Adventure awaits: comparing the rugged subaru crosstrek and the versatile vw taos
What To Know
- In terms of fuel economy, the Crosstrek offers a slight advantage, with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg city and 33 mpg highway compared to the Taos’s 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.
- The Subaru Crosstrek starts at an MSRP of $23,545, while the VW Taos has a slightly higher starting price of $24,190.
- Both vehicles come with a comprehensive warranty package, with the Crosstrek offering a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The subcompact crossover segment is fiercely competitive, with automakers vying for attention with their compact, versatile, and adventure-ready offerings. Two of the most popular options in this category are the Subaru Crosstrek and the Volkswagen Taos. Both vehicles boast impressive features, but which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Subaru Crosstrek and the VW Taos, helping you make an informed decision.
Exterior Design
The Subaru Crosstrek’s exterior exudes a rugged and adventurous spirit. Its boxy silhouette, high ground clearance, and protective body cladding give it a ready-for-anything attitude. In contrast, the VW Taos adopts a more refined and sophisticated design. Its sleek lines, sloping roofline, and chrome accents convey a sense of urban sophistication.
Interior Comfort and Space
Both the Crosstrek and the Taos offer spacious and comfortable interiors. The Crosstrek provides ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Its cabin is well-appointed with durable and easy-to-clean materials. The Taos, on the other hand, boasts a more premium feel with soft-touch surfaces and premium materials. Its seats are supportive and offer excellent lumbar support.
Technology and Features
The Crosstrek comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It also offers a range of advanced safety features, including lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Taos features an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Its safety suite includes forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Under the hood, the Crosstrek is equipped with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Taos is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that generates 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In terms of fuel economy, the Crosstrek offers a slight advantage, with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg city and 33 mpg highway compared to the Taos’s 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.
Off-Road Capabilities
The Crosstrek is renowned for its off-road prowess. Its standard all-wheel drive system and X-Mode terrain management system provide excellent traction and control in challenging conditions. The Taos, while not as off-road-oriented as the Crosstrek, still offers all-wheel drive and a ground clearance of 6.9 inches.
Value and Reliability
The Subaru Crosstrek starts at an MSRP of $23,545, while the VW Taos has a slightly higher starting price of $24,190. Both vehicles offer competitive value for their respective price points. In terms of reliability, both the Crosstrek and the Taos have a solid track record. The Crosstrek has been praised for its durability and low maintenance costs, while the Taos has earned high marks for its overall reliability and quality.
Which One is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between the Subaru Crosstrek and the VW Taos depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize off-road capability, durability, and a spacious interior, the Crosstrek is the clear choice. However, if you value a more refined design, premium features, and better fuel economy, the Taos might be a better fit.
Other Considerations
In addition to the key differences highlighted above, there are a few other factors to consider when comparing the Crosstrek and Taos:
- Towing Capacity: The Crosstrek has a slightly higher towing capacity of 1,500 pounds compared to the Taos’s 1,200 pounds.
- Warranty: Both vehicles come with a comprehensive warranty package, with the Crosstrek offering a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Taos has a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 6-year/72,000-mile powertrain warranty.
- Availability: The Crosstrek is a more popular model, so it may be easier to find in stock at dealerships. The Taos is a newer model, so availability may vary depending on your location.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek has a more powerful engine, with 182 horsepower compared to the VW Taos‘s 158 horsepower.
Q: Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient?
A: The VW Taos is slightly more fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway compared to the Crosstrek’s 29 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
Q: Which vehicle has a better towing capacity?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek has a higher towing capacity of 1,500 pounds compared to the VW Taos‘s 1,200 pounds.
