Volkswagen Taos vs. Subaru Crosstrek

A wide-open stretch of road is your sign to lean in and feel the thrill. The Volkswagen Taos and the Subaru Crosstrek are built for balanced everyday driving, but their engines tell different stories. The VW Taos features a 1.5L turbocharged engine, while the Crosstrek runs on a 2.0L engine setup. That difference impacts how each one responds. So, the question is: Which one’s built for your kind of drive?

With over 20 more horsepower and 40 more lb-ft of torque, the VW Taos gives you the kind of muscle that matters. Whether merging onto the highway or chasing open-road thrills, that extra power translates to quicker acceleration and a more confident ride without sacrificing efficiency.

Speaking of which, VW Taos gives you fewer stops on your journey, thanks to its standard EPA-estimated 28 city/36 highway MPG rating.* Plus, the VW Taos has an available 4MOTION® all-wheel drive, offering three performance modes to match any road condition. In contrast, the Crosstrek’s standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is only enhanced by its X-MODE®, which focuses on off-roading features and grip rather than full performance-tuned output.

Slide into the driver’s seat of the Volkswagen Taos, and you’re not just stepping into a cabin—you’re stepping into a vibe. From the bold, eye-catching colors like Bright Moss Green and Cornflower Blue, the VW Taos offers a vibrant atmosphere that stands out. Paired with the breezy plant-based CloudTex or sleek Night Blue leather upholstery (available on select trim levels), it’s a cabin designed to impress.

And for those who love extra comfort, the available heated and ventilated front seats let you control your comfort, no matter the environment. Add to that the optional 10-color ambient lighting, and you have an interior that adjusts to your mood.

Compare this to the Subaru Crosstrek, which offers heated front seats but falls short in style and features like ventilated seating or customizable lighting. Regarding mood-setting interiors, the VW Taos is in a league of its own.

Let’s face it: driving is more fun with your favorite tunes playing in the background. Luckily, the Volkswagen Taos and the Subaru Crosstrek offer sleek, minimalist touchscreens that keep the cabin uncluttered, perfect for focusing on the road. With Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration in both models, you’ve got seamless connectivity at your fingertips:

• Access your curated playlists with ease.
• Send and receive audio text messages.
• Launch compatible apps.
• And more!

Despite these similarities, the VW Taos takes it to the next level with the available Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro system. This configurable 10.25-inch display lets you decide what information shows up front and center, giving you that tailored experience. The Crosstrek, on the other hand, sticks with the traditional driver display, so you’re missing that level of convenience and modern flair that comes with the VW Taos.

A vehicle that greets you with the perfect climate can make all the difference. Whether it’s the chill of your early-morning commute or the heat of the mid-summer sun, the Volkswagen Taos eliminates waiting for your vehicle to warm up or cool down before embarking on your next adventure.

The available Remote Engine Start system lets you precondition the cabin remotely, allowing you to step into a vehicle that’s already at the ideal temperature. But the convenience doesn’t stop there. The available Volkswagen Car-Net® system offers a suite of remote features, including tracking your last parking location, locking/unlocking doors, and even roadside assistance.

While the Subaru Crosstrek is equipped with available Keyless Access to simplify entry, it can’t match the same level of remote features. There are no vehicle alerts and no maintenance alerts. When it comes to modern, intuitive convenience, the VW Taos truly stands out.

When it comes to intelligent safety, the Volkswagen Taos and the Subaru Crosstrek each have a strong foundation, but one takes a more intuitive approach. Both come equipped with robust driver-assist features—IQ.DRIVE® for the VW Taos and EyeSight® for the Crosstrek—offering similar features like:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Assist
• Front Assist
• Emergency Assist

However, IQ.DRIVE® goes further with Travel Assist, which adds hands-on steering assistance for even greater convenience and confidence on long drives. This semi-automated feature assists with braking, accelerating, and steering your SUV to keep a safe distance from other vehicles while staying centered in your lane. Thanks to the reduced force needed to get from Point A to Point B, you can reach your destination with less driving fatigue.

The integration of semi-autonomous capabilities proves the commitment Volkswagen has to innovation. Sadly, without a comparable feature, the same cannot be said for Subaru or the Crosstrek.

When you’re in the driver’s seat, every second counts—and the Volkswagen Taos helps you stay ahead. Available Park Distance Control with Maneuver Braking uses front and rear sensors to guide you in and out of parking spots, helping you quickly earn the title of Parking Pro, even in tricky maneuvers.

For even more support, the optional Dynamic Road Sign Display keeps you updated on changing speed limits, no-passing zones, and more—right on the configurable Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro system! These intelligent features go beyond the basics, providing real-time awareness that adapts to your surroundings.

The Subaru Crosstrek opted to skip both of these upgrades. While it offers solid safety features, it lacks the enhanced visual cues and parking precision of the VW Taos. For drivers who want extra backup when it counts, Volkswagen offers smarter solutions that put confidence in every corner.