If you’re in the market for a compact SUV, two options worth considering are the 2023 Volkswagen Taos and the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan. Both vehicles are impressive in their own right, offering a range of features, modern technology, and efficient engines. However, there are some notable differences between the two SUVs that might make one a better fit for your needs than the other.
In this article, we’ll compare the 2023 Taos vs Tiguan in various categories, including price, engine, interior, exterior, safety, and technology. We’ll examine each SUV’s strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
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Pricing
One of the most significant differences between the Taos and Tiguan is their price. The base price of the Taos is $22,995, while the Tiguan starts at $26,440. However, the Tiguan offers more features and a larger engine, which can justify its higher price point.
Available Trims and Pricing
The Taos is available in three trims: S, SE, and SEL. The S starts at $22,995, the SE at $27,245, and the SEL at $31,490. On the other hand, the Tiguan is available in five trims: S, SE, SE R-Line Black, SEL, and SEL R-Line. The S starts at $26,440, the SE at $29,875, the SE R-Line Black at $34,575, the SEL at $36,735, and the SEL R-Line at $38,935.
Special Editions
Volkswagen offers special editions of both the Taos and Tiguan. The Taos offers the Taos Limited Edition, which comes with unique styling elements and additional features, including 18-inch black alloy wheels, black roof rails, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, and leatherette seating surfaces.
The Tiguan offers the Black Edition, which comes with a blacked-out grille, black mirror caps, black roof rails, black 20-inch wheels, and a panoramic sunroof.
Engine and Performance
The Taos and Tiguan have different engines, with the Taos having a smaller and more efficient engine, while the Tiguan has a larger and more powerful engine.
Taos
The Taos comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The Taos has a smooth and comfortable ride, with responsive handling and precise steering. It also has impressive fuel economy, with an estimated 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
Tiguan
The Tiguan comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. It is also paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The Tiguan has a more powerful engine than the Taos, which results in quicker acceleration and better towing capacity. However, it has slightly lower fuel economy, with an estimated 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Cargo Space:Taos vs Tiguan
Both the Taos and Tiguan offer spacious and comfortable interiors, but there are some differences to consider.
Taos
The Taos has a stylish and modern interior, with high-quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system. It offers ample space for passengers, with plenty of headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats. The Taos also has a decent amount of cargo space, with 28.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 66.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Tiguan
The Tiguan also has a comfortable and well-designed interior, but it has more space for passengers and cargo. It offers 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 73.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Tiguan also has a third-row seating option, which can accommodate up to seven passengers. However, the third row is best suited for children or small adults.
Exterior Design
The Taos and Tiguan have distinct exterior designs, with different styling cues and dimensions.
Taos
The Taos has a bold and sporty exterior, with sharp lines and sculpted curves. It measures 175.8 inches in length, 72.5 inches in width, and 64.4 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 105.9 inches. The Taos is available with 17-inch or 18-inch wheels, with multiple options for design and finish.
Tiguan
The Tiguan has a more traditional and understated exterior, with a sleek and elegant profile. It measures 185.1 inches in length, 72.4 inches in width, and 66.3 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 109.8 inches. The Tiguan is available with 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch wheels, with multiple options for design and finish.
Safety Features: Taos vs Tiguan
Both the Taos and Tiguan come with advanced safety features and technologies, with some differences in standard and optional offerings.
Taos
The Taos comes with a range of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. It also offers available advanced safety features, such as lane departure warning, high beam assist, and front and rear parking sensors.
Tiguan
The Tiguan also comes with a range of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. It also offers available advanced safety features, such as lane departure warning, high beam assist, and the 2023 Taos and Tiguan both offer a lot of value to SUV buyers, but they are quite different from each other in many ways. In this review, we’ll compare and contrast the two models in terms of their design, performance, technology, safety, and overall value. By the end of this article, you should have a better idea of which SUV is right for you.
Design
The Taos and Tiguan have distinct looks that set them apart from each other. The Taos has a sleeker and more modern design, with sharp lines, a bold grille, and a sloping roofline that gives it a sporty appearance. The Tiguan, on the other hand, has a more traditional SUV look, with a boxy shape, a larger grille, and a taller profile.
Inside, the Taos has a clean and modern interior that features a digital instrument cluster and an infotainment system with a 6.5-inch or an available 8-inch touchscreen display. The Tiguan, meanwhile, has a more spacious cabin and a more traditional dashboard design that features a 6.5-inch or an available 8-inch touchscreen display.
Performance
The Taos and Tiguan offer different levels of performance and capability. The Taos comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine provides adequate power for daily driving and is fuel-efficient, achieving up to 31 mpg combined.
The Tiguan, on the other hand, comes standard with a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offers better acceleration and more power for towing and hauling, but it is less fuel-efficient, achieving up to 24 mpg combined.
Both the Taos and Tiguan offer available all-wheel drive, which improves their performance in inclement weather and off-road conditions. The Tiguan also offers an available third-row seat, which provides extra seating for families.
Technology
The Taos and Tiguan both come standard with a variety of advanced technology features that enhance their safety, convenience, and entertainment capabilities. The Taos comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a rearview camera.
The Tiguan comes standard with a larger 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a rearview camera. It also offers available features such as a panoramic sunroof, a digital instrument cluster, a Fender premium audio system, and a hands-free power liftgate.
Safety
Both the Taos and Tiguan have strong safety ratings and come standard with a suite of advanced safety features. The Taos comes standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. The Tiguan adds to these features with standard adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.
Both models also offer available safety features such as a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, and a rear traffic alert system.
Value
The Taos and Tiguan both offer a lot of value for their respective price points. The Taos is priced lower than the Tiguan, starting at around $22,000, while the Tiguan starts at around $26,000. However, the Tiguan offers more features and capabilities, such as a more powerful engine, more cargo space, and an available third-row seat.
Ultimately, the decision between the Taos and Tiguan comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you’re looking for a sleek and fuel the Tiguan, on the other hand, has a more conservative design that has remained largely unchanged since 2018. The front fascia features a more traditional VW grille with sleek, angular headlights. The Tiguan has a longer wheelbase than the Taos, which translates to more interior space. It also has more cargo capacity, with up to 73.5 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down.
Interior: Taos vs Tiguan
The Taos’s interior is modern and stylish, with a dashboard design that is reminiscent of the VW Arteon. The materials used throughout the cabin are of high quality, and the attention to detail is impressive. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the rear seats have plenty of legroom for adult passengers. The infotainment system is easy to use and responsive, and it comes with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen display. Higher trims come with an 8-inch display, wireless charging, and a panoramic sunroof.
The Tiguan’s interior is also well-appointed, with a more traditional design. The materials used are of high quality, but the overall design feels a bit dated. The front seats are comfortable and offer plenty of support, but the second-row seats are a bit cramped for adults. The infotainment system is easy to use and comes with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen display. Higher trims come with an 8-inch display, a panoramic sunroof, and a digital gauge cluster.
Performance
The Taos comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an option. The Taos offers a smooth and comfortable ride, with well-tuned suspension that absorbs bumps and rough roads with ease. The steering is precise and well-weighted, and the brakes are responsive.
The Tiguan comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. It comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is also available as an option. The Tiguan offers a comfortable ride, with a suspension that absorbs bumps and rough roads well. The steering is precise, but it feels a bit numb compared to the Taos. The brakes are responsive and offer good stopping power.
Fuel Economy
The Taos has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, and 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive.
The Tiguan has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, and 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive.
Safety
Both the Taos and the Tiguan come standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims come with additional safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet released crash test ratings for the Taos. The Tiguan received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
Price
The Taos starts at $22,995 for the base S trim with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an option. The top-of-the-line SEL Premium with all-wheel drive starts at $32,995.
Exterior Design
The 2023 Taos features an eye-catching design with its sharp lines and creases. Its front fascia boasts a bold grille with LED headlights and daytime running lights that provide ample lighting in all weather conditions. The rear of the Taos has a sporty look with sleek taillights, a tailgate spoiler, and a dual exhaust system.
On the other hand, the 2023 Tiguan has a more refined and elegant look. Its front fascia features a larger grille and LED headlights, giving it a more imposing presence. The Tiguan’s rear has a more traditional SUV look, with square taillights and a more upright stance.
Interior Design and Features: Taos vs Tiguan
The Taos interior features high-quality materials, comfortable seating, and a spacious cabin. The Taos comes standard with cloth upholstery, but leather is available in higher trims. It also has a 6.5-inch infotainment display, which can be upgraded to an 8.0-inch display in higher trims. The Taos also features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is a nice touch.
The Tiguan’s interior is also well-crafted, with a spacious and comfortable cabin. The Tiguan’s base model comes with cloth upholstery, but leather is available in higher trims. The Tiguan also features a larger infotainment display, with a standard 6.5-inch display that can be upgraded to an 8.0-inch display in higher trims. It also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Performance
The Taos comes with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
The Tiguan, on the other hand, comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
In terms of fuel economy, the Taos gets an estimated 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, while the Tiguan gets an estimated 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Safety Features
Both the Taos and Tiguan come with a host of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the Tiguan also comes standard with adaptive cruise control, which is an optional feature on the Taos.
Pricing
The 2023 Taos has a starting price of around $22,000, making it one of the more affordable options in the compact SUV segment. However, prices can go up to around $33,000 for the top-of-the-line SEL trim with all-wheel drive.
The 2023 Tiguan, on the other hand, has a starting price of around $26,000, making it slightly more expensive than the Taos. Prices can go up to around $39,000 for the top-of-the-line SEL Premium R-Line with all-wheel drive.
Conclusion
Overall, both the 2023 Taos and Tiguan offer a lot of value in the compact SUV segment. The Taos is a great option for those who prioritize fuel efficiency, affordability, and a comfortable ride, while the Tiguan is a better choice for those who want more power, more space, and a more refined driving experience.
Another great feature of the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is its excellent fuel economy. With an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, the Tiguan is more fuel-efficient than the Taos, which gets 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. This may not seem like a significant difference, but over time, it can add up to substantial savings.
In terms of safety, both the Taos and Tiguan offer advanced safety features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the Tiguan goes above and beyond with its available adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and park assist features. These features make the Tiguan an even safer choice for families or anyone who values the latest safety technology.
One area where the Taos shines is its affordability. With a starting price of around $22,000, the Taos is significantly less expensive than the Tiguan, which starts at around $26,000. This makes the Taos an excellent choice for budget-conscious car buyers who still want a stylish and reliable vehicle.
In terms of interior space and cargo capacity, the Tiguan once again comes out on top. With its larger size, the Tiguan offers more room for passengers and cargo than the Taos. The Tiguan has a total passenger volume of 123.9 cubic feet, compared to the Taos’s 99.5 cubic feet. The Tiguan also has a maximum cargo capacity of 73.5 cubic feet, while the Taos’s cargo capacity tops out at 65.9 cubic feet.
Overall, both the 2023 Volkswagen Taos and Tiguan are excellent choices in the compact SUV category. The Taos is a more affordable option with excellent standard features and a sporty driving experience, while the Tiguan offers more advanced safety features, better fuel economy, and more interior space. Ultimately, the choice between these two models will come down to personal preference and priorities. Whether you choose the Taos or Tiguan, you’ll be getting a stylish, reliable, and enjoyable SUV that’s sure to please.
FAQs
Is the Taos or Tiguan better for families?
Both the Taos and Tiguan are excellent choices for families, but the Tiguan offers more advanced safety features and more interior space, making it the better choice for larger families.
Which SUV is more affordable, the Taos or Tiguan?
The Taos is more affordable than the Tiguan, with a starting price of around $22,000 compared to the Tiguan’s starting price of around $26,000.
Which SUV has better fuel economy, the Taos or Tiguan?
The Tiguan has better fuel economy than the Taos, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, compared to the Taos’s 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
Which SUV has more cargo capacity, the Taos or Tiguan?
The Tiguan has more cargo capacity than the Taos, with a maximum cargo capacity of 73.5 cubic feet compared to the Taos’s maximum cargo capacity of 65.9 cubic feet.
Which SUV has better standard features, the Taos or Tiguan?
Both the Taos and Tiguan offer excellent standard features, but the Taos has a slightly more extensive list of standard features, making it an excellent value for its price point.