2025 Volkswagen Taos vs 2026 Subaru Impreza
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Volkswagen Taos and the 2026 Subaru Impreza is the power output, with the Taos delivering 174 hp compared to the Impreza's 152 hp, a 22 hp advantage. The Taos also boasts superior fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined against the Impreza's 29 MPG combined, translating to better efficiency despite its higher output. Conversely, the Impreza features standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), whereas the Taos operates with standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). In terms of utility, the Taos offers substantially more cargo space at 27.9 cu ft versus the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft. However, the Impreza is notably shorter in height by 6.2 inches (64.5 in vs 58.3 in). Pricewise, the Taos starts lower at $25,495 compared to the Impreza's $26,595.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos offers better fuel efficiency with 31 MPG combined compared to the Impreza's 29 MPG combined.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos provides significantly more cargo capacity at 27.9 cu ft, which is crucial for family needs, versus the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
With 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, the Taos offers 22 more horsepower than the Impreza, providing a superior performance baseline.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos has a lower entry MSRP of $25,495 and delivers superior combined MPG, enhancing its long-term operational value.
Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...
- You prioritize maximum cargo volume, as the Taos offers 27.9 cu ft compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft.
- You seek the highest engine output, as the Taos produces 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission over a continuously variable transmission.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- Standard all-wheel drive capability is necessary for traction requirements.
- A lower overall vehicle height (58.3 inches) and a traditional wagon profile are preferred aesthetic features.
- You prioritize the vehicle with the lower listed torque figure (145 lb-ft vs 184 lb-ft) for specific driving feel, or accept the lower power for AWD.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volkswagen Taos | Subaru Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 175.9" | 176.2" |
| Width | 72.5" | 70.1" |
| Height | 64.5" | 58.3" |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Volkswagen | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 174 hp @ 5500 rpm | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm | 145 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 | 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 | 27/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 369.6/475.2 mi. | 448.2/547.8 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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Volkswagen | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 11.6 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 Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Volkswagen | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| One-Touch Power Windows | — | 2 |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
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 | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Volkswagen | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | 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 | 225/40R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
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 Impreza.
How does the drivetrain difference impact everyday driving between the Taos and Impreza?
The 2025 Taos comes standard with FWD and an 8-speed automatic, prioritizing efficiency with 31 MPG combined. The 2026 Impreza includes standard AWD and a CVT, which is generally better suited for low-traction surfaces but results in slightly lower efficiency at 29 MPG combined.
Is the 2025 Taos actually larger than the 2026 Impreza despite similar lengths?
Yes, the Taos, categorized as a Crossover, is significantly taller at 64.5 inches compared to the Impreza Wagon’s 58.3 inches. The Taos also has a 2.4-inch advantage in width (72.5 in vs 70.1 in), leading to 7.5 cubic feet more cargo space (27.9 vs 20.4 cu ft).
Which vehicle offers better performance metrics based purely on engine output?
The 2025 Taos is superior in power, boasting 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, significantly outclassing the Impreza's 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque.
How close are the starting prices for these two models?
The difference is marginal; the 2025 Volkswagen Taos starts at $25,495, which is $1,100 less than the 2026 Subaru Impreza's starting MSRP of $26,595.
Which car uses regular unleaded fuel, and does it affect overall running costs?
Both the Taos and the Impreza specify regular unleaded fuel, meaning owners avoid premium fuel surcharges for both vehicles. The Taos's slightly better 31 MPG combined rating suggests it may have a lower overall fuel consumption cost, however.
If off-road capability or adverse weather traction is the main concern, which car is the better fit?
The 2026 Subaru Impreza is the clear choice for adverse conditions because it includes standard All-Wheel Drive, whereas the Taos is FWD only in its base configuration.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool