VW Taos vs. Subaru Crosstrek
2025 Volkswagen Taos vs. 2025 Subaru Crosstrek
Which One is Right for You?
| Feature | VW Taos (Our choice!) |
Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $24,995 | $25,810 |
| Engine Power | 174 hp | 182 hp |
| Fuel Efficiency | 28/36 MPG (City/Hwy) | 27/38 MPG (City/Hwy) |
| Warranty | 4-year/50,000-mile | 3-year/36,000 mi basic |
|
|
View New Taos Inventory | View Used Inventory |
Overview
Are you shopping for a small SUV? Two great choices are the Volkswagen Taos and the Subaru Crosstrek. Both look great and are fun to drive. But which one is better? Let’s take a look at each one—and see why the VW Taos is our favorite.
The VW Taos and Subaru Crosstrek are both small SUVs with big personalities. They’re easy to drive, have plenty of space, and are packed with features. The Crosstrek is known for being rugged and off-road ready. But the Taos has a sleek design, a smoother ride, and more tech.
If you want a smart, stylish SUV that’s also fun to drive, the Taos is a top pick.
Performance
The 2025 VW Taos has a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. That means it has extra power when you need it. It makes 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. That’s a fancy way of saying it’s quick and fun to drive.The Subaru Crosstrek comes with two engines. The base one makes 152 horsepower. You can get a more powerful 2.5-liter engine on higher trims. The Taos gives you smooth driving and impressive gas mileage. It’s ready for city streets and weekend road trips.
Off-Road Capability
The Subaru Crosstrek is made for the outdoors. It has all-wheel drive on every model and more ground clearance. That means it can handle dirt roads and snowy days well.
The Taos is also ready for adventure. It offers 4MOTION all-wheel drive and different drive modes. It’s great for wet roads, gravel, and off-roading.
Tech Features
This is where the VW Taos really shines. It comes with a Digital Cockpit—your speed, maps, and more are all on a bright screen behind the steering wheel. It also has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available wireless charging.The Subaru Crosstrek has a touchscreen and Apple CarPlay, too, but it doesn’t feel as modern or fun to use. The Taos makes every ride feel high-tech and cool.
Interior Space & Comfort
The Taos has a roomy cabin with comfy seats. Rear passengers get more legroom than in the Crosstrek. It also has more cargo space—perfect for groceries, backpacks, or gear for your next trip.Both SUVs can seat five, but the Taos feels more open inside. Plus, it has soft-touch materials and available features like a panoramic sunroof and dual-zone climate control.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety is super important, and both SUVs take it seriously. The Taos comes with VW’s IQ.DRIVE. These features include:
-Travel Assist
-Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
-Active Blind Spot Monitor
-Rear Traffic Alert
-Front Assist
-Emergency Assist
-Lane Assist
The Crosstrek comes with Subaru’s EyeSight system, which is also great. Both keep you safe, but the Taos gives you more features right from the start.
Our Choice
The Subaru Crosstrek is solid, especially for off-road fans. But if you want a small SUV that feels more modern, more fun, and more comfortable, the Volkswagen Taos is our choice. It’s stylish, smart, and ready for any drive. Stop by Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville today for a test drive!
Prices do not include additional fees and costs of closing, including government fees and taxes, any finance charges, service and handling fee of $129, or emissions testing fees. All prices, specifications, and availability subject to change without notice. Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville retains all incentives. We’re sorry, availability of some equipment, options or features may be limited due to global supply issues affecting the auto industry. Please be sure to verify that the vehicle you purchase includes all expected features and equipment.