Volkswagen Taos Vs. Tiguan Comparison

VW Taos vs. VW Tiguan


When we compare the Volkswagen Taos vs. Tiguan, we are looking at two muscular and stylish SUVs that are versatile. If you are looking for a spacious new daily driver with great gas mileage, both of these cars can fill that role. Alternatively, drivers in the market for an adventure-ready SUV that makes a great car camping vehicle would do well to consider both the VW Taos vs. VW Tiguan. While both of these cars are efficient and comfortable, there are some key differences between them that this article shall explore.

Volkswagen Taos vs. Volkswagen Tiguan Specs

The Volkswagen Taos, which is the smaller of these two vehicles, is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that outputs 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine is mated to either front-wheel drive and a slick eight-speed transmission or all-wheel drive and a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Front-wheel drive models earn an EPA-estimated 28/36/31 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1 while all-wheel drive versions get an EPA-estimated 25/32/28 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1 Volkswagen leaves it to drivers to decide whether to prioritize a stronger connection with the road or fuel economy.

As we move on with the Tiguan vs. Taos comparison, we reach the VW Tiguan specs. This bold SUV is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that outputs 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. As with the VW Taos, you can choose between front- or all-wheel drive.

The front-wheel drive (FWD) models score an EPA-estimated 23/30/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),1 and the all-wheel drive (AWD) iterations enjoy an EPA-estimated 22/29/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1 As we compare Taos vs. Tiguan, we see that the VW Taos has a more efficient engine but that the VW Tiguan has more power. Drivers can choose which suits their needs best.

VW Taos vs. Tiguan Dimensions

The next stage of our Volkswagen Taos vs. Tiguan comparison is to discuss their respective sizes. The VW Taos is the smaller of the two vehicles, boasting a maximum capacity of five people. The SUV is 175.8 inches long, 72.5 inches wide, and 64.4 inches tall. The VW Tiguan exterior dimensions translate into a spacious interior. It has 99.5 cubic feet of passenger space, meaning you and your passengers should have plenty of room to stretch out, even on long rides. A front-wheel drive Taos has 60.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the back row folded.

The Volkswagen Tiguan can seat up to seven passengers if you opt to add a third row of seats to this bold SUV. It will comfortably sit a small soccer team of kids or colleagues for a work trip. The car is also, however, available as a five-seater to accommodate a smaller family of five. Either way, the vehicle is 186.1 inches long, 72.4 inches wide, and 66.4 inches tall. These specs are bigger than those of the VW Taos but not so much larger that you will have a difficult time finding parking for your new ride in a busy parking lot. A three-row 2023 VW Taos with front-wheel drive has 65.3 cubic feet of cargo space available with all of the seats down.

The Taos vs. Tiguan size portion of our comparison demonstrates how these two cars can both serve you well. The VW Taos has a spacious interior and can comfortably seat five people. If you want even more room - perhaps your passengers have longer legs or require extra space - then a two-row Tiguan is a great option. Families who need to seat more than five will want to consider a three-row Tiguan model for a more comfortable option. If you are in this boat, you would do well to check out our VW Tiguan lease deals.


VW Taos vs. VW Tiguan

2023 VW Taos 2023 VW Tiguan
Engine 1.5L turbo four-cylinder 2.0L turbo four-cylinder
MPG (city/hwy) 28/361 24/311
Horsepower 158 184
Torque 184 lb.-ft. 221 lb.-ft.
Seating Capacity 5 7
Dimensions L: 175.8 in W: 72.5 in H: 64.4 in L: 186.1 in W: 72.4 in H: 66.4 in

VW Taos vs. Tiguan Accessories

Both the Volkswagen Taos vs. Tiguan can be equipped with a wide range of accessories that will help you customize the vehicle to meet your needs. Adventurous drivers should consider the available bike holder, cargo box, trunk liner, and maybe even the kayak holder if they like getting out on the water during the warmer months of the year. There are also options available for motorists who prize safety and comfort as well. Such features include:

  • A baby mirror
  • Bumperdillo® protection for your bumper
  • Floor mats
  • Seat covers

Among the wide array of available VW Taos vs. Tiguan accessories, you will be able to customize your vehicle to a great extent. This level of personalization is common across the entire lineup of new VW cars, which includes popular vehicles like the VW Jetta and the three-row VW Atlas SUV.

Volkswagen Taos vs. Tiguan: Your Next Step

If you are thinking of purchasing the Volkswagen Taos vs. Tiguan, you would do well to visit your local VW dealership for a test drive. Since both of these vehicles offer impressive performance, a spacious interior, and cutting-edge technology, you would be well-served to see how each one handles. You can also learn more about the VW certification process, which makes vehicles like our certified pre-owned Volkswagen Taos for sale very appealing to motorists of all stripes.

When you are ready to buy, you will find that the finance team at our dealership works hard to offer competitive financing options to qualifying drivers. The rest of us are professional and dedicated to customer service. We don't play games or engage in gimmicks here – we are all about honest business. Thank you for reading our VW Taos vs. Tiguan comparison. We absolutely look forward to working with you soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Volkswagen Taos bigger than Tiguan?

The Volkswagen Tiguan is larger than the VW Taos. Both of them can be configured to seat five people, but the VW Tiguan can be equipped with a third row that allows it to seat up to seven individuals. No matter which configuration you select, the VW Tiguan is longer, wider, and taller than the Taos. Both vehicles are, however, efficient, sporty, and comfortable.

How is the Taos different than the Tiguan?

The Volkswagen Taos is smaller than the VW Tiguan. This means that it offers less cargo space and cannot be equipped with an optional third row, as the VW Tiguan can. On the other hand, the Volkswagen Taos offers better gas mileage ratings than the VW Tiguan. Both vehicles are available with a sweeping array of accessories, allowing you to customize the car to meet your needs.

Which has more cargo space Taos or Tiguan?

The 2023 VW Tiguan generally has more cargo space than the 2023 VW Taos. A front-wheel drive VW Tiguan with three rows of seating has 12 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row or 65.3 cubic feet of space with all the seats down. An all-wheel drive Taos has 24.9 cubes behind the second row and 60.2 with the seats down.


1EPA estimates only. Your results will vary.

O'Steen Volkswagen of Jacksonville - Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)