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The 2027 Volkswagen Taos offers strong highway fuel economy on FWD models and nearly 8 more cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row than the Crosstrek’s 19.9 cubic feet. This page compares the key differences to help you choose with confidence and with current local Taos inventory.
The 2027 Volkswagen Taos is well suited to buyers who prioritize fuel economy, cargo utility, and a comprehensive selection of standard driver assistance technology at a competitive entry point. The 2027 Subaru Crosstrek offers more ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive across every trim. If you regularly encounter unpaved roads or deep-snow conditions and want AWD regardless of trim selection, Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive may be an important advantage. For Wisconsin drivers who prioritize everyday efficiency, a spacious cargo area, and thoughtfully integrated technology, the Taos offers a compelling combination.
| Specification | 2027 Volkswagen Taos (FWD) | 2027 Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder TSI® | 2.5L naturally aspirated SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 174 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic | Lineartronic® CVT |
| Standard Drivetrain | FWD with AWD available | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard on all trims |
| EPA City / Highway / Combined | 27 / 35 / 30 MPG | 26 / 33 / 29 MPG |
| Cargo (Second Row Up) | 27.9 cu ft | 19.9 cu ft |
| Maximum Cargo | 65.9 cu ft | 54.7 cu ft |
| Length | 175.9 in | 176.4 in |
| Height | 64.5 in (FWD) | 63.0 in |
| Ground Clearance | 6.5 in (FWD) / 7.6 in (AWD) | 8.7 in |
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Both vehicles use four-cylinder engines, but they take different approaches. The Taos uses a 1.5L TSI® turbocharged engine producing 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Torque arrives at just 1,750 RPM and continues through 4,000 RPM, helping provide responsive acceleration during everyday driving around Glendale and on Wisconsin highways.
The Crosstrek uses a larger 2.5L SUBARU BOXER® engine rated at 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Lineartronic® CVT. Its naturally aspirated engine and continuously variable transmission provide a different driving experience from the turbocharged Taos and its stepped eight-speed automatic.
The Crosstrek includes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment across the lineup. The Taos comes standard with FWD and offers 4MOTION® all-wheel drive as an available upgrade. On AWD-equipped Taos models, the 4MOTION system is paired with a multi-link rear suspension and 7.6 inches of ground clearance. The Crosstrek provides 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
The Taos AWD model returns EPA-estimated ratings of 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. The non-hybrid Crosstrek matches the highway figure and is rated one MPG higher combined. Actual mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including driving habits and vehicle condition.
The Taos provides more measured cargo space in this comparison. With 27.9 cubic feet behind the second row on FWD models, compared with 19.9 cubic feet in the Crosstrek, the Taos offers additional room for groceries, weekend trips from Glendale, or winter gear. Maximum cargo capacity with the rear seats folded is 65.9 cubic feet in the Taos and 54.7 cubic feet in the Crosstrek.
Passenger dimensions are closely matched. The Taos provides 40.1 inches of front legroom and 37.9 inches in the rear, compared with 42.9 inches in the front and 36.5 inches in the rear for the Crosstrek. The Crosstrek provides more measured front legroom, while the Taos provides more measured rear legroom.
The Taos cabin features a floating 8-inch infotainment display and Volkswagen Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. Dual-zone Climatronic® automatic climate control and heated front seats are included on SE and higher trims, while a heated leatherette-wrapped steering wheel is standard across the lineup. The Crosstrek Base includes cloth upholstery and a dual 7-inch multimedia system. Higher Crosstrek trims add an 11.6-inch display and leather-appointed seating surfaces.
Both vehicles seat five. Total passenger volume is comparable, with the Taos offering 99.5 cubic feet without the sunroof and the Crosstrek providing 100.5 cubic feet.
The Taos provides wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on every trim through standard App-Connect®, along with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, SiriusXM with 360L, and voice control. SE and higher trims add a wireless charging pad, Park Distance Control, and remote start. Available Premium Speech with a generative AI voice assistant adds further voice functionality on higher trims.
The Crosstrek Base includes a dual 7-inch system with wired Apple CarPlay. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on Premium and higher trims, paired with an 11.6-inch display.
Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance technology is standard across the Taos lineup. It includes Front Assist with Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Pedestrian Monitoring; Active Blind Spot Monitor; Lane Assist; Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go; Travel Assist; Emergency Assist; and Rear Traffic Alert. These features are included on the entry S trim.
Subaru EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology is also standard across the Crosstrek lineup. It includes pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering. Blind-Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Automatic Emergency Steering are optional on Base and Premium models and standard on Limited and higher trims. The Taos includes Active Blind Spot Monitor across its lineup, providing additional standard driver assistance content on the entry trim.
Driver assistance features are not substitutes for attentive driving. See the applicable owner’s manual for important limitations and additional information.
The Taos carries a 4-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The Crosstrek’s basic warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles. The Crosstrek includes a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, compared with the Taos’s 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain coverage.
Every 2027 Taos also includes the Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program, covering scheduled maintenance at 10,000 miles and 20,000 miles, or one year and two years, whichever occurs first, at no additional charge. Volkswagen 24-Hour Roadside Assistance covers the first three years or 36,000 miles. The Crosstrek does not include the same complimentary scheduled maintenance coverage.
The Taos FWD’s highway fuel economy can help reduce the frequency of fuel stops on Wisconsin highway routes. Actual mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including driving habits and vehicle condition.
Standard features on the Taos entry trim include LED projector headlights, Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, wireless App-Connect®, IQ.DRIVE®, and KESSY® keyless access. Dual-zone climate control is included on SE and higher trims. Several comparable Crosstrek features are available on Premium or Limited models.
You want more measured cargo space than the Crosstrek, strong highway fuel economy, comprehensive driver assistance technology across the lineup, wireless Apple CarPlay from the entry trim, and a longer basic warranty. The Taos is well suited to Milwaukee-area commuters, families who regularly use the cargo area, and buyers who appreciate Volkswagen engineering and refinement in a compact SUV. AWD is available throughout the Taos lineup for buyers who want added capability for Glendale winters.
Standard all-wheel drive on the entry trim is a priority or you want additional ground clearance for unpaved surfaces. The Crosstrek Wilderness is designed specifically for buyers seeking added all-terrain capability. The Crosstrek’s longer powertrain warranty may also appeal to high-mileage drivers who plan to keep their vehicle beyond 50,000 miles.
For many buyers in the greater Milwaukee area making the Glendale-to-highway commute, the Taos offers an appealing combination of efficiency, cargo room, standard driver assistance technology, and included maintenance.
The 2027 Taos is in stock at Volkswagen of Milwaukee North, serving Glendale and the greater Milwaukee area. Compare trims in person, take a test drive, and see how the Taos fits your daily routine. The inventory link below shows available configurations, from the FWD S to the comprehensively equipped SEL with 4MOTION® all-wheel drive.
FWD is standard on the Taos S and SE trims, with 4MOTION® all-wheel drive available as an upgrade. The SEL trim comes exclusively with 4MOTION all-wheel drive. The 2027 Crosstrek includes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on every trim as standard equipment.
The Taos holds 27.9 cubic feet behind the second row on FWD models, compared with 19.9 cubic feet in the Crosstrek. With the rear seats folded, the Taos reaches 65.9 cubic feet, compared with 54.7 cubic feet in the Crosstrek. Based on these measurements, the Taos provides more cargo capacity in both configurations.
The Taos FWD earns EPA-estimated ratings of 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. The Taos with 4MOTION® all-wheel drive earns 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. Non-hybrid Crosstrek models earn 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. Based on these ratings, the Taos FWD provides the highest highway estimate. Actual mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including driving habits and vehicle condition.
Yes. Active Blind Spot Monitor is standard on every 2027 Taos trim as part of IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance technology. On the Crosstrek, Blind-Spot Detection is optional on Base and Premium trims and becomes standard on Limited and higher trims. Driver assistance features are not substitutes for attentive driving.
The Taos includes a 4-year/50,000-mile basic and powertrain warranty, plus the Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program covering the first two scheduled services at no additional charge. The Crosstrek’s basic warranty is three years or 36,000 miles, with a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through App-Connect® are standard on all 2027 Taos trims. The Crosstrek Base uses a wired connection, while wireless Apple CarPlay is included on Premium and higher trims.
