Volkswagen Tiguan Vs. Taos: Which VW SUV Fits You Best?
If you're looking for a zippy, efficient, compact SUV or a weightier, more powerful model with a more refined interior for getting around in the Berkshires, this Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Taos comparison is worth a closer look. While both of these models are compact SUVs that share similar features, they each cater to different driver needs. For example, the Taos gets a maximum of 28/36/31 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),1 whereas the highest Tiguan fuel economy rating is 26/34/29 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2
This guide is meant to make you into a quick expert on the differences – both blatant and subtle – between the Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Taos. Volkswagen of Pittsfield is here as backup if you have questions along the way.
Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Taos at a Glance
- As two popular members of the Volkswagen family, the sleek Taos and spacious Tiguan are frequently compared.
- Both models are classified as compact SUVs, but the Tiguan is larger and has a more premium cabin.
- The Taos, on the other hand, is more agile and offers the best available fuel economy rating of the two.
- The best SUV for you comes down to your lifestyle and budget.
VW Tiguan vs. VW Taos Specs
The Taos is motivated by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 174 horsepower, and the Tiguan's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine pushes performance to 201 horsepower.
When it comes to the Volkswagen Taos vs. Tiguan, size is a noticeable difference. A FWD Taos is up to 175.9 inches long, 72.5 inches wide, and 64.5 inches tall. A FWD Tiguan is 184.4 inches long, 73 inches wide, and 66.1 inches tall. Comparing the VW Taos vs. Tiguan cargo space yields exactly the results you would expect – the Tiguan has a higher max capacity of 73.4 cubic feet, but the Taos still has an impressive 65.9 cubic feet.
When driving in Berkshire County, efficiency is key. The Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Taos fuel economy often leads drivers to choose the Taos, which gets up to 28/36/31 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1 The top Tiguan fuel economy rating is 26/34/29 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2 However, keep in mind that you'll find impressive ratings across the board when you compare the MPG of all Volkswagen models.
VW Tiguan vs. Taos Interior
While the Taos and Tiguan both have generously appointed cabins, the Tiguan has a higher ceiling for luxury. Even in the standard models, the Volkswagen Tiguan comes out on top, offering heated front seats, two 12-volt power outlets, cargo underfloor storage, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The entry-level Taos does have an edge over the Tiguan with a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel; the standard Tiguan has a multifunction leatherette-wrapped steering wheel.
On upper trims, the Tiguan amazes with available features such as massaging front seats, heated rear outboard seats, and a Head-Up Display, so you can keep your eyes on the road while driving in Berkshire County.
Explore Volkswagen Tiguan and Volkswagen Taos lease deals to save on higher trims.
VW Taos vs. Tiguan Reliability
When Volkswagen designs its models, reliability is always a top priority. The automaker uses sophisticated German engineering, constructing both the Taos and Tiguan atop a durable, lightweight MQB chassis architecture. Meanwhile, each SUV is generously equipped with automated driver-assist features that add another layer of protection in the long run. It's no surprise that both models achieved high reliability ratings from J.D. Power – 80 out of 100 for the Taos3 and 81 out of 100 for the Tiguan.4
Volkswagen Taos vs. Volkswagen Tiguan Comparison Charts
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| 2025 VW Taos | 2025 VW Tiguan | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L turbo 4-cyl | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl |
| Horsepower | 174 | 201 |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft |
| Standard Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Available Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| FWD Suspension Type | Torsion beam | Strut-type |
| AWD Suspension Type | Multilink | 4-link |
| Maximum EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Cmb) | 28 / 36 / 311 | 26 / 34 / 292 |
| Towing Capacity | - | 1,500 lbs5 |
| Payload Capacity (AWD) | - | 1,014 lbs6 |
| Standard Wheel Size | 17-in aluminum alloy | 17-in two-tone machined aluminum alloy |
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| 2025 VW Taos | 2025 VW Tiguan | |
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Who Is Each Volkswagen SUV For?
If you ask us, the Volkswagen Taos should win the following awards:
- Best Volkswagen SUV for city driving
- Best Volkswagen SUV for singles or young couples
- Best Volkswagen SUV for fuel economy
Meanwhile, we hereby endow a new Volkswagen Tiguan for sale in Western Mass with these superlatives:
- Best Volkswagen SUV for families
- Best Volkswagen SUV for outdoor enthusiasts
Drive Home in Your Most Befitting SUV in Berkshire County
We hope our guide has given you a better idea of which VW SUV is right for you. In summary, you should finance or lease a new Volkswagen Tiguan when you need a little more passenger space, more power, more available luxury, and the ability to tow. A Taos is ideal for tight cornering and street parking, and offers better maximum fuel economy.
Get in touch with Volkswagen of Pittsfield when you need anything, from a tour and test drive to a Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Honda CR-V comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions Comparing Volkswagen Tiguan & Taos
What are the main differences between the VW Tiguan and Taos?
For starters, the Tiguan is bigger than the Taos, measuring 184.4 inches in length against 175.9 inches for the Tiguan. Drivers tend to prefer a new Volkswagen Taos for sale in the Berkshires because of its efficiency and agility. If towing capabilities, more powerful performance, and a slightly more premium cabin are important to you, we recommend choosing the Volkswagen Tiguan as your driving companion.
Which SUV is better for families, the Tiguan or Taos?
Every family has different needs for daily life in the Berkshires. As you review the Taos vs. Tiguan differences, please consider your family's lifestyle. For example, if you need the ability to tow, the Tiguan can haul up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped, and the Taos is not rated for towing at all. Our dealership can help you make an informed decision for your needs.
How do the interior and cargo space compare in the Tiguan vs. Taos?
Both models have two rows of spacious seating, but the larger Tiguan has more available cargo capacity, with up to 73.4 cubic feet. The Tiguan offers up to 65.9 cubic feet of space. Without a sunroof, the Tiguan passenger volume is up to 103.8 cubic feet, and a solid-ceilinged Taos has 99.5 cubic feet. While front-row legroom is nearly identical, the Tiguan has more second-row legroom.
Which Volkswagen SUV has more advanced technology features?
A 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Volkswagen Taos comparison reveals that the Tiguan has more advanced technology. For one thing, its infotainment screen is bigger – the Taos has an 8-inch screen and the Tiguan has a 12.9-inch screen or an available 15-inch display. The VW Tiguan also boasts more available technological luxuries and amenities, like premium massaging front seats and a Head-Up Display.
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