2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Vs. Taos: Interior, Specs, & Dimensions
When you’re shopping for a new Volkswagen SUV, how do you decide between the VW Taos vs. VW Tiguan? Well, as impressive as they both are, these SUVs make their differences known within the Volkswagen family. The VW Taos is the younger sibling. That’s in both age and size, as the VW Tiguan debuted in 2007 as a value-packed SUV, and the VW Taos followed it up in 2018, filling in as a smaller counterpart to that competitive formula.
Each is a great choice, and it might just come down to your personal taste and needs. Visit our dealership, and we’ll take you on a full tour and test drive of each SUV. Looking for a larger SUV? Check out our VW Atlas vs. VW Atlas Cross Sport comparison, too.
VW Tiguan vs. VW Taos Performance
We start with the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan. Versatility defines this model. Turbocharged fun comes standard, letting the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine lay down 184 horsepower. But that turbo also increases efficiency, and a 2023 VW Tiguan S delivers up to an EPA-estimated 24 MPG city/31 MPG highway.1
On the 2023 VW Taos, turbocharged benefits also come standard. With a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine harnessing it, the VW Taos produces 158 horsepower and delivers up to an EPA-estimated efficiency of 28 MPG city/36 MPG highway.2
On both the 2023 VW Tiguan and 2023 Volkswagen Taos, 4MOTION all-wheel drive is available for precision and confidence.
VW Taos vs. VW Tiguan Size
As mentioned, the main 2023 VW Taos vs. VW Tiguan difference is that the VW Tiguan is bigger. The Tiguan is more than 10 inches longer. Both models will comfortably seat five occupants with spacious specs, but the Tiguan offers up to 73.4 cubic feet of cargo volume. The Taos offers up to 65.9 cubic feet of cargo volume.
The Taos may be your winner if city-commuting agility takes priority over cargo space. The VW Tiguan will be a great choice for frequent road trips. The Tiguan carries a maximum towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds3 when properly equipped. Towing with a Taos is not recommended. For more info, see our Volkswagen SUV towing capacity guide.
VW Taos vs. VW Tiguan Price
When comparing the Volkswagen Taos vs. Volkswagen Tiguan price, the smaller Taos naturally carries the smaller starting price. Competitive value can be found in both, with innovative features like the VW Digital Cockpit, Volkswagen Car-Net, selectable drive modes with all-wheel drive, and much more shared between the two SUVs. The choice, then, is a matter of your taste and road-going needs.
2023 Volkswagen Taos vs. Tiguan Interior Features
Let’s dive deeper into the competitive value you’ll find in each of these VW SUVs. To truly understand the way each treats you to premium benefits at an affordable price, we’re going to be comparing 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Taos base-trim interior features and technology. For both models, the S trim is the base trim.
When you get into a new VW Tiguan S, the show starts with cloth seat upholstery, front-seat heating, six-way manual front seat adjustability, and a 40/20/40 split-folding second-row bench seat that also slides and reclines.
Keeping in mind that the Taos is more affordable, we start with the seats in a new VW Taos S. You get seats with a mix of CloudTex and cloth upholstery, six-way manual front seat adjustability, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats.
In the first round of 2023 Volkswagen Taos vs. Tiguan features, the Tiguan wins with its standard heated front seats. So how about technology?
In the Tiguan S, tech treats start with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, an 8-inch VW Digital Cockpit display, VW App-Connect, Car-Net services, two USB-C data ports, and a six-speaker sound system.
The VW Taos S includes all these features except for the two USB-C data ports.
2023 Volkswagen Taos vs. Tiguan safety features both place a significant emphasis on safeguarding you and your passengers. The Tiguan and Taos S both include a standard blind-spot monitor with a rear traffic alert, a rearview camera, and more. Both models have a forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian monitoring, and other useful safety tools that help protect you on the road.
You can add upgrades like a BeatsAudio sound system to the Taos or a Fender sound system to the Tiguan. With available leather upholstery and the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro in both models, the feature-based comparison slightly favors the Tiguan due to its standard extras, like heated front seats.
All Your VW SUV Needs Are Covered at Gunther Volkswagen
Choosing between these two SUVs is a tough decision, but we’re here to help. Contact us with any questions about them you may have, and visit us for a test drive. If you’re still deciding, our other research guides will help, too, like our Tiguan vs. rival SUV comparison, which details VW Tiguan features that are superior.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Taos different than the Tiguan?
The first difference when comparing the Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Volkswagen Taos is that the Taos is smaller. It provides ample practicality but at a more agile size. Many similar features can be found in both, but another significant difference is the powertrain. The Taos uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower, while the Tiguan uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that lays down 184 horsepower. The Taos is slightly more fuel-efficient than the Tiguan, but the Tiguan can hold more cargo. We encourage you to test-drive both to see which suits your lifestyle.
What does the VW Taos compare to?
The VW Taos is a compact crossover SUV designed around versatility, agility, and cutting-edge features. Several competitors take a similar approach, but you’ll find that the Taos compares favorably when stacked up against them all. To see how Volkswagen SUVs surpass the competition, visit the research section of our website.
Is a VW Taos larger than a Tiguan?
No. The VW Taos is the smaller sibling to the VW Tiguan. It measures around 11 inches shorter than the Tiguan and has a maximum cargo capacity of up to 65.9 cubic feet. In comparison, the Tiguan has a maximum cargo capacity of up to 73.4 cubic feet. The Tiguan also has a larger engine, but the Taos can deliver more miles per gallon on your daily drive.2 Both, though, can seat five occupants with spacious ease, and the choice is a matter of city-driving agility and cargo capacity.
Continue Your Volkswagen Research:
| 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Release Guide | 2023 VW Tiguan vs. Subaru Forester |
| VW SUVs Towing Capacity | 2023 VW Taos MPG Guide |
Need Help Finding The Best VW Special For You? Contact Us!
124 city/31 highway mpg (2023 Tiguan S four-cylinder 2.0-liter, 8-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
228 city/36 highway mpg (2023 Taos four-cylinder 1.5-liter, 7-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
3Maximum tow rating when equipped with 2.0L four-cylinder engine and factory-installed towing hitch. Vehicle load, other accessories, and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle Owner’s Manual for details.
