VS
At a Glance
Power
187hp @ 6100
174hp @ 5500
Torque
178lb-ft @ 4000
184lb-ft @ 1750
Fuel
27 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Towing
2750lbs
—
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
1.5 L/91ci
Choosing between the Hyundai Tucson and the Volkswagen Taos is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Tucson delivers 187hp @ 6100 while the Volkswagen Taos produces 174hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Tucson returns 27 mpg est. while the Taos uses 29 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $30,700 for the Tucson and $33,210 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 TucsonSE AWD 2026 - From $30,700
Volkswagen TaosSE Black 4MOTION 2026 - From $33,210
Performance
Power Output (hp)
187hp @ 6100
174hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
178lb-ft @ 4000
184lb-ft @ 1750
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
1.5 L/91ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
27 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
24 (2025)mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
30 (2025)mpg
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.3gal
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)
3572lbs
3437lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
2750lbs
—
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
Rear Parking Aid
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Hyundai Tucson
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Tucson
Fuel Economy
Taos
Value
Tucson
Practicality
Tucson
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Tucson
Lower starting price ($30,700)
Higher fuel consumption (27 mpg est.)
Volkswagen Taos
Better fuel economy (29 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tucson or Taos?
The Tucson gets 27 mpg est. and the Taos gets 29 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 Tucson or Taos?
The Tucson produces 187hp @ 6100 and 178lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Taos delivers 174hp @ 5500 and 184lb-ft @ 1750 of torque. The Tucson is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Tucson and Taos?
The Tucson starts from $30,700 and the Taos from $33,210. The Tucson is cheaper by $2,510 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Tucson or Taos?
The Tucson has a braked towing capacity of 2750lbs 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 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.