2025 Volkswagen Taos vs 2026 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
Trying to decide between the agile, budget-friendly 2025 Volkswagen Taos and the robust, slightly pricier 2026 Subaru Forester often comes down to prioritizing immediate savings versus long-term capability. The Taos lands at an MSRP of $25,495, significantly undercutting the Forester's $29,995 sticker price—a $4,500 difference. However, the Forester offers standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and boasts a slightly higher output of 180 hp compared to the Taos's 174 hp. Fuel economy slightly favors the smaller VW crossover, achieving 31 MPG combined versus the Forester's 29 MPG combined. While the Forester offers a bit more room overall with 29.6 cu ft of cargo space (compared to the Taos's 27.9 cu ft), the Taos compensates with better efficiency for daily city driving (28 MPG city). This comparison pits the Taos’s exceptional entry price and efficiency against the Forester’s standard traction and slightly larger physical footprint.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The 2025 Taos wins for commuters due to its superior 31 MPG combined fuel economy and lower initial cost of $25,495.
2026 Subaru Forester
The 2026 Forester is better suited for families needing extra security and space, boasting standard AWD and a larger 29.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
2026 Subaru Forester
Enthusiasts might prefer the Forester's standard AWD and slightly higher 180 hp output, despite both having comparable torque figures.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos offers better outright financial value by saving buyers $4,500 upfront while still delivering a solid 174 hp.
Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...
- You need the lowest possible entry price, as the Taos starts at $25,495.
- Fuel efficiency is a top priority, given its 31 MPG combined rating.
- You plan on staying strictly in FWD conditions, as its 8-speed automatic transmission pairs with FWD only.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- You live where AWD is necessary, as the Forester includes it standard.
- You need slightly more utility, evidenced by its 29.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You want the taller vehicle for better road visibility, as the Forester stands 68.1 inches tall.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volkswagen Taos | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 175.9" | 183.3" |
| Width | 72.5" | 72.0" |
| Height | 64.5" | 68.1" |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| 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 |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
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 | — | 1 |
Frontseats
| Feature | Volkswagen | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.1 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.9 in. | 54.7 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. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.9 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.4 in. | 53.7 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 | 225/60R H |
| 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 Forester.
How much more does the 2026 Subaru Forester cost than the 2025 VW Taos?
The Subaru Forester has an MSRP of $29,995, making it $4,500 more expensive than the Volkswagen Taos, which starts at $25,495.
Which crossover is more fuel-efficient for highway trips?
The 2025 Taos is slightly more efficient on the highway, achieving 36 MPG highway compared to the 2026 Forester's 33 MPG highway rating.
Does one of these vehicles offer better traction capabilities standard?
Yes, the 2026 Subaru Forester comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), whereas the 2025 Volkswagen Taos is listed with Front Wheel Drive (FWD).
How does the power compare between these two small crossovers?
The Forester offers 180 hp from its engine, slightly edging out the Taos's 174 hp; however, the Taos provides more torque at 184 lb-ft versus the Forester's 178 lb-ft.
Is the cargo space significantly different between the Taos and the Forester?
There is a modest difference, with the Forester providing 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Taos offers 27.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
Which vehicle is physically larger?
The 2026 Forester is the physically larger vehicle; it is 183.3 inches long and 68.1 inches tall, making it both longer and taller than the 175.9-inch long Taos.
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