Buick Encore GX vs Volkswagen Taos
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Volkswagen Taos
Overview
| Spec | Buick Encore GXPreferred | Volkswagen TaosS |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Preferred | S |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Buick Encore GXPreferred | Volkswagen TaosS |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $25,900 (best) | $26,500 |
| Lowest listing price | $24,272 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $24,272 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $24,272 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 1 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Buick Encore GXPreferred | Volkswagen TaosS |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG | 31 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 30 MPG (best) | 28 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 31 MPG | 36 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | 13.2 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Buick Encore GXPreferred | Volkswagen TaosS |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 137 hp | 174 hp (best) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 1.2 L | 1.5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I3 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Buick Encore GXPreferred | Volkswagen TaosS |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 50.2 cu ft | 65.9 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 1,000 lbs (best) | — |
| Payload | — | 937 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,023 lbs (best) | 3,201 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 6.5 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 102 in | 105.9 in (best) |
| Length | 171.2 in | 175.9 in (best) |
| Width | 71.4 in | 72.5 in (best) |
| Height | 64.1 in | 64.5 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Buick Encore GXPreferred | Volkswagen TaosS |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Buick Encore GX | Volkswagen Taos |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preferred $25,900 MSRP(Currently comparing) | S $26,500 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Preferred $27,900 MSRP | S $28,200 MSRP |
| 3 | Sport Touring $27,100 MSRP | SE $29,260 MSRP |
| 4 | Sport Touring $28,700 MSRP | SE $30,960 MSRP |
| 5 | Avenir $31,400 MSRP | SE Black $31,510 MSRP |
| 6 | Avenir $33,000 MSRP | SE Black $33,210 MSRP |
| 7 | — | SEL $35,900 MSRP |
