Taos vs Tiguan: Comparing Top Mid-Size Family Vehicles for 2025
Mid-size family vehicles are designed to offer a perfect blend of comfort, space, and performance. The Volkswagen Taos and Tiguan are two popular choices in this segment, each catering to slightly different needs. The Taos is a compact SUV that excels in fuel efficiency and maneuverability, while the Tiguan offers more space and power, making it ideal for larger families or those who need extra cargo capacity.
Performance and Engine Specifications
The Volkswagen Taos is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
The Volkswagen Tiguan, on the other hand, features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. It comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available. The Tiguan offers slightly lower fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Cargo Space
The Taos offers a comfortable and well-designed interior with seating for up to five passengers. It provides 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 65.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Tiguan, being a larger vehicle, offers more interior space, with seating for up to seven passengers in the optional third-row configuration. It provides 12 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 33 cubic feet behind the second row, and 65.7 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down.
Safety and Technology Features
Both the Taos and Tiguan come with a range of advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Taos features a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, with an optional upgrade to an 8-inch screen. The Tiguan comes with an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with an optional upgrade to a 10-inch screen. Both vehicles support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Comparison Table: Taos vs Tiguan
| Feature | Volkswagen Taos | Volkswagen Tiguan |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder | 2.0L Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 158 hp | 184 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Efficiency (city/hwy) | 28/36 mpg | 23/29 mpg |
| Cargo Space (max) | 65.9 cu ft | 65.7 cu ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 (optional) |
| Starting Price | $24,190 | $27,785 |
Final Thoughts
The choice between the Volkswagen Taos and Tiguan ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you prioritize fuel efficiency and a compact design, the Taos is an excellent choice. However, if you need more space and power, the Tiguan is the better option. Both vehicles offer a range of advanced features and are backed by Volkswagen’s reputation for reliability and quality.
References:
Volkswagen Official Website
Car and Driver
Edmunds