2026 Subaru Impreza vs 2026 Volkswagen Taos
Comparison Overview
Deciding between a practical wagon like the 2026 Subaru Impreza and a slightly more rugged crossover like the 2026 Volkswagen Taos can be tough, especially when their starting prices are nearly identical at $26,595 (Impreza) and $25,500 (Taos). The Taos offers a noticeable power advantage, boasting 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque compared to the Impreza’s 152 hp and 145 lb-ft, suggesting peppier highway merging. However, the Impreza fights back with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and slightly better highway fuel economy at 33 MPG versus the Taos' 36 MPG (when factoring in the Taos is FWD and the Impreza is AWD). While the Taos provides significantly more maximum space with 27.9 cu ft of cargo room over the Impreza’s 20.4 cu ft, the Impreza maintains a lower stance at 58.3 inches tall, which some drivers prefer for daily maneuvering.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Volkswagen Taos
The VW Taos wins for commuters due to its slightly better combined MPG rating of 31 versus the Impreza's 29.
2026 Volkswagen Taos
Families will benefit more from the Taos' superior cargo capacity, offering 27.9 cu ft compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft.
2026 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher output of 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos provides superior power and significantly more cargo space for a nearly identical starting MSRP of $26,500.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- You prioritize standard capability in slick conditions because the Impreza comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
- You prefer a lower vehicle profile, as the Impreza is notably shorter at 58.3 inches high compared to the Taos.
- You want a transmission that uses a traditional automatic feel, as the Impreza uses a CVT while the Taos has an 8-speed automatic.
Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...
- You frequently haul bulky items, given the Taos' advantage of 27.9 cu ft of cargo space.
- You need quicker acceleration from the extra 22 hp difference (174 hp vs. 152 hp).
- You desire slightly better fuel efficiency, as the Taos achieves 36 highway MPG compared to the Impreza's 33 MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Impreza | Volkswagen Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.2" | 175.9" |
| Width | 70.1" | 72.5" |
| Height | 58.3" | 64.5" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 105.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm | 174 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 1750 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 | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/33 MPG | 28/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 448.2/547.8 mi. | 369.6/475.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.6 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.6 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.9 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.1 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.3 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.2 in. | 45.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/40R18 | 215/55R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 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 2026 Subaru Impreza and 2026 Volkswagen Taos.
Is the power difference between the two cars noticeable for daily driving?
Yes, the 2026 VW Taos produces 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, meaning it is noticeably stronger than the 2026 Impreza’s 152 hp and 145 lb-ft, which should make passing maneuvers feel easier.
Which vehicle is better if I encounter snow often?
The Subaru Impreza is generally better equipped for snow as it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the base Volkswagen Taos uses Front Wheel Drive.
How much more space does the Taos offer compared to the Impreza wagon?
The Taos crossover offers significantly more room, providing 27.9 cu ft of cargo capacity behind the seats. The Impreza wagon provides 20.4 cu ft in comparison.
Are the fuel economy ratings similar despite the drive type difference?
The FWD Taos slightly edges out the AWD Impreza on the highway, netting 36 MPG versus the Impreza's 33 MPG, though both use regular unleaded fuel.
Which car is physically wider and taller?
The Taos is wider at 72.5 inches compared to the Impreza’s 70.1 inches, and it sits much taller at 64.5 inches compared to the Impreza’s 58.3 inches, giving it more ground clearance.
Since the MSRPs are nearly the same, which offers better base features?
While their MSRPs are close (around $26,595), the Taos offers higher performance specs (174 hp) and better cargo space, making it look like a stronger value proposition straight out of the gate.
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