Subaru Crosstrek vs Volkswagen Taos
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Volkswagen Taos
Overview
| Spec | Subaru CrosstrekCrosstrek SUV | Volkswagen TaosS |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Crosstrek SUV | S |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Subaru CrosstrekCrosstrek SUV | Volkswagen TaosS |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $26,995 | $26,500 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Subaru CrosstrekCrosstrek SUV | Volkswagen TaosS |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | — | 31 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | — | 28 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | — | 36 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 16.6 gal (best) | 13.2 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Subaru CrosstrekCrosstrek SUV | Volkswagen TaosS |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 hp (best) | 174 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2.5 L (best) | 1.5 L |
| Cylinders | flat 4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Subaru CrosstrekCrosstrek SUV | Volkswagen TaosS |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 19.9 cu ft | 65.9 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 1,500 lbs (best) | — |
| Payload | — | 937 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,296 lbs | 3,201 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | — | 6.5 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 in | 105.9 in (best) |
| Length | 176.4 in (best) | 175.9 in |
| Width | 70.9 in | 72.5 in (best) |
| Height | 62.8 in | 64.5 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Subaru CrosstrekCrosstrek SUV | Volkswagen TaosS |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| 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 | Subaru Crosstrek | Volkswagen Taos |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crosstrek SUV $26,995 MSRP(Currently comparing) | S $26,500 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Premium $27,995 MSRP | S $28,200 MSRP |
| 3 | Sport $30,625 MSRP | SE $29,260 MSRP |
| 4 | Limited $32,995 MSRP | SE $30,960 MSRP |
| 5 | Wilderness $33,795 MSRP | SE Black $31,510 MSRP |
| 6 | Sport Hybrid $33,995 MSRP | SE Black $33,210 MSRP |
| 7 | Limited Hybrid $34,995 MSRP | SEL $35,900 MSRP |