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Find out more2026 Volkswagen Taos or Subaru Crosstrek: which one is right for you?
Compare the specs and prices of the Volkswagen Taos vs. Subaru Crosstrek. Discover which of these two compact SUVs is best suited to life in Laval.
Count on Arbour VW, your automotive experts in Laval, to guide you toward the best SUV between the Volkswagen Taos and the Subaru Crosstrek.
We help you compare versatility, performance, reliability, and more.
2026 Volkswagen Taos vs. Subaru Crosstrek: first points of comparison
Between the 2026 Volkswagen Taos and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek, there are many differences. Here are the most important ones:
- The Volkswagen Taos offers more cargo space (1,866 L vs. 1,549 L).
- Between the Taos vs. Crosstrek and fuel economy, the base Taos has the advantage (7.4 L/100 km vs. 8.1 L/100 km).
- Subaru sells a hybrid Crosstrek. It is more expensive, yet delivers higher output.
Despite these differences, both the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek and the 2026 Volkswagen Taos are offered with an MSRP of $30,595, excluding delivery and other associated fees.
Which is more comfortable?
To start, note that the Volkswagen Taos spec sheet shows a bit more space in a few areas that benefit rear passengers.
For example, the Taos provides 963 mm of rear legroom, while the Crosstrek lists only 926 mm.
The interior differences between the Taos and Crosstrek may seem small, but you will notice it on long family trips.
In terms of features and finishes, both vehicles offer similar options. However, the Volkswagen Taos often brings them in earlier in the lineup.
On the base trim of the Taos, the Trendline, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift come standard, a material that is available only on higher Crosstrek trims.
This means extra space where it matters most and better accessories make the Taos a little more comfortable.
Handling comparison
In general, the Crosstrek is a better choice if you seek stable, firm handling in off-road conditions.
The Taos delivers a more urban and responsive drive, which makes it a better vehicle for daily driving or long trips on the highway.
Taos vs. Crosstrek: which is more practical?
The Crosstrek vs. Taos dimensions reveal a more practical Taos.
The Volkswagen Taos offers 790 L in its front-wheel-drive trim, and this can be expanded to 1,866 L by folding the rear bench.
The AWD Taos is a bit less roomy, providing 705 L in the trunk, which can increase to 1,705 L when seats are folded. Either way, the Taos offers substantially more space than the Crosstrek.
The gasoline Crosstrek lists 564 L in the trunk and a maximum of 1,549 L, while the hybrid Crosstrek offers even less.
In short, even the AWD Taos offers a cargo area about 25% larger than the Crosstrek.
Spec comparison
Power figures for the gasoline 2026 Volkswagen Taos vs. Subaru Crosstrek are very similar, but the Taos offers more choice thanks to its available drivetrains: FWD or AWD.
If you want maximum output, you need to choose the hybrid Crosstrek. This choice brings a significantly higher cost.
As for towing capacity between the Taos vs. Crosstrek, towing is not recommended with the Taos, while the Crosstrek can tow a modest 1,500 lb.
Here is a summary of the spec sheets for the Volkswagen Taos and the Subaru Crosstrek:
|
Characteristic |
2026 VW Taos |
2026 Subaru Crosstrek |
2026 Subaru Crosstrek hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Powertrain |
1.5 L TSI turbocharged |
2.5 L 4-cylinder BOXER |
e-BOXER 2.5 L 4-cylinder |
|
Power (hp) |
174 |
180 |
194 |
|
Torque (lb-ft) |
184 |
178 |
199 |
|
Drivetrain |
FWD or AWD (depending on trim) |
AWD |
AWD |
|
Lowest combined fuel consumption (L/100 km) |
FWD: 7.4; AWD: 8.4 |
8.1 |
6.5 |
If you are looking for more power and more equipment, do not hesitate to compare the Volkswagen Taos vs. Tiguan. The latter might suit your preferences better.
Taos vs. Crosstrek: driver-assistance and onboard technology
The Taos includes a larger infotainment centre and a digital instrument cluster on its base trim. With the Crosstrek, you still need to opt for higher trims or the hybrid model to obtain comparable technology.
The Taos also offers a few additional standard safety technologies, such as blind-spot monitoring, which is only optional on the base Crosstrek.
Price-to-feature ratio
For both comfort and onboard technology, Volkswagen Canada offers a compact SUV Taos with a stronger price-to-feature ratio than the Crosstrek.
The Crosstrek lists many features and technologies similar to those of the Taos, but you often need to pay a supplement on a starting price that is comparable to the Taos.
Residual value and resale value: who comes out ahead?
Since AWD models are popular in Québec, the Crosstrek has, up to now, shown a stronger long-term residual value.
However, in terms of Taos vs. Crosstrek reliability, both SUVs are designed to last.
Our verdict: Volkswagen Taos vs. Subaru Crosstrek
Which should you choose between the Volkswagen Taos and the Subaru Crosstrek? In our view, the Volkswagen Taos is a more utilitarian SUV and shows a better price-to-value ratio.
VW Taos vs. Subaru Crosstrek prices, excluding various fees, are identical.
If you were to choose the Subaru Crosstrek, it may be preferable to pay the significant premium for the hybrid model, even if this results in an even smaller cargo area.
Here is a summary of the Volkswagen Taos vs. Subaru Crosstrek comparison:
|
Characteristic |
Volkswagen Taos |
Subaru Crosstrek |
Subaru Crosstrek hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Manufacturer's suggested starting price (MSRP)* |
$30,595 |
$30,595 |
$40,595 |
|
Horsepower (hp) |
174 |
180 |
194 |
|
Lowest combined fuel consumption (L/100 km) |
7.4 |
8.1 |
6.5 |
|
Cargo space (L) |
FWD: 790 - 1,866; AWD: 705 - 1,705 |
564 - 1,549 |
527 - 1,433 |
|
Onboard technologies |
8-inch infotainment centre + 8- or 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster |
7- or 11.6-inch infotainment centre + 4.2-inch colour information display |
11.6-inch infotainment centre + 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster |
|
Limited new-vehicle warranty |
4 years / 80,000 km |
3 years / 60,000 km |
3 years / 60,000 km |
*MSRPs taken from the Subaru and Volkswagen Canada websites (June 2026).
To find the perfect vehicle for your needs, stop by Arbour VW, your Volkswagen dealership in Laval, on the North Shore of Montreal and near Boisbriand and Blainville.
Discover the advantages of Volkswagen financing solutions as well as our Volkswagen special offers in Laval. An economical 2026 Volkswagen Taos is waiting for you.
2026 VOLKSWAGEN Taos
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