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The 2026 Volkswagen Taos produces 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque compared with 158 hp and 138 lb-ft for the 2026 Honda HR-V. The Taos also has an EPA-estimated 36 MPG highway rating versus an EPA-estimated 32 MPG highway rating for the HR-V. This page breaks down key differences between the two so you can find the right fit and check current inventory at Volkswagen of Milwaukee North.
The 2026 Taos provides higher horsepower and torque, higher EPA-estimated highway fuel economy, greater listed cargo capacity, and additional standard safety features based on the specifications compared here. Buyers who prioritize a turbocharged engine, cargo room, and a 4-year / 50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty may prefer the Taos. The 2026 HR-V earns consideration for buyers who place a higher priority on its longer dedicated powertrain warranty or heated front seats beginning with the Sport trim.
| Specification | 2026 Volkswagen Taos | 2026 Honda HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder TSI | 2.0L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 174 hp | 158 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 138 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard; AWD available | FWD standard; AWD available |
| EPA-estimated city MPG | 28 | 26 |
| EPA-estimated highway MPG | 36 | 32 |
| EPA-estimated combined MPG | 31 | 28 |
| Cargo behind 2nd row | 27.9 cu ft | 24.4 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 65.9 cu ft | 55.1 cu ft |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain Warranty | Covered under 4 yr / 50,000 mi New Vehicle Limited Warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Touchscreen Size | 8 inches | 9 inches |
| Digital Cluster | Volkswagen Digital Cockpit | 7-inch TFT |
Specifications, features, and equipment may vary by trim and configuration. Review current manufacturer information for the specific vehicles being compared.
The Taos uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged TSI engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. That combination produces 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The HR-V uses a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT.
Both vehicles offer AWD. On the Taos, 4MOTION® all-wheel drive is available on every trim and comes standard on the SEL. AWD models, except the S 4MOTION, add Off-Road and Off-Road Custom driving modes alongside Normal, Sport, and Individual settings. The HR-V also offers AWD across its trim lineup. Neither vehicle is positioned as a dedicated off-road vehicle, but the Taos offers multiple selectable driving modes on applicable AWD configurations.
The Taos has an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating of 36 MPG compared with an EPA-estimated 32 MPG highway rating for the HR-V. EPA-estimated combined fuel economy is 31 MPG for the Taos and 28 MPG for the HR-V.
The Taos carries 27.9 cubic feet of cargo behind the second row and expands to 65.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The HR-V offers 24.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet maximum. That provides the Taos with 3.5 additional cubic feet behind the second row and 10.8 additional cubic feet at maximum capacity based on the specifications compared here.
For five-passenger travel, both vehicles seat the same number of occupants. Volkswagen builds the Taos with dual-zone Climatronic automatic climate control on the SE trim and above. The HR-V requires the EX-L trim for dual-zone climate control.
The Taos SE and above also include full KESSY keyless access, while the base S trim uses push-button start. On the HR-V, Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock starts at the Sport trim.
Heated front seats appear on the HR-V Sport and EX-L trims. The Volkswagen Taos also offers heated front seats, with availability depending on the specific trim and drivetrain configuration.
Both vehicles include wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto as standard equipment. The Taos pairs these features with an 8-inch touchscreen and the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The HR-V uses a 9-inch touchscreen and a 7-inch TFT cluster.
The Taos includes a 15W wireless phone charger. The HR-V also includes a wireless charger as standard.
The Taos comes with myVW+ connected vehicle services, which may include remote start where equipped, remote lock and unlock, and last parked location. Feature availability and functionality may depend on vehicle equipment, enrollment, connectivity, compatible devices, and active services. The HR-V offers remote engine start beginning with the Sport trim.
Audio steps up on the Taos from a 4-speaker system on the S trim to a 6-speaker setup on the SE and an 8-speaker Volkswagen Premium Audio system on the SEL.
The Taos includes blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard across all trims. The HR-V includes those features on Sport and EX-L trims. Both vehicles include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane assistance, and automatic high beams as standard. The Taos also lists rear-seat pretensioners as standard equipment, while its forward collision detection system includes pedestrian and bicyclist monitoring.
Driver Assistance features are not substitutes for attentive driving. See the applicable Owner’s Manual for further details and important limitations.
The Taos carries a 4-year / 50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The HR-V provides 3 years / 36,000 miles of basic warranty coverage and 5 years / 60,000 miles of powertrain warranty coverage. Buyers can compare the longer overall New Vehicle Limited Warranty term of the Taos with the longer dedicated powertrain coverage of the HR-V based on their ownership priorities.
Volkswagen Carefree Coverage includes scheduled maintenance services at 10,000 and 20,000 miles or for two years, whichever occurs first, along with 3 years / 36,000 miles of Roadside Assistance, whichever occurs first. See the applicable owner literature or Volkswagen of Milwaukee North for complete terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations.
The Taos has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 31 MPG combined and 36 MPG highway compared with EPA-estimated ratings of 28 MPG combined and 32 MPG highway for the HR-V. Buyers can compare fuel economy, warranty coverage, and included maintenance benefits when evaluating ownership considerations.
For buyers comparing these two compact SUVs, the Taos provides higher horsepower and torque, higher EPA-estimated fuel economy, and greater listed cargo capacity based on the specifications compared here. The HR-V provides its own advantages, including longer dedicated powertrain warranty coverage and selected comfort and technology features.
The 2026 Taos provides 174 hp, an EPA-estimated highway rating of 36 MPG, up to 65.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, and available 4MOTION all-wheel drive. Volkswagen of Milwaukee North offers current 2026 Taos inventory across available trims and configurations. Check current inventory to see which Taos models are available for comparison or schedule a test drive.
Yes. The Taos produces 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque from its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. The HR-V produces 158 hp and 138 lb-ft from a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine. That is a difference of 16 hp and 46 lb-ft of torque.
The Taos has EPA-estimated ratings of 28 MPG city, 36 MPG highway, and 31 MPG combined. The HR-V has EPA-estimated ratings of 26 MPG city, 32 MPG highway, and 28 MPG combined.
Yes. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on all 2026 Taos trims, including the S. The 2026 HR-V includes those features on Sport and EX-L trims.
The Taos carries a 4-year / 50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The HR-V offers 3 years / 36,000 miles of basic warranty coverage and 5 years / 60,000 miles of powertrain warranty coverage. Buyers can compare the longer overall New Vehicle Limited Warranty term of the Taos with the longer dedicated powertrain coverage of the HR-V. See the applicable warranty documentation for complete terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations.
The Taos provides 27.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.9 cubic feet maximum. The HR-V offers 24.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet maximum. Based on those specifications, the Taos provides 3.5 additional cubic feet with the rear seats up and 10.8 additional cubic feet at maximum capacity.
Yes. 4MOTION all-wheel drive is available on every Taos trim and comes standard on the SEL. AWD models, except the S 4MOTION, also include Off-Road and Off-Road Custom driving modes in addition to Normal, Sport, and Individual modes.
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard on every 2026 Taos trim, paired with an 8-inch touchscreen and the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster.
