Friendly rivals!
It may not be the easiest decision at face value when it comes to the choosing between the VW Taos and the Subaru Crosstrek, both of which have their fair share of perks! But on close inspection, one of these rivals rises above. Road ready, versatile and boasting innovation, the Taos is not only an affordable option, but comes with fresh features in this new year and does inch ahead of the competition in many ways! By comparison, the Crosstrek is a very capable SUV, and one that is also affordable for many. See what these two rugged vehicles have to offer and which has done a better job overall of being what today’s driver needs and wants!
Here’s more…
What they have to offer!
With a starting price tag of $24,155, the Taos has many user-friendly functions, a sporty profile and roomy interior. It comes with a slew of safety tech as standard, and with a more powerful engine — a 1.5T TSI engine with eight-speed automatic transmission that generates 158 hp. Without a doubt, superior performance is a given! The Crosstrek, starting at $24,870, is presented with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 152 hp. and is considered breathless, especially when mated to the optional continuously variable automatic transmission.
In the area of engine performance and fuel efficiency, the Taos comes out on top. While the Taos has a city and highway fuel economy rating of 28 mpg and 36 mpg respectively, the Crosstrek gives you a city and highway rating of 28 mpg and 33 mpg respectively. As a result, the Taos is the best choice for that next long road trip!
The Taos is also chock full of safety features, which include Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, Dynamic Road Sign Display and many other safety specifications resulting in this vehicle being truly one of the safest on the road today! By comparison, the Crosstrek does offer a host of driver-assistance features, but they are only presented as standard on models with the CVT. Buyers of the six-speed manual transmission are locked out of this equipment.
Both vehicles also have room for five passengers, with the Taos coming with about 40” of leg room in the front and 38” in the rear, as well as 25-28 cubic feet of luggage space. Flipping the 60/40 split-folding rear set down expands the cargo hold considerably for the Crosstrek, but it is important to note that the folded seats do not make for an entirely flat cargo floor.
Other convenient features within the Taos includes a keyless entry capability, as well as the ability to remotely access the vehicle through a Car-Net subscription service. Other ways it stands out is through the optional AWD, which is standard on the Crosstrek, considered a rarity in the small SUV marketplace.
The Crosstrek is capable on the off-road and with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, it also has its pluses, making it handy on a rougher terrain and more comfortable and car-like than most. That is compared to just under 7 inches of the ground clearance in the Taos.
Their style!
Complete with streamlined styling and sharp features, the Taos was made to be a joy on the eyes. From the outside, it boasts a sculpted profile, boxed wheel arches and an available illuminated grille. Add sportiness to your vehicle with 18-inch black alloy wheels and a rugged appeal with the Basecamp body styling, which includes fender flares, side door skid plate and a front grille badge. Inside, features include available leatherette-wrapped, heated multi-function steering wheel, available ventilated leather seats with contrast stitching and panoramic sunroof. There is also ambient lighting, an eight-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control and so much more!
Road ready, the Crosstrek features 17-inch dark gray-finish alloy wheels and offers a premium trim with rugged colors like Desert Khaki and dark grey exterior trim. Inside, basic and durable-feeling materials are presented, and with very little flair.
Both offer plenty of connectivity options, with the Subaru’s StarLink infotainment system a clearly organized option which is also easy to navigate. A 6.5-inch touchscreen comes standard and offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, along with expected Bluetooth support and a USB port. By comparison, every Taos features a sharp-looking infotainment system with a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. A 6.5-inch touchscreen is standard, with an option to bump that up to an 8.0-inch version. The system can also be equipped with built-in navigation, an eight-speaker BeatsAudio stereo, Sirius XM satellite radio and wireless smartphone charging.
There is lots to consider when making this comparison, but after a closer look, the Taos has much to boast about and that much more to offer! Decide which friendly rival suits your needs on the road and make the wise choice today!