VS
At a Glance
Power
200hp @ 5000
174hp @ 5500
Torque
221lb-ft @ 1750
184lb-ft @ 1750
Fuel
27 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Towing
2000lbs
—
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
1.5 L/91ci
Choosing between the Jeep Compass and the Volkswagen Taos is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Jeep Compass delivers 200hp @ 5000 while the Volkswagen Taos produces 174hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Compass returns 27 mpg est. while the Taos uses 29 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $34,060 for the Compass and $30,960 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
Jeep CompassTrailhawk 4x4 2026 - From $34,060
Volkswagen TaosSE 4MOTION 2026 - From $30,960
Performance
Power Output (hp)
200hp @ 5000
174hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
221lb-ft @ 1750
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
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
27 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
23mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
31mpg
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
13.5gal
14.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
173.4in
175.8in
Width (in)
73.8in
72.5in
Height (in)
64.8in
64.6in
Wheelbase (in)
103.8in
105.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3840lbs
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
✓ 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
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Compass
Fuel Economy
Taos
Value
Taos
Practicality
Compass
Pros & Cons
Jeep Compass
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (27 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Taos
Better fuel economy (29 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($30,960)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Compass or Taos?
The Compass 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 Compass or Taos?
The Compass produces 200hp @ 5000 and 221lb-ft @ 1750 of torque while the Taos delivers 174hp @ 5500 and 184lb-ft @ 1750 of torque. The Compass is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Compass and Taos?
The Compass starts from $34,060 and the Taos from $30,960. The Taos is cheaper by $3,100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Compass or Taos?
The Compass 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 Compass 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.