VS
At a Glance
Power
158hp @ 6500
174hp @ 5500
Torque
138lb-ft @ 4200
184lb-ft @ 1750
Fuel
28 mpg est.
32 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
1.5 L/91ci
Choosing between the Honda HR-V and the Volkswagen Taos is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Honda HR-V delivers 158hp @ 6500 while the Volkswagen Taos produces 174hp @ 5500. On fuel, the HR-V returns 28 mpg est. while the Taos uses 32 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $26,500 for the HR-V 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
Honda HR-VLX AWD CVT 2026 - From $26,500
Volkswagen TaosSE Black FWD 2026 - From $31,510
Performance
Power Output (hp)
158hp @ 6500
174hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
138lb-ft @ 4200
184lb-ft @ 1750
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
1.5 L/91ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
28 mpg est.
32 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
25mpg
28mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
30mpg
36mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14gal
13.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
179.8in
175.8in
Width (in)
72.4in
72.5in
Height (in)
63.4in
64.4in
Wheelbase (in)
104.5in
105.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3276lbs
3181lbs
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
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Taos
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Taos
Fuel Economy
Taos
Value
HR-V
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Honda HR-V
Lower starting price ($26,500)
Higher fuel consumption (28 mpg est.)
Volkswagen Taos
Better fuel economy (32 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the HR-V or Taos?
The HR-V gets 28 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 HR-V or Taos?
The HR-V produces 158hp @ 6500 and 138lb-ft @ 4200 of torque while the Taos delivers 174hp @ 5500 and 184lb-ft @ 1750 of torque. The Taos is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the HR-V and Taos?
The HR-V starts from $26,500 and the Taos from $31,510. The HR-V is cheaper by $5,010 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the HR-V 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.