VS
At a Glance
Power
180hp @ 5800
174hp @ 5500
Torque
178lb-ft @ 3700
184lb-ft @ 1750
Fuel
26 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
—
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
1.5 L/91ci
Choosing between the Subaru Forester and the Volkswagen Taos is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Subaru Forester delivers 180hp @ 5800 while the Volkswagen Taos produces 174hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Forester returns 26 mpg est. while the Taos uses 29 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $38,385 for the Forester 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
Subaru ForesterWilderness CVT 2026 - From $38,385
Volkswagen TaosS 4MOTION 2026 - From $28,200
Performance
Power Output (hp)
180hp @ 5800
174hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
178lb-ft @ 3700
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
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
26 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
24mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
28mpg
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
16.6gal
14.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
182.9in
175.8in
Width (in)
72.4in
72.5in
Height (in)
69.3in
64.6in
Wheelbase (in)
104.9in
105.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3675lbs
3437lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
—
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
Sunroof
✓ 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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Forester
Fuel Economy
Taos
Value
Taos
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
Subaru Forester
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (26 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Taos
Better fuel economy (29 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($28,200)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Forester or Taos?
The Forester gets 26 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 Forester or Taos?
The Forester produces 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque while the Taos delivers 174hp @ 5500 and 184lb-ft @ 1750 of torque. The Forester is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Forester and Taos?
The Forester starts from $38,385 and the Taos from $28,200. The Taos is cheaper by $10,185 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Forester or Taos?
The Forester has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Taos can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Forester 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.