Vw taos vs subaru impreza: power, fuel economy, and safety compared

The Volkswagen Taos and Subaru Impreza are two popular compact crossovers that offer a blend of practicality, performance, and affordability. Both vehicles have their unique strengths and weaknesses, making it crucial to compare them thoroughly before making a decision. This comprehensive guide will delve into the key aspects of the VW Taos vs. Subaru Impreza, helping you determine which crossover best suits your needs.

Performance: Power and Efficiency

The VW Taos is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Subaru Impreza, on the other hand, comes with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that generates 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of acceleration, the Taos has a slight edge, reaching 60 mph in 8.1 seconds compared to the Impreza’s 8.9 seconds. However, the Impreza offers better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city/36 mpg highway versus the Taos’s 25 mpg city/32 mpg highway.

Handling and Off-Road Capabilities

Both the VW Taos and Subaru Impreza provide a comfortable and composed ride on paved roads. The Taos has a slightly firmer suspension, resulting in better handling in corners. However, the Impreza’s standard all-wheel drive system gives it an advantage in terms of off-road capability.

The Impreza’s ground clearance of 8.7 inches is higher than the Taos’s 6.9 inches, allowing it to navigate rough terrain more easily. Additionally, the Impreza offers features like X-Mode and Hill Descent Control, which enhance its off-road performance.

Interior and Cargo Space

The VW Taos and Subaru Impreza offer spacious and well-equipped interiors. The Taos has a more modern and upscale cabin, featuring a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen infotainment system. The Impreza’s interior is more traditional but still comfortable and functional.

In terms of cargo space, the Taos offers 27.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 60 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Impreza provides slightly more cargo room, with 22.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 55.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

Safety Features

Both the VW Taos and Subaru Impreza have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

The Impreza offers some additional safety features as standard, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Taos, on the other hand, has available features like lane departure warning and automatic high beams.

Technology and Infotainment

The VW Taos and Subaru Impreza come with advanced infotainment systems. The Taos features a 6.5-inch touchscreen as standard, while the Impreza has a 6.2-inch touchscreen. Both systems support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Taos offers a larger 8-inch touchscreen as an option.

In terms of audio quality, the Impreza has a slight advantage with its available Harmon Kardon premium sound system. The Taos, however, offers features like SiriusXM satellite radio and a Wi-Fi hotspot as standard.

Price and Value

The VW Taos has a starting price of $22,995, while the Subaru Impreza starts at $19,795. Both vehicles offer various trim levels and options, so the final price will depend on the configuration you choose.

In terms of value, the Subaru Impreza offers a better bang for your buck. It has a lower starting price, better fuel economy, and a higher ground clearance. However, the VW Taos has a more modern interior, better handling, and a more powerful engine.

The Bottom Line: The Right Choice for You

The VW Taos and Subaru Impreza are both excellent compact crossovers that offer a unique blend of features and capabilities. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

If you prioritize performance, handling, and interior quality, the VW Taos is a great option. If you value fuel economy, off-road capability, and a lower price point, the Subaru Impreza is a better choice.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: Which vehicle has better fuel economy?
A: The Subaru Impreza has better fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city/36 mpg highway.

Q: Which vehicle has more cargo space?
A: The Subaru Impreza has slightly more cargo space with 22.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 55.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The VW Taos has a more powerful engine with 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.

Q: Which vehicle has a better safety rating?
A: Both the VW Taos and Subaru Impreza have received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.

Q: Which vehicle has a lower starting price?
A: The Subaru Impreza has a lower starting price of $19,795.