What To Know
- The Ford Escape and VW Taos are priced similarly, with the Escape starting at $24,885 and the Taos starting at $22,995.
- If you’re looking for a compact SUV with strong performance, a spacious and comfortable interior, and a wide range of safety and technology features, the Ford Escape is the better choice.
- While the Escape has the edge in terms of performance, interior quality, and safety features, the Taos offers better fuel economy and a lower starting price.
The Ford Escape and VW Taos are two of the most popular compact SUVs on the market. They offer a combination of practicality, efficiency, and style, making them ideal for families and adventurers alike. But which one is the better choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll put the Ford Escape and VW Taos head-to-head to determine which one comes out on top.
Performance and Power:
The Ford Escape offers a range of engine options, including a turbocharged 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, and a more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that generates 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The VW Taos, on the other hand, comes standard with a turbocharged 1.5-liter TSI engine that delivers 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While both SUVs offer adequate power for everyday driving, the Ford Escape has a clear edge in terms of performance and acceleration.
Fuel Efficiency:
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Ford Escape and VW Taos are closely matched. The Escape with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, while the Taos with the 1.5-liter TSI engine gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. However, the Escape’s larger fuel tank gives it a slightly longer driving range.
Interior and Comfort:
The Ford Escape and VW Taos offer spacious and well-appointed interiors. Both SUVs come standard with comfortable seating, user-friendly infotainment systems, and plenty of cargo space. However, the Escape has a slight edge in terms of overall interior quality and refinement. Its materials feel more upscale, and the cabin is quieter at highway speeds.
Safety Features:
Both the Ford Escape and VW Taos come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. However, the Escape offers a wider range of advanced safety technologies, such as lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.
Technology and Connectivity:
The Ford Escape and VW Taos both offer a variety of technology and connectivity features. The Escape comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, while the Taos features a 6.5-inch touchscreen with similar smartphone integration capabilities. Both SUVs also offer available features such as a premium audio system, navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Price and Value:
The Ford Escape and VW Taos are priced similarly, with the Escape starting at $24,885 and the Taos starting at $22,995. However, the Escape offers a wider range of standard features and more powerful engine options, making it the better value overall.
Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between the Ford Escape and VW Taos depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a compact SUV with strong performance, a spacious and comfortable interior, and a wide range of safety and technology features, the Ford Escape is the better choice. However, if you’re on a tighter budget and prioritize fuel efficiency, the VW Taos is a solid option.
Recommendations:
The Ford Escape and VW Taos are both excellent compact SUVs that offer a blend of practicality, efficiency, and style. While the Escape has the edge in terms of performance, interior quality, and safety features, the Taos offers better fuel economy and a lower starting price. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Popular Questions
Q1: Which SUV has better off-road capabilities?
A1: The Ford Escape offers more off-road capability than the VW Taos, thanks to its available all-wheel drive system and higher ground clearance.
Q2: Does the VW Taos have a panoramic sunroof?
A2: Yes, the VW Taos offers an available panoramic sunroof that provides a bright and airy cabin.
Q3: Which SUV has a larger cargo capacity?
A3: The Ford Escape offers a slightly larger cargo capacity than the VW Taos, with 37.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Q4: Does the Ford Escape come with a hybrid powertrain?
A4: Yes, the Ford Escape offers a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission.
Q5: Which SUV has a better warranty?
A5: The Ford Escape and VW Taos both offer a comprehensive warranty that includes a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.