Volkswagen Tiguan vs Taos: Specs Showdown!
Choosing your next SUV can be tough, especially with so many great options on the market. If you’re considering a Volkswagen, you’ve likely narrowed it down to the Tiguan and the Taos. Both offer the reliability and style that VW is known for, but they cater to different needs.
This comparison dives deep into the Volkswagen Tiguan vs Volkswagen Taos specs, helping you determine which SUV best suits your lifestyle. We’ll explore everything from engine performance and dimensions to interior features and available technology. Get ready to discover which Volkswagen reigns supreme for you.
Whether you prioritize space and versatility, or fuel efficiency and a more compact design, we’ll break down the key differences between the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Taos. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a clear understanding of each vehicle’s strengths and weaknesses, making your decision easier than ever.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Tiguan | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo I4 | 1.5L Turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 184 hp | 158 hp |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed Automatic | 8-speed Automatic / 7-speed DSG |
| Fuel Economy (City/Hwy) | 23/30 mpg | 28/36 mpg |
| Seating Capacity | 5 or 7 | 5 |
| Cargo Space (Behind 2nd Row) | 37.6 cu. ft. | 27.9 cu. ft. |
| Length | 186.1 inches | 175.8 inches |
| Infotainment Screen | 6.5-inch or 8-inch | 6.5-inch or 8-inch |
| Available AWD | Yes | Yes |
| Driver Assistance Features | Standard | Standard |
| Base Trim | S | S |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Engine & Performance
- Volkswagen Tiguan: Equipped with a 2.0L TSI engine, the Tiguan offers a balance of power and fuel efficiency, delivering around 184 horsepower. It’s suitable for daily driving and provides adequate acceleration. However, some may find its performance a bit underwhelming compared to competitors in its class.
- Volkswagen Taos Specs: The Taos also utilizes a 1.5L TSI engine, generating around 158 horsepower. This engine provides a punchy feel for its size and offers good fuel economy. However, the Taos might struggle a bit when fully loaded or during highway passing maneuvers.
- Winner: Tiguan
Fuel Economy
- Volkswagen Tiguan: The Tiguan achieves a combined fuel economy of approximately 26 MPG. This is respectable for its class, offering a decent balance between power and efficiency. However, it’s not the most fuel-efficient option in the Volkswagen lineup.
- Volkswagen Taos Specs: The Taos excels in fuel efficiency, boasting a combined fuel economy of around 31 MPG. This makes it a more economical choice for daily commutes and long trips, saving money at the pump.
- Winner: Taos
Cargo Space
- Volkswagen Tiguan: The Tiguan offers a generous cargo capacity, especially with the rear seats folded down. It’s a practical choice for families and those who need to haul larger items. The available third row adds further versatility.
- Volkswagen Taos Specs: While the Taos provides a decent amount of cargo space for its size, it’s considerably less than the Tiguan. It’s suitable for everyday needs, but may fall short for those requiring a lot of storage.
- Winner: Tiguan
Size & Dimensions
- Volkswagen Tiguan: The Tiguan is a compact SUV, offering a good balance of interior space and maneuverability. It’s larger than the Taos, providing more room for passengers and cargo.
- Volkswagen Taos Specs: The Taos is a subcompact SUV, making it easier to park and navigate in tight spaces. Its smaller footprint contributes to its fuel efficiency, but it sacrifices some interior space.
- Winner: Tiguan
Technology & Infotainment
- Volkswagen Tiguan: The Tiguan comes equipped with Volkswagen’s latest infotainment system, featuring a touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and available features like a digital instrument cluster. Some find the system user-friendly, while others may find the interface a bit clunky.
- Volkswagen Taos Specs: The Taos offers a similar infotainment system to the Tiguan, with a focus on user-friendliness and modern features. The technology is generally well-integrated, though the base models may lack some of the premium features found in higher trims.
- Winner: Tie
Safety Features
- Volkswagen Tiguan: The Tiguan is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including advanced driver-assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Safety ratings are generally good.
- Volkswagen Taos Specs: The Taos also prioritizes safety, offering a similar set of driver-assistance features to the Tiguan. It provides a high level of protection, and safety ratings are also very good.
- Winner: Tie
Price & Value
- Volkswagen Tiguan: The Tiguan typically has a higher starting price than the Taos, reflecting its larger size and more premium features. However, it offers a good value proposition considering its space, features, and overall driving experience.
- Volkswagen Taos Specs: The Taos is generally more affordable than the Tiguan, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. It provides a competitive value proposition in the subcompact SUV segment.
- Winner: Taos
Interior Quality & Comfort
- Volkswagen Tiguan: The Tiguan provides a comfortable and well-appointed interior, with quality materials and a spacious layout. It offers a more premium feel compared to the Taos, with good legroom and headroom.
- Volkswagen Taos Specs: The Taos features a modern and functional interior, with a focus on practicality. While the materials are generally good, it may not feel as luxurious as the Tiguan. Comfort is still good for its class.
- Winner: Tiguan
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Cargo Space | Volkswagen Tiguan |
| Fuel Efficiency | Volkswagen Taos |
| Maneuverability | Volkswagen Taos |
| Passenger Space | Volkswagen Tiguan |
| Starting Price | Volkswagen Taos |
| Engine Power | Volkswagen Tiguan |
What They Have in Common:
- Available All-Wheel Drive: Both the Tiguan and Taos offer the option of all-wheel drive, providing enhanced traction and control in various driving conditions.
- Infotainment System: Both SUVs come equipped with Volkswagen’s infotainment system, featuring touchscreen displays and smartphone integration.
- Driver Assistance Features: Both models include a suite of driver-assistance technologies, such as forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring, to enhance safety.
- Turbocharged Engines: Both the Tiguan and the Taos utilize turbocharged engines, delivering a balance of performance and fuel efficiency.
- Modern Design: Both vehicles boast a modern and stylish exterior design, reflecting Volkswagen’s contemporary aesthetic.
- Automatic Transmissions: Both models are offered with automatic transmissions, providing a comfortable and convenient driving experience.
Volkswagen Tiguan Vs Volkswagen Taos Specs Buying Guide
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
Both the Volkswagen Tiguan and Taos offer competitive fuel economy, but their performance varies. The Taos generally edges out the Tiguan in terms of MPG, especially in city driving. This translates to slightly lower running costs for the Taos over time. However, the difference isn’t drastic, and the Tiguan’s larger fuel tank may provide greater range. Consider your typical driving conditions and preferences when evaluating the long-term cost implications of fuel consumption for either SUV.
Interior Space and Practicality
The Tiguan distinguishes itself with its available third-row seating, making it a more practical choice for larger families. While the Taos offers ample space for its compact size, the Tiguan provides significantly more cargo capacity with the rear seats folded down. The Taos might be a better choice for those who prioritize a smaller footprint and easier maneuverability in crowded areas, while the Tiguan caters to those needing more passenger and cargo space.
Performance and Driving Experience
The Taos offers a more agile driving experience due to its smaller size and lighter weight. It feels quicker and more responsive in city driving. The Tiguan, with its slightly larger engine and heavier build, provides a more composed ride, particularly on the highway. Both vehicles offer a comfortable and refined driving experience; however, the choice depends on your preference for a more sporty feel versus a more relaxed, spacious ride.
Technology and Features
Both models come equipped with a range of modern technology features, including touchscreen infotainment systems, smartphone integration, and advanced driver-assistance systems. The Tiguan and Taos generally share similar technology offerings, although specific trim levels may influence feature availability. The Tiguan often offers a more premium feel in higher trims. Consider the specific features important to you, like driver-assistance systems and connectivity options, when making your decision.
Price and Value for Money
The Volkswagen Taos typically comes with a lower starting price than the Tiguan, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the Tiguan’s larger size and added features might justify the extra cost for some. Evaluate the features, space, and performance offered by each model to determine which provides the best value for your needs and budget. Consider the long-term costs like maintenance and insurance too.
Reliability and Maintenance
Volkswagen vehicles, including the Tiguan and Taos, generally have a reputation for reliability. Routine maintenance is essential to ensure long-term dependability. Research average maintenance costs and the availability of service centers in your area. Consider the warranty coverage offered by each model. Both SUVs require regular maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations, but the specific requirements may vary slightly. Check consumer reports for more detailed reliability data.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Volkswagen Tiguan If…
- You need more passenger and cargo space.
- You want the option of a third-row seat.
- You prioritize a slightly more powerful engine.
- You desire a larger vehicle for family use.
Buy Volkswagen Taos If…
- You prefer a smaller, more maneuverable SUV.
- You prioritize higher fuel efficiency.
- You are looking for a more affordable option.
- You prefer a vehicle that is easier to park in tight spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in size between the Tiguan and Taos?
The Tiguan is larger, with significantly more passenger space and cargo capacity, especially with the rear seats folded down. It also has an available third-row seat. The Taos is a compact SUV, offering a smaller footprint, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces, and offering great efficiency. Choose the one that best suits your needs, considering the number of passengers and your cargo needs.
Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
The Taos generally offers better fuel economy, particularly in city driving. This results in lower running costs. However, the difference isn’t substantial. The Tiguan’s larger fuel tank may allow for a longer driving range. It’s best to consider your typical driving conditions and priorities when making a decision about fuel economy. Both SUVs are efficient for their class.
Does the Tiguan offer more engine options?
Both the Tiguan and Taos offer a range of engine options, although the specific choices may vary depending on the model year and trim level. The Taos is generally offered with a single engine. The Tiguan may have different engine configurations available across its trim levels. Check the specific specifications of the models you are considering for detailed information.
Which model provides a better driving experience?
The Taos offers a more agile and responsive driving experience, thanks to its smaller size and lighter weight. The Tiguan provides a more composed ride, especially on the highway. The choice depends on your driving style and preferences. Test drives are recommended for both models to experience the driving dynamics and find the one that best suits your needs.
Are there significant differences in the technology features?
Both the Tiguan and Taos come equipped with a range of technology features, including touchscreen infotainment systems, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance systems. The specific features offered may vary depending on the trim level. The Tiguan may have a slight edge in terms of premium features in higher trims, but both offer modern technologies.
Which SUV is better for families?
The Tiguan is the better choice for families needing more space and flexibility. It has more passenger and cargo capacity, and it has an available third-row seat. The Taos is a good option for smaller families or individuals who prioritize a smaller footprint and easier maneuverability. Consider the size of your family and your cargo needs.
What are the main price differences?
The Volkswagen Taos generally has a lower starting price than the Tiguan. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. The Tiguan’s larger size and added features might justify the extra cost for some. Compare the features, space, and performance offered by each model to determine which provides the best value for your budget.
Final Verdict
The Volkswagen Tiguan and Taos both offer compelling features within the SUV market. The Taos excels with its fuel efficiency and agile handling, while the Tiguan provides more space and available third-row seating. Considering overall practicality, space, and available features, the Tiguan emerges as the more versatile option for most buyers.
Winner: Volkswagen Tiguan