if...

You prefer the smoother feel of a traditional automatic, as the HR-V uses a CVT.
You need a slightly longer wheelbase for potential cabin room, as the HR-V is 179.8 inches long.
You are focused on a slightly lower height for garage fitting, as the HR-V is 63.4 inches tall.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Volkswagen Taos	Honda HR-V
Length	175.9"	179.8"
Width	72.5"	72.4"
Height	64.5"	63.4"
Wheelbase	105.9"	104.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Volkswagen	Honda
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	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Volkswagen	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	174 hp @ 5500 rpm	158 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm	138 lb-ft @ 4200 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	Honda
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Volkswagen	Honda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/36 MPG	26/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	369.6/475.2 mi.	364.0/448.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	14.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Volkswagen	Honda
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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Volkswagen	Honda
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	4
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Stereo Power	—	180W
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Volkswagen	Honda
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
One-Touch Power Windows	—	1

Frontseats

Feature	Volkswagen	Honda
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	40.1 in.	41.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	56.6 in.
Front Hip Room	53.9 in.	54.0 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	Honda
Rear Head Room	39.8 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.9 in.	37.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	55.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	45.4 in.	47.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Volkswagen	Honda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/55R H	215/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Volkswagen	Honda
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.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 20000 mi.	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volkswagen Taos and 2026 Honda HR-V.

Which car has better city fuel economy?

The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is slightly better in city driving, rated at 28 MPG compared to the 2026 Honda HR-V's 26 MPG. Both use regular unleaded fuel, but the Taos's 8-speed automatic transmission contributes to a slight efficiency edge.

Is the 2026 Honda HR-V significantly larger than the Taos?

Not significantly, but the HR-V is slightly longer overall at 179.8 inches compared to the Taos's 175.9 inches. However, the Taos wins on utility, offering 27.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the HR-V's 24.4 cu ft.

Which crossover provides more power for passing?

The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is the stronger performer, outputting 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This gives it a notable advantage over the HR-V's 158 hp and 138 lb-ft.

What is the main difference in the transmission type?

The Taos uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which offers distinct gear changes. The HR-V utilizes a Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic (CVT), which provides smoother acceleration but sometimes lacks the traditional shift feel.

How much cheaper is the Taos compared to the HR-V?

The 2025 Volkswagen Taos has a lower starting MSRP of $25,495, making it $705 less expensive than the 2026 Honda HR-V, which starts at $26,200.

Are either of these crossovers available with All-Wheel Drive?

Based on the provided data, both models listed are configured with front-wheel drive (FWD). If AWD is a necessity, you would need to check higher trims not detailed here.