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Subaru forester vs. vw taos: clash of the compact suv titans!

What To Know

  • The VW Taos, on the other hand, exudes a more refined and urban aesthetic, featuring sleek curves, a sporty front fascia, and a lower profile.
  • The Forester’s standard engine achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine gets 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
  • The Forester excels in terms of interior space, fuel economy, and off-road capability, while the Taos offers a more refined design, better handling, and a lower price point.

The world of compact SUVs is a competitive one, with automakers vying for a slice of the lucrative market. Two standout contenders in this segment are the Subaru Forester and the VW Taos. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality, performance, and style, but which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Subaru Forester and the VW Taos, helping you make an informed decision.

Exterior Design

The Subaru Forester boasts a rugged and adventurous exterior, with a prominent grille, muscular lines, and high ground clearance. The VW Taos, on the other hand, exudes a more refined and urban aesthetic, featuring sleek curves, a sporty front fascia, and a lower profile.

Interior Space and Comfort

The Forester offers ample interior space for passengers and cargo. Its spacious cabin boasts comfortable seats, generous legroom, and a large cargo area. The Taos provides a more compact interior, but it still offers comfortable seating and a surprisingly spacious cargo hold.

Performance and Handling

Both the Forester and the Taos offer a satisfying driving experience. The Forester’s standard 2.5-liter engine provides adequate power, while the optional 2.4-liter turbocharged engine delivers impressive performance. The Taos’s 1.5-liter turbocharged engine provides a lively and responsive driving experience. Both vehicles offer all-wheel drive as an option, enhancing their capabilities in various driving conditions.

Fuel Economy

The Subaru Forester offers slightly better fuel economy than the VW Taos. The Forester’s standard engine achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine gets 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The Taos’s 1.5-liter turbocharged engine gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

Safety Features

Both the Subaru Forester and the VW Taos come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Forester features Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist system, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Taos offers a similar suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Technology and Connectivity

The Forester and the Taos offer advanced infotainment systems with intuitive interfaces and a range of connectivity options. The Forester features an 8-inch touchscreen display, while the Taos offers a larger 10-inch touchscreen. Both systems support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone.

Pricing and Value

The Subaru Forester starts at $26,395 for the base trim, while the VW Taos starts at $22,995. The Forester offers a wider range of trim levels, including the top-of-the-line Touring XT trim, which starts at $36,495. The Taos offers a more limited range of trim levels, with the top-of-the-line SEL Premium R-Line trim starting at $31,495.

Takeaways

The Subaru Forester and the VW Taos are both excellent compact SUVs that offer a variety of strengths. The Forester excels in terms of interior space, fuel economy, and off-road capability, while the Taos offers a more refined design, better handling, and a lower price point. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which vehicle has a better safety rating?

A: Both the Subaru Forester and the VW Taos have received excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Q: Which vehicle has more cargo space?

A: The Subaru Forester offers more cargo space than the VW Taos, with 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 76.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Taos offers 27.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 66.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Q: Which vehicle offers a more powerful engine?

A: The Subaru Forester offers a more powerful optional engine than the VW Taos. The Forester’s 2.4-liter turbocharged engine produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, while the Taos’s 1.5-liter turbocharged engine produces 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.

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