Vw Taos vs Vw Tiguan: Which Vw Suv Reigns Supreme?
Choosing the right SUV can feel like navigating a maze. With so many options available, it’s easy to get lost in the details. Today, we’re putting two popular Volkswagen SUVs head-to-head to help you make an informed decision: the Volkswagen Taos and the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Both the Taos and the Tiguan offer the practicality and versatility that SUV buyers crave. They both boast the signature Volkswagen style and are packed with features. However, they cater to slightly different needs and preferences, making the comparison all the more interesting.
This in-depth comparison will explore key aspects of each vehicle. We’ll delve into the details of performance, interior space, technology, and value. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which SUV best suits your lifestyle and budget. Let’s dive into the Volkswagen Taos vs Volkswagen Tiguan showdown!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | VW Taos | VW Tiguan |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo I4 | 2.0L Turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 158 hp | 184 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed Automatic | 8-speed Automatic |
| Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/36 mpg | 23/30 mpg |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 or 7 |
| Cargo Space (Behind Rear Seats) | 27.9 cu. ft. | 37.6 cu. ft. |
| Length | 175.8 inches | 186.1 inches |
| Infotainment System | 6.5-inch or 8-inch Touchscreen | 6.5-inch or 8-inch Touchscreen |
| Available AWD | Yes | Yes |
| Standard Safety Features | Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Monitor | Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Monitor |
| Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Size and Dimensions
- Vw Taos: The Taos is a subcompact SUV, offering a smaller footprint. It’s easier to maneuver in tight spaces and offers good fuel economy. However, cargo space is limited compared to larger SUVs.
- Vw Tiguan: The Tiguan is a compact SUV, providing more interior space, including available third-row seating. This makes it a better choice for families needing more passenger or cargo capacity. It may feel less agile in city driving.
- Winner: Tiguan
Engine and Performance
- Vw Taos: The Taos is powered by a 1.5L turbocharged engine, providing decent power and good fuel efficiency. Acceleration is adequate for daily driving, but it may feel underpowered when fully loaded.
- Vw Tiguan: The Tiguan comes with a 2.0L turbocharged engine, delivering more power and a smoother driving experience. Acceleration is noticeably better, and it handles highway driving with more confidence. However, fuel economy is slightly lower.
- Winner: Tiguan
Fuel Economy
- Vw Taos: The Taos generally achieves better fuel economy figures, making it a more economical choice for daily commuting. Its smaller engine and lighter weight contribute to its efficiency.
- Vw Tiguan: The Tiguan’s fuel economy is slightly lower than the Taos due to its larger engine and heavier weight. The difference isn’t substantial, but it’s noticeable in real-world driving.
- Winner: Taos
Interior Space and Comfort
- Vw Taos: The Taos offers a comfortable interior for its size, with good headroom and legroom for front passengers. Rear passenger space is adequate, but may feel cramped for taller adults on longer trips.
- Vw Tiguan: The Tiguan boasts a more spacious interior, providing ample room for passengers in both rows. The available third-row seating adds extra versatility. The ride quality is generally more refined.
- Winner: Tiguan
Cargo Capacity
- Vw Taos: Cargo capacity in the Taos is respectable for its class, but it’s smaller than the Tiguan. It’s suitable for everyday needs and weekend getaways, but may struggle with larger items.
- Vw Tiguan: The Tiguan offers significantly more cargo space, especially with the rear seats folded down. It’s a better choice for carrying luggage, sports equipment, or larger items.
- Winner: Tiguan
Technology and Features
- Vw Taos: The Taos comes equipped with modern technology features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance features. The features are competitive for its class.
- Vw Tiguan: The Tiguan offers similar technology features as the Taos, with some available upgrades like a larger touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and more advanced driver-assistance systems.
- Winner: Tiguan
Price and Value
- Vw Taos: The Taos generally has a lower starting price than the Tiguan, making it a more budget-friendly option. It offers good value for its features and capabilities.
- Vw Tiguan: The Tiguan commands a slightly higher price tag, reflecting its larger size, more powerful engine, and added features. However, it still offers competitive value within its class.
- Winner: Taos
Driving Experience
- Vw Taos: The Taos offers a nimble and easy-to-drive experience, well-suited for city driving. Its smaller size makes it easier to park and maneuver. The ride is comfortable but can feel a bit firm on rough roads.
- Vw Tiguan: The Tiguan provides a more refined and composed driving experience, with a smoother ride and more powerful acceleration. It’s better suited for highway driving and longer trips.
- Winner: Tiguan
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Fuel Efficiency | VW Taos |
| Cargo Space | VW Tiguan |
| Passenger Space | VW Tiguan |
| Starting Price | VW Taos |
| Performance | VW Tiguan |
| Maneuverability | VW Taos |
What They Have in Common
- Engine Type: Both vehicles are powered by turbocharged four-cylinder engines, providing a balance of power and efficiency. This allows for responsive acceleration and decent fuel economy.
- Transmission: Both the Taos and Tiguan come equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth gear changes and a comfortable driving experience.
- Available All-Wheel Drive: Both models offer all-wheel-drive (AWD) as an option, enhancing traction and stability in various driving conditions, including snow and rain.
- Infotainment: Both vehicles offer similar infotainment systems, with touchscreen displays and smartphone integration capabilities, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Safety Features: The Taos and Tiguan share similar standard safety features, including forward collision warning and blind spot monitoring, to help enhance driver awareness and safety.
Vw Taos Vs Vw Tiguan Buying Guide
Performance and Handling
The Volkswagen Taos offers a peppy performance with its turbocharged engine, making it feel agile in city driving. Its smaller size contributes to easier maneuverability and parking. The Tiguan, while also offering a turbocharged engine, provides a more composed and refined driving experience, especially on the highway. It has a slightly softer suspension, prioritizing comfort over outright sportiness. Both vehicles provide a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency, but the Taos leans towards a more engaging feel, while the Tiguan prioritizes a smoother ride.
Interior Space and Comfort
The Taos, despite its compact footprint, provides a surprisingly spacious interior for its class, with comfortable seating for five adults. However, the Tiguan excels in this area, offering considerably more rear legroom and cargo space, making it a better choice for families or those who frequently transport passengers or gear. The Tiguan’s larger dimensions translate into a more airy and less cramped feel. Both vehicles feature well-designed interiors with quality materials, but the Tiguan provides a more luxurious feel overall.
Technology and Features
Both the Taos and Tiguan come equipped with a range of modern technology features, including touchscreen infotainment systems, smartphone integration, and advanced driver-assistance systems. The specifics vary by trim level, with higher trims offering features like digital instrument clusters, premium audio systems, and advanced safety technologies. The Tiguan generally offers a slightly more feature-rich experience, reflecting its higher price point. Both vehicles offer intuitive infotainment systems and user-friendly interfaces, making them easy to operate.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
The Volkswagen Taos generally boasts slightly better fuel economy figures than the Tiguan, making it a more economical choice for daily driving. The Tiguan’s larger size and available all-wheel drive contribute to a slightly lower fuel efficiency rating. However, both vehicles are relatively fuel-efficient for their respective classes. Maintenance costs are generally comparable, with Volkswagen offering competitive service plans and parts availability. The overall running costs for both vehicles are reasonable, with fuel efficiency being a key differentiator.
Price and Value
The Volkswagen Taos is positioned as the more affordable option, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers. The Tiguan, being a larger and more feature-rich vehicle, commands a higher price tag. Considering the features, space, and overall driving experience, both vehicles offer good value for money within their respective segments. The Taos provides an excellent entry point into the VW lineup, while the Tiguan offers a more premium experience. The choice depends on individual needs and budget constraints.
Safety Features and Ratings
Both the Taos and Tiguan prioritize safety, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, stability control, and advanced driver-assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Both vehicles have earned good safety ratings from reputable organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA. The Tiguan often scores slightly higher due to its larger size and more robust construction. The availability of advanced safety technologies across all trim levels ensures a safe driving experience in either vehicle.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy VW Taos If…
- You prioritize fuel efficiency and want better gas mileage.
- You prefer a more compact SUV that’s easier to maneuver and park in tight spaces.
- You are looking for a more affordable option.
- You don’t need the extra cargo space or seating capacity of a larger SUV.
Buy VW Tiguan If…
- You need more cargo space for luggage, groceries, or gear.
- You frequently transport passengers and need the option for a third row.
- You desire a slightly more powerful engine for stronger acceleration.
- You prefer a larger, more spacious SUV for a more comfortable ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in size between the Taos and Tiguan?
The Tiguan is significantly larger than the Taos. It offers more rear legroom, headroom, and cargo space, making it better suited for families or those who frequently need to carry passengers or cargo. The Taos is more compact, making it easier to maneuver and park in tight spaces. The Tiguan’s larger size provides a more spacious and comfortable interior experience, particularly for rear passengers.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy?
The Taos generally offers slightly better fuel economy than the Tiguan. Its smaller size and lighter weight contribute to improved gas mileage. While both vehicles are relatively fuel-efficient for their classes, the Taos is typically more economical for daily driving. However, the difference in fuel economy might not be substantial enough to be a deciding factor for all buyers.
Which SUV is more suitable for families?
The Tiguan is the more suitable choice for families. Its larger size provides more rear passenger space and cargo capacity, accommodating car seats and luggage more comfortably. The Tiguan offers a more versatile interior layout and a more comfortable ride, making it ideal for family trips and everyday use. The Taos can accommodate families, but it’s more suited to smaller families or those with fewer space requirements.
What about the infotainment systems? Are they similar?
Both vehicles feature Volkswagen’s user-friendly infotainment systems, with touchscreen displays and smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). The Tiguan often offers a larger touchscreen and more advanced features, depending on the trim level. Both systems are intuitive and easy to use, providing access to navigation, audio, and vehicle settings. Updates are readily available to keep them current.
Which SUV is more affordable to buy?
The Taos is the more affordable option, offering a lower starting price than the Tiguan. This makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers looking for a Volkswagen SUV. The Tiguan commands a higher price tag, reflecting its larger size, additional features, and more premium feel. The Taos provides excellent value within its price range.
Are there any differences in engine performance?
Both vehicles utilize turbocharged engines, but the Taos’ engine is generally more efficient in fuel consumption. The Tiguan’s engine might feel more powerful in certain situations due to the vehicle’s larger size, however. The Taos provides peppy acceleration, perfect for city driving. The Tiguan provides a more refined, comfortable ride, with a focus on ease of use. Both offer good performance.
What are the key safety features in both vehicles?
Both the Taos and Tiguan come standard with a range of safety features, including airbags, stability control, and driver-assistance systems like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. The Tiguan may offer more advanced safety features in higher trim levels. Both vehicles have earned good safety ratings, prioritizing occupant protection. These features provide a safe and secure driving experience.
Final Verdict
The Volkswagen Taos impresses with its fuel efficiency, agile handling, and competitive price, making it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment. However, the Tiguan offers more space, a more refined ride, and a more feature-rich experience, making it a better choice for families or those prioritizing comfort and versatility. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual needs and priorities.
Winner: Volkswagen Tiguan