2025 Volkswagen Taos vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Volkswagen Taos and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek lies in fuel economy, with the FWD Taos achieving 31 MPG combined versus the AWD Crosstrek's 29 MPG combined. The Taos also edges out the Crosstrek in power output, generating 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque compared to the Crosstrek's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft, despite the Crosstrek being priced $1,500 higher at $26,995 vs. $25,495. Furthermore, utility heavily favors the Taos, boasting 27.9 cu ft of cargo capacity against the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft. Dimensionally, the Taos is wider at 72.5 inches versus 70.9 inches. Conversely, the Subaru counters with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability, a significant mechanical difference from the Taos's standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos offers superior fuel economy at 31 MPG combined and has a lower starting MSRP of $25,495, making it cheaper to run and acquire.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos provides substantially more usable space, offering 27.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek includes standard All-Wheel Drive, offering superior traction management in varied driving conditions compared to the Taos's FWD setup.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos presents better utility and efficiency metrics for $1,500 less than the Crosstrek, signaling better intrinsic feature value.
Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...
- Maximum cargo volume is a priority, as the Taos delivers 27.9 cu ft versus 19.9 cu ft.
- The lowest entry price is critical, with the Taos starting at $25,495.
- Priority is placed on maximizing fuel stops efficiency with a 31 MPG combined rating and a higher highway rating of 36 MPG.
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- Year-round, all-weather stability is essential due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- Higher peak horsepower (180 hp) is preferred, although torque delivery differs.
- A slightly taller stance is desired, as the Crosstrek is 62.8 inches high compared to the Taos's 64.5 inches (Note: Ground clearance is not specified, but this relates to physical height differences).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volkswagen Taos | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 175.9" | 176.4" |
| Width | 72.5" | 70.9" |
| Height | 64.5" | 62.8" |
| Wheelbase | 105.9" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Volkswagen | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Volkswagen | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 174 hp @ 5500 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 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 | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Volkswagen | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/36 MPG | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 369.6/475.2 mi. | 431.6/547.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Volkswagen | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Volkswagen | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Volkswagen | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| One-Touch Power Windows | — | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Volkswagen | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.1 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.9 in. | 55.1 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 | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.8 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.9 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.4 in. | 53.2 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Volkswagen | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 215/55R H | P225/60R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Volkswagen | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Volkswagen | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volkswagen Taos and 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.
How does the drivetrain configuration impact base model pricing?
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos starts at $25,495 with Front Wheel Drive (FWD), while the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek starts $1,500 higher at $26,995 for its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system.
Which crossover offers more practical storage space?
The Taos is significantly more accommodating for cargo, offering 27.9 cu ft, which is exactly 8.0 cu ft more than the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft capacity.
What is the performance difference based on the listed horsepower and torque figures?
The Crosstrek produces 180 hp, slightly more than the Taos’s 174 hp, but the Taos counters with higher torque output at 184 lb-ft compared to the Crosstrek’s 178 lb-ft.
How far apart are the combined fuel economy ratings?
The FWD Taos achieves 31 MPG combined, beating the AWD Crosstrek by 2 MPG, as the Crosstrek is rated at 29 MPG combined.
Are there notable differences in exterior dimensions?
Yes; the Taos is wider by 1.6 inches (72.5 in vs 70.9 in) but slightly shorter in overall length (175.9 in vs 176.4 in) and taller in height (64.5 in vs 62.8 in).
Do these models require premium fuel?
Based on the specifications provided, neither vehicle requires premium fuel; both the 2025 Volkswagen Taos and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek are listed to use regular unleaded gasoline.
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