Volkswagen Taos vs. Subaru Crosstrek
The Volkswagen Taos and Subaru Crosstrek offer different approaches to the compact SUV segment. The Taos emphasizes responsive turbocharged performance, spacious passenger and cargo areas, and strong highway fuel economy, while the Crosstrek stands out with standard all-wheel drive, generous ground clearance, and off-road capability. Comparing performance, fuel economy, space, technology, safety, and pricing can help you determine which SUV better matches your driving needs.
At Volkswagen of Palatine, we are here to help drivers find the right vehicle and support you throughout your ownership experience. From sales and financing to service, parts, and more, our team is ready to assist drivers throughout the area. Contact us today to learn more about the Volkswagen Taos and explore your available options.
Which SUV Offers More for Everyday Driving?
The Volkswagen Taos vs. Subaru Crosstrek comparison depends on how you plan to use your SUV. The Taos focuses on responsive performance, interior versatility, and efficient highway driving, while the Crosstrek emphasizes standard all-wheel drive, ground clearance, and all-weather capability.
How Do Their Strengths Differ?
For daily commutes around Palatine, Arlington Heights, and Schaumburg, the Taos offers a practical balance of comfort and performance. Its 1.5L turbocharged engine produces 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, providing responsive acceleration for merging and city driving. The Crosstrek takes a more rugged approach with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Meanwhile, drivers who need more room than either compact SUV provides can consider the Volkswagen Atlas, which adds three-row seating and greater cargo flexibility. When comparing the two, consider these priorities:
- Taos: Turbocharged performance, spacious interior, versatile cargo space, and strong highway fuel economy.
- Crosstrek: Standard AWD, higher ground clearance, and added capability for rougher conditions.
- Atlas: Three-row seating and additional space for larger families or heavier cargo needs.
Our team at Volkswagen of Palatine can help you compare the Taos with other Volkswagen models and find an option that fits your routine. Visit our dealership or contact us today to explore our available inventory.
How Do the Taos and Crosstrek Compare on Performance?
A compact SUV comparison 2026 shoppers can use for everyday driving should look beyond horsepower alone. The Volkswagen Taos and Subaru Crosstrek take different approaches to performance, with the Taos offering a turbocharged engine and the Crosstrek providing multiple powertrain choices.
Which SUV Delivers More Responsive Performance?
The Taos uses a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. That strong torque output helps provide responsive acceleration when merging onto highways, passing slower traffic, or navigating busy streets. The Crosstrek starts with a 2.0L four-cylinder producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, while higher trims offer a 2.5L engine with 180 horsepower.
An available hybrid powertrain adds another option for drivers focused on efficiency. For drivers who value quick everyday response and a straightforward turbocharged setup, the Taos offers a compelling choice. Our team at Volkswagen of Palatine can help you experience its performance firsthand and compare available models in our inventory.
Does the Taos or Crosstrek Have Better All-Weather Capability?
When comparing Taos vs Crosstrek features, drivetrain and ground clearance are important considerations for drivers who regularly deal with rain, snow, or rougher roads. The Volkswagen Taos comes standard with front-wheel drive, while 4MOTION all-wheel drive is available for added traction.
How Do Their AWD Systems Differ?
The Subaru Crosstrek comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across its lineup, along with 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Select versions also offer X-Mode, which can help manage traction on challenging surfaces. The Taos offers a lower, more road-focused driving experience, with the available 4MOTION AWD providing additional confidence when conditions become slippery.
For many drivers commuting around Palatine, Arlington Heights, and Schaumburg, choosing between the two comes down to whether everyday road performance or greater off-road capability is the priority. Our team at Volkswagen of Palatine can walk you through the available Taos configurations and help you determine which drivetrain fits your driving needs. Contact us or visit our dealership to explore our Volkswagen Taos inventory.
Which SUV Has Better Fuel Economy?
For drivers who spend plenty of time commuting or taking longer trips, fuel economy can be an important part of choosing an SUV. When asking which SUV is better, Taos or Crosstrek, the answer depends on the drivetrain and powertrain you select.
How Do Their Fuel-Economy Ratings Compare?
The Volkswagen Taos delivers up to an EPA-estimated 28 MPG city and 36 MPG highway with front-wheel drive. Its available 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system achieves approximately 25 MPG city and 32 MPG highway. The Subaru Crosstrek’s standard 2.0L engine returns around 27 MPG city and 34 MPG highway, while models with the 2.5L engine achieve approximately 26 MPG city and 33 MPG highway.
Subaru also offers a hybrid version for drivers seeking additional efficiency. For everyday highway commutes around Palatine, Arlington Heights, and Schaumburg, the Taos offers competitive fuel economy while providing turbocharged performance.
Which SUV Offers More Passenger and Cargo Space?
Space can make a big difference when an SUV handles everything from weekday errands to weekend getaways. The Volkswagen Taos offers more cargo capacity than the Subaru Crosstrek, while both provide comfortable seating for everyday driving.
How Much Cargo Space Does Each SUV Offer?
The Taos provides approximately 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 65.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. AWD models offer slightly less, with about 24.9 and 60.2 cubic feet, respectively. The Crosstrek provides approximately 19.9 to 20.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 54.7 to 55.3 cubic feet with them folded. That gives the Taos an advantage when you need room for groceries, luggage, sports equipment, or other bulky items. While Taos vs. Crosstrek fuel economy may be an important consideration for commuters, cargo flexibility can be just as valuable.
How Do the Taos and Crosstrek Compare on Technology and Safety?
Modern compact SUVs need to make daily driving more convenient while helping drivers stay aware of their surroundings. The Volkswagen Taos vs Subaru Crosstrek comparison includes useful technology and driver-assistance features designed to support commuting, errands, and longer trips.
What Technology and Safety Features Are Available?
The Volkswagen Taos offers technology focused on connectivity and convenience, with available features such as smartphone integration, digital displays, and advanced driver-assistance systems depending on configuration. These features can help keep navigation, entertainment, and important driving information within easy reach.
The Crosstrek also offers a range of infotainment and driver-assistance technologies, including Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance system on equipped models. Available features can vary by trim, so comparing specific configurations is helpful when deciding between the two. For drivers in Palatine, Arlington Heights, and Schaumburg, the right technology package can make a noticeable difference during busy commutes.
How Does Pricing Compare Between the Taos and Crosstrek?
For shoppers researching a compact SUV comparison in 2026, starting price is an important part of the decision. The Volkswagen Taos and Subaru Crosstrek are both competitively positioned in the subcompact SUV segment, with entry-level models generally starting in the mid-$20,000s before additional options and fees.
What Should You Consider Beyond the Starting Price?
The Taos starts around the same general price range as the Crosstrek, while adding available 4MOTION all-wheel drive can bring the cost closer to similarly equipped Crosstrek models. Higher trims can reach the low-to-mid $30,000 range, depending on features and configurations. When comparing prices, it helps to consider what comes with each configuration rather than focusing only on the starting MSRP. Factors such as drivetrain, technology, comfort features, fuel economy, and cargo capacity can all influence the overall value of an SUV.
Which SUV Fits Your Driving Needs?
Choosing between the Volkswagen Taos and Subaru Crosstrek comes down to the features that matter most in your everyday routine. The Taos vs Crosstrek features comparison highlights two different approaches, with the Taos emphasizing responsive turbocharged performance, passenger and cargo space, and fuel efficiency, while the Crosstrek focuses on standard all-wheel drive and greater ground clearance.
What Should You Prioritize?
Consider how each SUV fits your typical drive:
- Volkswagen Taos: A strong fit for commuters who value turbocharged performance, versatile cargo space, and efficient highway driving.
- Subaru Crosstrek: A practical option for drivers who prioritize standard AWD, higher ground clearance, and additional capability for rougher conditions.
- Your daily routine: Think about your typical passengers, cargo needs, road conditions, and driving habits before choosing a configuration.
For drivers throughout Palatine, Arlington Heights, and Schaumburg, our team at Volkswagen of Palatine is ready to help you compare your options in person. Visit our dealership to explore our Volkswagen Taos inventory, take a closer look at available features, and speak with our team about finding the right fit for your needs.
How does the VW Taos compare to the Subaru Crosstrek?
The Volkswagen Taos offers a 1.5L turbocharged engine with 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, while the Crosstrek offers multiple powertrain options and standard AWD. The Taos also provides more cargo space, while the Crosstrek offers greater ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive.
Which SUV offers better fuel economy?
The Volkswagen Taos FWD offers up to an EPA-estimated 28 MPG city and 36 MPG highway, compared with up to 27 MPG city and 34 MPG highway for gas-powered Crosstrek models.
Does either SUV come standard with all-wheel drive?
The Subaru Crosstrek comes standard with all-wheel drive, while the Volkswagen Taos comes standard with front-wheel drive and offers 4MOTION all-wheel drive on select configurations.
Which SUV has more cargo space?
The Volkswagen Taos has more cargo space, offering up to 27.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 65.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded in FWD models, compared with 19.9 and 54.7 cubic feet for the gas-powered Crosstrek.
What’s the price difference between the two?
The 2026 Volkswagen Taos starts at $26,500, while the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek starts at $26,995, a $495 difference in favor of the Taos.
Find Your Next Volkswagen SUV
If you are comparing compact SUVs for your daily drives, our team at Volkswagen of Palatine is ready to help you take a closer look at the Volkswagen Taos and its available features. We proudly serve drivers from Palatine, IL, Arlington Heights, IL, and Schaumburg, IL, with a wide selection of Volkswagen vehicles to fit different lifestyles and budgets. Contact us today or visit our dealership to explore our inventory and find the SUV that fits your needs.
If you are considering other Volkswagen models, you can also continue exploring our site for helpful comparisons and vehicle information. Learn more with our Volkswagen ID.4 trim comparison, compare two popular family SUVs in our Volkswagen Tiguan and Honda CR-V comparison, or see how electric SUVs compare in our ID. Buzz and Kia EV9 comparison.
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