Volkswagen Taos Vs. Tiguan: The Best SUV For You

VW Taos vs VW Tiguan

If you're looking for an SUV to take your family around town or on adventures, you might be considering the VW Taos vs. Tiguan. They both are spacious for their seating size, have advanced safety features, and match a classy look with comfort design features. However, the VW Taos is a compact crossover that can seat up to five, while a new VW Tiguan for sale can transport up to seven. To learn more about their similarities, differences, and which might be the right choice for you, read on.

Volkswagen Taos vs. Volkswagen Tiguan: More Power to You!

Both vehicles have distinct advantages. The VW Taos has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces up to 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. By comparison, a VW Tiguan has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, creating up to 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This extra force and heavier weight help this midsize SUV tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.3

However, the VW Taos has the lead in fuel efficiency, getting 28/36 mpg1 (city/highway) to the 23/30 mpg2 (city/highway) of the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. These figures are based on an 8-speed automatic transmission utilizing standard front-wheel drive, but that is not your only option. Drivers can choose the available 4MOTION® all-wheel drive and enjoy more traction and better responsiveness in all weather conditions.

VW Taos vs. Tiguan Dimensions: How They Measure Up

Size is often used to distinguish the VW Taos vs. VW Tiguan. The three-seater VW Tiguan offers 39.6 inches of front headroom (if you don't opt for a sunroof), 57 inches of front shoulder room, and 40.2 inches of front legroom. The second row is also spacious, giving passengers 39.1 inches, 55.9 inches, and 36.6 inches by the same metrics. The smaller third row is perfect for kids.

You can get slightly more room to stretch with the VW Taos, including 40.7 inches of headroom in the first row and 39.8 inches in the second. For legroom, you can expect 40.1 and 37.9 inches, respectively. Learn about the differences in cargo room in the FAQ below.

VW Taos vs. Tiguan Accessories: It's All in the Details

The VW Taos has three trims: the S, SE, and SEL, which will sound similar to anyone comparing the Volkswagen Taos vs. Tiguan. These trims are similar in most of their specs. However, each level adds to the luxuries of the last one. The SE offers benefits like wireless charging and 18-inch alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the high-level SEL comes with heated and ventilated front seats and additional safety and driver assistance features.

The VW Tiguan comes in: the S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line. All but the last have the option of either front-wheel or all-wheel drive; the SEL R-Line automatically comes with the 4Motion All-Wheel Drive. Between the VW Tiguan SE and the VW Tiguan SE R-Line Black, the available sunroof goes from available to standard, and the leatherette-covered steering wheel becomes perforated leather. With the SEL R-Line, it is also heated. The IQ.Drive Driver Assistance Suite, containing features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking, becomes standard at the SE level.

Ask About the VW Taos vs. Tiguan at Our Dealership

Whether you are interested in a new VW Tiguan or a new VW Taos for sale, our team at Jim Ellis Volkswagen of Chamblee can help. We can provide valuable insight into the features that make each unique. However, since knowing for yourself is often different from hearing about it, let us set you up with test drives of both vehicles to get a sense of what separates a VW Taos vs. Tiguan personally.

2022 VW Taos 2022 VW Tiguan
Seating Capacity 5 7
Average EPA-estimated MPG 321 26.52
Horsepower 158 184
Torque 184 lb-ft 1,750 221 lb-ft at 1,900 rpm
Dimensions L: 175.8 in W: 72.5 in H: 64.4 in L: 186.1 in W: 72.4 in H: 66.5 in

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can a VW Taos tow?

The VW Taos is not recommended for towing duties. With the rear seats folded down, a generous cargo volume of up to 65.9 cubic feet and optional roof rack accessories can accommodate much of your belongings.

Which has more cargo space: the VW Tiguan or the VW Taos?

A VW Tiguan offers owners 12 to 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which increases to 65.3 to 73.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows down, meaning its maximum capacity is more than the VW Taos. However, the crossover provides a lot of room for its size. It has 24.9 to 27.9 cubic feet available when the back row is in use and 60.2 to 65.9 cubic feet when folded down.

How many miles does a VW Tiguan last?

The VW Tiguan can last 150,000 miles or more. However, this number greatly depends on what driving situations it has been in and the consistency of its maintenance. In addition to following the recommended schedule in your SUV's owner's manual, our certified technicians can offer advice and answer questions about keeping your vehicle running at peak condition for as long as possible.


128 city/36 highway mpg (2022 VW Taos 1.5 L 4-cylinder, 8-speed transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

223 city/30 highway mpg (2022 VW Tiguan 2.0 L 4-cylinder, 8-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 2.0 L 4-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.

Jim Ellis Volkswagen of Chamblee - Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)