VW Taos vs. Subaru Crosstrek Comparison
Standard turbo torque, more cargo, and a real automatic vs. standard AWD and trail-ready clearance – the 2026 Taos meets the Subaru Crosstrek.
2026 Taos vs. Subaru Crosstrek at a Glance
The Crosstrek is the trail-friendly choice, with standard symmetrical all-wheel drive and generous ground clearance. The Taos answers with stronger standard turbo torque, far more cargo room, and a lower price – with 4MOTION AWD on the options list.
Crosstrek base engine shown; an available 2.5L makes 182 hp. Taos figures reflect the S FWD.
2026 VW Taos vs. Subaru Crosstrek
These two appeal to different instincts. The Crosstrek is built around standard symmetrical all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it a natural for light trails and deep snow. The Taos offers available 4MOTION all-wheel drive and prioritizes on-road strength and space.
Under the hood the Taos leads. Its standard turbo makes 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic, versus the Crosstrek base engine’s 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft with a CVT. The Taos also carries far more maximum cargo – 65.9 versus 54.7 cubic feet – and starts at a lower price.
The Crosstrek earns loyalty with its go-anywhere hardware, strong safety scores, and excellent resale. But if your driving is mostly pavement with the occasional snow day, the Taos delivers stronger everyday performance, more room, and available AWD for less.
Full Specification Comparison
| Specification | 2026 VW Taos | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $25,495 | ~$26,560 |
| Engine | 1.5L turbocharged I4 | 2.0L flat-4 (2.5L avail.) |
| Horsepower | 174 hp | 152 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD or 4MOTION AWD | Symmetrical AWD standard |
| Ground Clearance | ~8.0 in (AWD) | 8.7 in |
| Cargo (max) | 65.9 cu ft | 54.7 cu ft |
| Fuel Economy (comb.) | Up to 31 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Crosstrek base engine shown; available 2.5L makes 182 hp. Taos figures reflect FWD unless noted.
Where Each SUV Pulls Ahead
The Taos leads on power, torque, and cargo; the Crosstrek counters with more ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive – the hardware that makes it a trail favorite.
Why Denver Drivers Pick the 2026 Taos
Standard Turbo Torque
184 lb-ft standard gives the Taos stronger everyday acceleration than the Crosstrek base engine.
More Cargo Room
65.9 cubic feet maximum tops the Crosstrek by more than 11 cubic feet.
Lower Starting Price
The Taos undercuts the Crosstrek while still offering available all-wheel drive.
Inside the Taos: Digital Cockpit and Room to Spare
The Taos pairs a standard Digital Cockpit instrument display with an available large touchscreen running wireless App-Connect, so Apple CarPlay and Android Auto pair the moment you sit down. Soft-touch materials, available heated front seats, and an available panoramic sunroof give the cabin a class-above feel.
Behind the rear seats you get 27.9 cubic feet of cargo, expanding to 65.9 cubic feet with them folded – among the most in the subcompact class. Available IQ.DRIVE driver assistance layers in adaptive cruise, lane keeping, and more for confident Denver commuting.
How the Taos Compares to the Crosstrek
The Crosstrek is the right call for buyers who genuinely use the capability: standard symmetrical AWD, 8.7 inches of clearance, strong safety ratings, and legendary resale make it a trail and snow favorite.
For mostly-pavement driving, though, its naturally aspirated engine and smaller cargo hold are real trade-offs. The Taos delivers more everyday punch, more room, and available AWD at a lower starting price – a better fit for commute-first buyers.
Which SUV Is Right for You?
Choose the 2026 Volkswagen Taos if…
your driving is mostly on-road, and you want stronger standard performance, more cargo room, and available AWD for less.
Consider the Subaru Crosstrek if…
you regularly hit trails or deep snow and want standard all-wheel drive with more ground clearance and Subaru’s resale reputation.
See the 2026 Taos for Yourself in Denver
Browse the current Taos inventory at Emich Volkswagen, or schedule a test drive to feel the standard turbo and available 4MOTION all-wheel drive on Denver roads for yourself.
Subaru and Crosstrek are trademarks of Subaru Corporation. Vehicle names and specifications are the property of their respective manufacturers and are used here for comparison only. Specifications reflect manufacturer data for the model years indicated and are subject to change; confirm current details with Emich Volkswagen. MSRP excludes taxes, title, registration, and destination charges.