Subaru Forester Vs. Volkswagen Taos: What's The Difference?
Volkswagen Taos vs. Subaru Forester Comparison Overview
VW Taos
- Turbocharged performance with eight-speed automatic transmission
- FWD and AWD models available
- Up to an EPA-estimated 28/36 MPG (City/Highway)1
- IQ.DRIVE technology
Subaru Forester
- Standard AWD only
- 8.7 inches of ground clearance
- EyeSight Driver Assist technology
- Up to an EPA-estimated 26/33 MPG (City/Highway)2
Gunther Volkswagen of Coconut Creek is comparing the Subaru Forester vs. Volkswagen Taos to help drivers and families determine their best option. Both offer two rows of seating, advanced features, and confident performance; however, in terms of versatility, fuel efficiency, and competitive pricing, the new VW Taos is miles ahead of the Subaru SUV. See our Volkswagen Taos vs. Subaru Forester overview to dive deeper into the details.
Volkswagen Taos vs. Subaru Forester Design
When looking at the VW Taos vs. Subaru Forester, you'll undoubtedly start with their exteriors since their differing designs easily set these two SUVs apart.
The chiseled exterior of the new VW Taos gives off a rugged and ready appearance, with 2025 enhancements including a redesigned bumper and grille with an available light bar. This small sport-ute is prepared for both the road and the trail with 17-, 18-, or 19-inch alloy wheels and standard LED projector headlights and taillights.
Depending on the trim, you can customize your SUV to your liking with these options:
- Panoramic sunroof
- An illuminated Volkswagen badge
- Three new paint colors – Bright Moss Green, Monterey Blue Pearl, and Monument Gray
The Subaru Forester takes a more practical approach to design. It starts with a basic black front grille, which isn't quite as stunning as the VW Taos SUV's grille split by an available light bar.
The Forester Base model features 17-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights, and a panoramic moonroof is also available as you climb trim levels; however, all of these amenities are offered on the VW Taos at a much more accessible price point, with the moonroof being switched out for a sunroof.
Interior
Stepping inside the VW Taos and Subaru Forester cabins, we find plenty more differences that separate these two competing sport utility vehicles. The new Taos SUV comes standard with comfortable and stylish cloth seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped gearshift knob, a leatherette-wrapped and heated multifunction steering wheel, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.
Upgrading to a higher Taos trim level brings a plethora of premium offerings, including available:
- Climatronic automatic climate control with touch control
- Remote start
- Night Blue leather upholstery
- VW Digital Cockpit Pro
- 8-inch floating touchscreen navigation system
- Two fast-charging USB-C ports in the first row
- Ambient interior lighting
- Wireless charging
Opting for a Subaru Forester entry-level model brings cloth upholstery and manually adjustable front seats. Like the VW Taos, the Forester has 60/40-split flat-folding rear seatbacks for added flexibility. But as you take a closer look, you'll find that the Subaru falls behind in terms of standard features, providing only a single front USB input port, a non-heated steering wheel, and a smaller 7-inch multimedia touchscreen.
Dimensions
Compare the dimensions of the 2025 Subaru Forester vs. 2025 Volkswagen Taos, and you'll discover that these two compact SUVs are quite different in size. The VW Taos is a right-sized compact SUV for many. It offers agile handling and easy parking, thanks to its shorter body, but it also provides comfortable interior volume and practical cargo space.
The new VW Taos is 175.9 inches long with a 105.9-inch wheelbase, while the Subaru Forester stands 183.3 inches long on a 105.1-inch wheelbase. The Taos is lower than the Subaru model, helping this VW SUV deliver dynamic performance and stability as you turn sharp corners.
Conversely, the Subaru Forester is taller and boasts more ground clearance, so if you're planning to spend a lot of time on more challenging terrain, the Forester is a worthy option. Still, many drivers who keep their vehicles on pavement will likely appreciate the VW Taos SUV's lower ride height for better controlled handling.
Looking at the interior dimensions, the substantially longer Subaru Forester offers more passenger volume and maximum cargo space. However, the sporty and smartly packaged VW Taos isn't far behind, with 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind its second row, compared to 27.5 cubic feet in most models of the Subaru Forester.
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| Volkswagen Taos SE | Subaru Forester Premium | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 175.9 in | 183.3 in |
| Width | 72.5 in | 72 in |
| Height | 64.5 in | 68.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.9 in | 105.1 in |
| Cargo Space (Second-Row Seats Up) | 27.9 cu ft | 27.5 cu ft |
| Cargo Space (Second-Row Seats Folded) | 65.9 cu ft | 69.1 cu ft |
| Passenger Volume | 99.5 cu ft | 106.6 cu ft |
Performance
Turbocharged performance comes standard on the thrilling new VW Taos. This athletic small SUV sports a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine under its hood, producing 184 pound-feet of torque plus 174 horsepower.
Taos SUVs are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, giving SUV shoppers more choices than the Subaru Forester, which only comes with AWD. If you're looking to maximize your MPG, you'll appreciate that the VW SUV is offered in a more fuel-efficient FWD configuration.
The Subaru Forester is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a CVT. It generates 176 pound-feet of torque and 182 horsepower, but it weighs more than a VW Taos base trim, leading to higher fuel economy ratings. If you're looking for a compact SUV that's equally efficient and fun to drive, consider the new Taos. As you'll see when we compare the Subaru Forester vs. VW Taos MPG ratings, the Volkswagen model is the more economical choice.
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| Volkswagen Taos | Subaru Forester | |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain Layout | FWD or AWD | AWD |
| Engine Type | Turbo 1.5L 5-cyl | 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Horsepower | 174 | 182 |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Automatic | CVT |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy) | 28 / 361 | 26 / 332 |
| EPA-Est. Range | 409 mi4 | 481 mi3 |
| 0-60 Acceleration Time | 8 sec5 | 8.3 sec6 |
| Top Speed | 126 mph5 | 127 mph6 |
Subaru Forester vs. Volkswagen Taos MPG & Range
Drivers who opt for a new VW Taos can expect their SUV to return up to an EPA-estimated 28/36 MPG (City/Highway),1 which tops the Subaru Forester by a significant margin. The Forester only manages to earn up to an EPA-estimated 26/33 MPG (City/Highway)2 rating, partly due to its larger engine and standard AWD.
As for range, the Subaru SUV can travel farther on a single tank of gas, thanks to its greater fuel capacity. It can go up to an EPA-estimated 481 miles.3 The more fuel-efficient VW Taos and its smaller gas tank can still travel up to an EPA-estimated 409 miles,4 though.
Taos & Forester Release Dates & Trims
The latest editions of the Volkswagen Taos and Subaru Forester are now available at their respective automakers' dealerships.
The 2025 VW Taos arrives in the following trim levels:
- Taos S
- Taos SE
- Taos SE Black
- Taos SEL
The Subaru Forester comes in the following versions:
- Forester Base
- Forester Premium
- Forester Sport
- Forester Wilderness
- Forester Limited
- Forester Touring
Explore the Taos Further at Gunther Volkswagen of Coconut Creek
Gunther Volkswagen of Coconut Creek welcomes SUV shoppers to contact or visit us to learn more about the new VW Taos and its array of advanced features and benefits over the Subaru Forester. You can shop and peruse our new Volkswagen inventory to find a well-equipped SUV that's right for your budget and preferences.
With competitive pricing and attractive incentives like our VW Taos lease specials, you can upgrade to a stellar new vehicle affordably. Get in touch with our knowledgeable VW sales associates for more details.
Taos vs. Forester FAQ
What is the difference between the Taos and the Forester?
There are several differences between the Taos and Forester SUVs. The VW Taos is smaller and more fuel-efficient, and it produces more torque than the Subaru Forester. The Forester only comes with AWD, while the Taos SUV gives drivers a choice of FWD or available AWD. The Subaru SUV utilizes a CVT, and the new VW Taos offers an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Is the Subaru Forester bigger than the VW Taos?
The Subaru Forester is bigger than the VW Taos in most measurements. For example, the Forester measures 183.3 inches long, and the Taos measures 175.9 inches long. The Taos SUV is wider, but the Forester is taller. As for cargo space, these two SUVs are neck and neck, with the Forester offering 27.5 cubic feet in most trims and the Taos providing 27.9 cubic feet.
Which is more reliable: a Subaru Forester or VW Taos?
The Subaru Forester and VW Taos can both be reliable vehicles. Whether you buy a VW Taos or a Subaru Forester, both models will require regular maintenance to help ensure that they continue providing dependable performance. If you want to know more about the VW Taos reliability, cost of ownership, and affordable routine auto care, contact the team at Gunther Volkswagen of Coconut Creek.
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128 city/36 highway mpg (2025 Taos S, 1.5L 4-cyl, 8-speed automatic). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
2EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle's condition.
3Estimated ranges provided are subject to variation based on factors such as fuel levels, driving habits, road conditions, and individual vehicle performance. These estimates should be used for comparison purposes only and shall not be solely relied upon.
42025 VW Taos S EPA estimated total range is 409 miles. Actual mileage and range will vary and depend on several factors including driving habits, accessory use, temperature and topography, load, and vehicle condition. See owner's manual for details.
5This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a63160316/2025-volkswagen-taos-drive/
6This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/subaru/forester