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Volkswagen Taos vs. Subaru Crosstrek

Volkswagen Taos
Subaru Crosstrek

At a Glance: VW Taos vs. Crosstrek

Volkswagen Taos

When you drive a stylish SUV like the Volkswagen Taos or the Subaru Crosstrek, every moment of your trip around Union, Newark, and Elizabeth, NJ is elevated to new heights.

Which is right for your lifestyle? The Tom's Volkswagen of Union team has studied these models and compiled the results in this head-to-head comparison guide. The road to the driver’s seat starts now!


STANDARD TORQUE

STANDARD TORQUE


184 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft
VW Taos vs. Crosstrek
STANDARD FUEL ECONOMY

STANDARD FUEL ECONOMY


28 city/36 hwy MPG* | 26 city/33 hwy MPG
VW Taos vs. Crosstrek
AVAILABLE AMBIENT LIGHTING SYSTEM

AVAILABLE AMBIENT LIGHTING SYSTEM


10 colors | Not Offered
VW Taos vs. Crosstrek

2 Crossovers, 1 Clear Contender

Select a category below to learn more about how the Volkswagen Taos compares to the Subaru Crosstrek.

Experience

Volkswagen Taos

The Volkswagen Taos and the Subaru Crosstrek stand ready to elevate your drive. Their distinct approaches to performance and style offer a unique driving experience that promises confidence, comfort, and fun.

Power & Performance Unleashed

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. Which one is built for your kind of drive?

VW Taos
vs
Subaru Crosstrek
1.5L turbochargedStandard Engine2.5L
184 lb-ftStandard Torque178 lb-ft

On paper, the difference in torque may not seem significant. However, the extra power found with the VW Taos can lead to quicker acceleration, which is essential for merging onto the highway flawlessly.

Additionally, the VW Taos makes it possible to travel farther and stop less, thanks to its standard EPA-estimated 28 city/36 highway MPG rating.* The Crosstrek, while impressive, falls short with a standard EPA-estimated 26 city/33 highway MPG rating.

Set the Mood for Every Drive

Slide into the driver’s seat of the Volkswagen Taos, and 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.


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Convenience

Volkswagen Taos

While power and performance are essential, the right tech can take your ride to the next level. So, will the Volkswagen Taos or the Subaru Crosstrek pack the smarter tech for your adventures?

Your Digital Command Center

Driving is more fun with your favorite tunes playing in the background. Luckily, the Volkswagen Taos and the Subaru Crosstrek have the entertainment features you need. Each offers sleek, minimalist touchscreens that keep the cabin uncluttered, perfect for focusing on the road. With Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, 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’s display, so you’re missing that level of convenience and modern flair that comes with the VW Taos.

A Warm Welcome (or Cool Relief)

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 with your key fob, allowing you to step into a vehicle that’s already at the ideal temperature.

While the Subaru Crosstrek is equipped with Keyless Access to simplify entry, it offers no comparable remote access capabilities. As a result, you may spend more time waiting for your cabin to heat up or cool down before you can start your commute.


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Intelligence

Volkswagen Taos

When you’re on the road, it’s not just about safety—it’s about intelligent systems working together to help protect you and your passengers. The Volkswagen Taos and the Subaru Crosstrek are designed with cutting-edge driver-assist technologies that enhance your awareness and control, but which SUV offers the more innovative approach?

Built-in Backup

When it comes to intelligent safety, the Volkswagen Taos and the Subaru Crosstrek each have a strong foundation with a robust driver-assist suite: IQ.DRIVE® for the VW Taos and EyeSight® for the Crosstrek. Each suite includes 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. Sadly, the Crosstrek offers no comparable feature.

Smarter Sense, Safer Drives

When you’re in the driver’s seat, every second counts. The Volkswagen Taos helps you stay ahead with Park Distance Control with Maneuver Braking. This optional system 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. 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. For drivers who want extra backup when it counts, Volkswagen offers smarter solutions that put confidence in every corner.


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Say Yes to an SUV That Does More

Volkswagen Taos

The right SUV will make a big difference in your travels near and far. You’ll look forward to every drive in Union, Newark, and Elizabeth, NJ when you have the quality and features of the Volkswagen Taos at your side.

Now that you see what makes the VW Taos a top model, it’s time to experience it in action for yourself. Contact us at Tom's Volkswagen of Union today to schedule a test drive!

All of the tools you need to move forward with experiencing a new Volkswagen Taos for yourself are conveniently available right here online.


* 28 city/36 highway mpg (2026 Taos 1.5L FWD, 8-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.