VS
At a Glance
Power
180hp @ 6000
174hp @ 5500
Torque
199lb-ft @ 3000
184lb-ft @ 1750
Fuel
29 mpg est.
32 mpg est.
Towing
2000lbs
—
Engine
1.5 L/91ci
1.5 L/91ci
Choosing between the Ford Escape and the Volkswagen Taos is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Escape delivers 180hp @ 6000 while the Volkswagen Taos produces 174hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Escape returns 29 mpg est. while the Taos uses 32 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $31,750 for the Escape and $31,510 for the Taos. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Ford EscapeActive AWD 2026 - From $31,750
Volkswagen TaosSE Black FWD 2026 - From $31,510
Performance
Power Output (hp)
180hp @ 6000
174hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
199lb-ft @ 3000
184lb-ft @ 1750
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.5 L/91ci
1.5 L/91ci
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
29 mpg est.
32 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
26mpg
28mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
32mpg
36mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.7gal
13.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
181.2in
175.8in
Width (in)
74.1in
72.5in
Height (in)
66.1in
64.4in
Wheelbase (in)
106.7in
105.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3419lbs
3181lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
2000lbs
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Ford Escape
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Escape
Fuel Economy
Taos
Value
Tied
Practicality
Escape
Pros & Cons
Ford Escape
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (29 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Taos
Better fuel economy (32 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($31,510)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Escape or Taos?
The Escape gets 29 mpg est. and the Taos gets 32 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Taos is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Escape or Taos?
The Escape produces 180hp @ 6000 and 199lb-ft @ 3000 of torque while the Taos delivers 174hp @ 5500 and 184lb-ft @ 1750 of torque. The Escape is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Escape and Taos?
The Escape starts from $31,750 and the Taos from $31,510, a difference of just $240, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Escape or Taos?
The Escape has a braked towing capacity of 2000lbs and the Taos can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Escape or the Taos?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.