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When shopping for a new Volkswagen SUV, how do you decide between the Taos vs. Tiguan? As impressive as they both are, these vehicles also have a few key distinctions. For starters, the VW Taos is the younger sibling in both age and size; the Tiguan debuted in 2007 as a value-packed SUV, and the VW Taos followed it up for the 2022 model year, closing a gap in the market as its smaller counterpart.
The better SUV depends on your taste and lifestyle needs. Visit our dealership, and we’ll take you on a complete tour and test drive of each SUV so you can explore the difference between Taos and Tiguan models for yourself.
For 2024, the Tiguan and Taos now come standard with the IQ.DRIVE suite of driver assistance features, which means both SUVs are fully loaded with safety systems even at the entry level. Rain-sensing windshield wipers and a leatherette-trimmed steering wheel are also now standard for both models, and the steering wheel is heated for the Taos.
For the Tiguan, the S trim also gets a new standard auto-dimming rearview mirror, while the Taos S gets Light Assist. Besides a few additional feature rearrangements across the trim lineups, the Tiguan and Taos remain relatively unchanged for 2024.
| 2024 Volkswagen Taos | 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 or 7 |
| Maximum Cargo Space (behind 1st row) | 65.9 cu ft | 65.3 or 73.4 cu ft |
| Ground Clearance | 6.4 in | 7.4 or 7.6 in |
| Turning Radius | 35 ft | 38 ft |
| Length | 175.8 in | 186.1 in |
| Width | 72.5 in | 72.4 in |
| Height | 64.4 in | 66.4 in |
| Legroom (Front/Rear) | 40.1 / 37.9 in | 40.2 / 36.6 in |
| Headroom (Front/Rear) | 40.7 / 39.8 in | 39.6 / 39.1 in |
| Hip Room (Front/Rear) | 53.9 / 45.4 in | 54.5 / 53.5 in |
When viewed side-by-side, the Volkswagen Taos vs. Volkswagen Tiguan specs are both impressive in their own right. Both powertrains are turbocharged and produce spirited performance. Although the Tiguan wins with higher horsepower and torque, the Taos has better standard fuel efficiency. Let’s get deep into the VW Taos vs. Tiguan performance specs so you can make an informed decision between these two dynamic SUVs.
We start with the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan. Versatility defines this model. Turbocharged fun comes standard, letting the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine deliver 184 horsepower. A 2024 VW Tiguan S also delivers up to an EPA-estimated 24/31/27 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1 There are two different gas tank size options for the Tiguan depending on whether it is equipped with FWD or AWD: 15.3 and 15.9 gallons, respectively.
On the 2024 VW Taos, turbocharged benefits also come standard. Harnessing a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the VW Taos produces 158 horsepower and delivers up to an EPA-estimated efficiency of 28/36/31 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1
When comparing the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan vs. 2024 Volkswagen Taos, the 4MOTION all-wheel drivetrain is available for precision and confidence, and an automatic transmission provides a seamless ride quality on both models. According to Car and Driver, the Taos accelerates from zero to 60 mph in as little as 7.4 seconds, while the Tiguan lags a little with an acceleration of 8.2 seconds.5,6 The bigger SUV, with its towing capacity of 1,500 pounds,4 is the one you should choose if you have a small trailer or boat to haul.
| 2024 Volkswagen Taos |
2024 Volkswagen Tiguan |
|
| Seating Capacity |
5 | 5 or 7 |
| Maximum Cargo Space (behind 1st row) |
65.9 cu ft | 65.3 or 73.4 cu ft |
| Ground Clearance |
6.4 in | 7.4 or 7.6 in |
| Turning Radius |
35 ft | 38 ft |
| Length | 175.8 in | 186.1 in |
| Width | 72.5 in | 72.4 in |
| Height | 64.4 in | 66.4 in |
| Legroom (Front/Rear) |
40.1 / 37.9 in |
40.2 / 36.6 in |
| Headroom (Front/Rear) |
40.7 / 39.8 in |
39.6 / 39.1 in |
| Hip Room (Front/Rear) |
53.9 / 45.4 in |
54.5 / 53.5 in |
As mentioned, the main Taos vs. Tiguan difference is that the Tiguan is bigger, more than 10 inches longer than its smaller counterpart. Seating capacity is another significant distinction between the two SUVS; the Taos seats five, and the Tiguan seats either five (AWD models) or seven (FWD models). If you have a growing family, the versatile Tiguan dimensions are more likely to accommodate your lifestyle. Both models will comfortably seat everyone, but the Tiguan offers up to 73.4 cubic feet of cargo space in five-seat configurations with the second row down, while the Taos offers up to 65.9 cubic feet of cargo volume with its rear row folded.
The Taos may be your winner if agility takes priority over cargo space. Commuters or frequent city drivers tend to choose the Taos because its size is more conducive to parking in tight spots or maneuvering through narrow urban streets. The VW Tiguan is a great choice for frequent road trippers because there is plenty of space for luggage and camping gear in the trunk with room to spare. The Tiguan also has a taller ride height than the Taos, at 7.6 inches, making it a more viable choice for handling bumpy and uneven terrain.
When comparing the Volkswagen Taos vs. Volkswagen Tiguan price, the more nimble Taos naturally carries the lower starting MSRP. However, 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 many more. Each vehicle boasts the same warranty plans, such as a four-year or 50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty.7 We recommend balancing your dealbreakers with your budget to decide which SUV offers the best value.
The exceptional Tiguan and Taos fuel efficiency is another budgetary consideration. Regardless of which model you choose, you’re investing wisely in an SUV that will help you save at the pump.
The Taos and Tiguan offer spacious interiors proportional to their sizes. Both SUVs also have comparably luxurious cabins. Let’s take a moment to explore some of the most noteworthy interior features that the Tiguan and Taos share, depending on their respective trim levels.
Let’s dive deeper into the competitive value you’ll find in each of these VW SUVs. Each model has four trim levels.
To truly understand how each treats you to premium benefits at an affordable price, we will be comparing the 2024 Volkswagen Taos vs. Tiguan base trim interior features and technology.
When you get into a new VW Tiguan S, you’ll enjoy 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.
A VW Taos S seating has CloudTex and cloth upholstery, six-way manual front seat adjustability, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. The Taos does not come standard with heated front seats, which is one area where it falls behind in the Volkswagen Taos vs. Tiguan contest. However, if you choose to go save through one of our new Taos lease offers, opting for a higher trim with heated front seats is an option worth considering.
In the Tiguan S, technology starts 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 that it comes with a four-speaker sound system.
You can add upgrades like a BeatsAudio sound system to the Taos or a Fender® sound system to the Tiguan. With available features like leather upholstery and the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro in both models, you truly can’t go wrong with either the 2024 VW Tiguan or Taos.
The Taos vs. Tiguan safety features are comparable since both SUVs have the IQ.DRIVE suite of driver assistance features as a standard perk. Plus, both models received a solid safety rating, four out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.8,9 This impressive score can be traced directly to the numerous safety systems available for both models.
Here is the IQ.DRIVE driver assistance features shared by both the 2024 Taos and Tiguan:
Parking Steering Assistant is a major highlight of Tiguan models. This feature can automatically parallel-park or maneuver your SUV into a perpendicular spot. Likewise, adaptive headlights with a front lighting system are only available for Taos models.
Choosing between the Tiguan vs. Taos is a personal decision, but we’re here to help. Contact us with questions about these evenly matched models, such as their reliability rating, or visit us for a test drive. Once you’ve landed on a winner, our team can help you take the next step toward a lease or financing option. If the larger model is better for you, ask about our new Tiguan lease offers so you can drive away from Gunther Volkswagen Fort Lauderdale with total confidence in your decision.
When looking at the Volkswagen Taos vs. Tiguan side-by-side, the Taos is smaller than the midsize Tiguan, making size one of the major differences between the two. The Tiguan can also be configured with either two or three rows, making it either a five-seater or seven-seater. Speak with a member of our team to learn more about Taos vs. Tiguan measurements.
While there are plenty of similarities between the Taos vs. Tiguan, there are also key differences that consumers should be aware of. Besides the obvious 2024 Taos vs. Tiguan size contrast, each SUV is powered by its own engine. The Taos is run by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain, outputting 158 horsepower. The Tiguan has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder powertrain making 184 horsepower.
There is no clear-cut answer to this question, as any vehicle’s longevity and reliability depend on several varying factors, such as the conditions it’s typically driven in as well as ensuring it receives proper care and maintenance. As long as either VW SUV is well maintained, you can expect both to last up to 200,000 miles or more.
All 2024 Tiguan SUVs now come standard with IQ.DRIVE advanced suite of driver assistance systems. S trims also have an auto-dimming rearview mirror, faux leather-trimmed steering wheel, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Plus, stay tuned for the mid-model year update that throws in the MIB3 Composition Media infotainment system with wireless charging and App-Connect for an extra seamless media experience.
According to the VW brand, the Tiguan is named for a mythical beast, a cross between a tiger and an iguana. The Tiguan was the result of a poll Volkswagen automakers conducted, asking the public what their next release should be named. The namesake is meant to reflect the crossover status of the Tiguan and also to celebrate the idea that Volkswagen models are for the people.
| VW Tiguan Release Date | VW Tiguan vs. Subaru Forester | VW Taos MPG |
| New VW Taos |
1EPA estimates only. Your results will vary.
4Maximum tow rating when equipped with 2.0-liter EA888G3 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.
74 years/50,000 miles (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty on all new MY24 vehicles. See owner’s literature or dealer for warranty exclusions and limitations.
8According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
9According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
