VS
At a Glance
Power
231hp @ 5500
174hp @ 5500
Torque
271lb-ft @ 1500
184lb-ft @ 1750
Fuel
36 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Towing
2000lbs
—
Engine
1.6 L/98ci
1.5 L/91ci
Choosing between the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and the Volkswagen Taos is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid delivers 231hp @ 5500 while the Volkswagen Taos produces 174hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Tucson Hybrid returns 36 mpg est. while the Taos uses 29 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $32,800 for the Tucson Hybrid and $28,200 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
Hyundai Tucson HybridSEL AWD 2026 - From $32,800
Volkswagen TaosS 4MOTION 2026 - From $28,200
Performance
Power Output (hp)
231hp @ 5500
174hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
271lb-ft @ 1500
184lb-ft @ 1750
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.6 L/98ci
1.5 L/91ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
6
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
36 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
37 (2025)mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
36 (2025)mpg
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
13.7gal
14.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
182.7in
175.8in
Width (in)
73.4in
72.5in
Height (in)
66.3in
64.6in
Wheelbase (in)
108.5in
105.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3773lbs
3437lbs
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
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Tucson Hybrid
Fuel Economy
Tucson Hybrid
Value
Taos
Practicality
Tucson Hybrid
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Better fuel economy (36 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Taos
Lower starting price ($28,200)
Higher fuel consumption (29 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tucson Hybrid or Taos?
The Tucson Hybrid gets 36 mpg est. and the Taos gets 29 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Tucson Hybrid 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 Tucson Hybrid or Taos?
The Tucson Hybrid produces 231hp @ 5500 and 271lb-ft @ 1500 of torque while the Taos delivers 174hp @ 5500 and 184lb-ft @ 1750 of torque. The Tucson Hybrid is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Tucson Hybrid and Taos?
The Tucson Hybrid starts from $32,800 and the Taos from $28,200. The Taos is cheaper by $4,600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Tucson Hybrid or Taos?
The Tucson Hybrid 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 Tucson Hybrid 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.