Compare VW Taos Against The Competition

Compare the VW Taos Against The Competition

The VW Taos is a subcompact SUV that combines some of the most appealing features of the Golf and Tiguan into a small and versatile package. The cabin is practical and gives you two rows of seats with an abundance of interior space and the kind of upright seating position that SUV buyers appreciate. The Taos at Sunset Volkswagen of Sarasota has a low starting price and keeps saving you money with exceptionally strong fuel efficiency. Here's a comparison of the new Volkswagen Taos vs. subcompact competitors Mazda CX-30 and the Buick Envista.

Volkswagen Taos vs. the Mazda CX-30

Volkswagen Taos

Mazda CX-30

VEHICLE COMPARISON

 Volkswagen TaosMazda CX-30 
Starting MSRP$29,615$24,995
Engine Power158 horsepower191 horsepower
Engine Torque184 pound-feet186 pound-feet
TransmissionEight-speed automaticSix-speed automatic
Fuel Tank Capacity14.5 gallons12.7 gallons

Interior

One of the greatest advantages for the Taos is its interior space. It provides you with 99.5 cubic feet of passenger volume and 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which is significantly more than the Mazda CX-30 with only 94.1 cubic feet of passenger space and 20.2 cubic feet of cargo room. That translates into more legroom for rear passengers and better utility for drivers near Venice, FL, who need space for luggage and gear.

Technology

Both SUVs include modern technology, but the VW Taos offers a more intuitive experience with its Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and the available 10.25-inch display, which gives you customizable views of navigation and vehicle data. The Mazda CX-30's infotainment system, while stylish enough, relies on a rotary controller that some drivers find less user-friendly.

Performance

The Taos is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque in Bradenton, FL, paired with an efficient eight-speed automatic transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch for all-wheel-drive models. The CX-30 offers a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower, but its naturally aspirated system lacks the responsive, turbocharged feel of the Taos, especially at lower speeds. In addition, the extra gears in the VW Taos means smoother shifting than in the CX-30 with only a six-speed automatic.

The Taos delivers better fuel efficiency than the CX-30, with up to 28 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway, while the CX-30 falls short at just 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. That makes the Taos a more economical choice for daily driving.

Safety

Standard safety features in the 2025 VW Taos include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a rear view camera and automatic high-beam headlights. The Mazda CX-30 has many of the same standard safety features but you'll have to pay extra to get a head-up display in the CX-30 while it comes standard in the Taos.

Bottom line: The 2025 Volkswagen Taos excels with its spacious interior, better fuel efficiency, more intuitive technology and more standard safety features, making it a stronger choice for those who value practicality without sacrificing style.

Volkswagen Taos vs. the Buick Envista

Volkswagen Taos

Buick Envista

VEHICLE COMPARISON

 Volkswagen TaosBuick Envista
Starting MSRP$29,615$23,800
Engine Power158 horsepower137 horsepower
Engine Torque184 pound-feet162 pound-feet
TransmissionEight-speed automaticSix-speed automatic
Fuel Tank Capacity14.5 gallons13.2 gallons

Performance

The turbocharged 1.5-liter engine in the Taos generates 158 horsepower, offering a balanced combination of power and efficiency. The Envista, unfortunately, has a smaller 1.2-liter turbocharged engine that delivers only 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, which leaves it under-powered compared to the Taos.

On the road, the Taos delivers responsive turbocharged performance and an available 4Motion® all-wheel-drive system that offers superior handling and confidence, especially in challenging conditions. The Envista's front-wheel-drive-only setup and less potent powertrain make it less versatile for drivers who face a variety of driving environments around Lakewood Ranch, FL.

Interior

The Volkswagen Taos comes through once again when it comes to interior space. With 27.9 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row, and up to 65.9 cubic feet when the seats are folded down, it easily surpasses the Envista with only 20.7 cubic feet of cargo space. Thanks to its practical design and thoughtful packaging, passengers in the new VW Taos also get more headroom and more rear legroom. While the Envista focuses on a coupe-like profile, the Taos puts a high priority on functionality without compromising style.

Technology and Safety

Both the VW Taos and the Buick Envista come with contemporary technology, but the Taos takes it a step farther with its Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and available IQ.DRIVE® safety suite that includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency assist. The Buick Envista offers standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, but it lacks the premium feel and customization you get with the advanced systems in the VW Taos.

The Clear Winner: The New Volkswagen Taos

The VW Taos does have a higher starting price than the Mazda CX-30 and the Buick Envista, but it delivers a considerably higher level of value. When you break it down into monthly payments, the difference is likely to be negligible. Meanwhile, the VW Taos will save you money at the pump with much better fuel efficiency, and that will pay you back for your extra investment for years to come.

The VW Taos also has a much larger gas tank than both the Mazda CX-30 and the Buick Envista, so you can travel a lot farther between trips to the gas station.We invite you to review our current selection of new VW models online and schedule a test drive of the winning VW Taos at Sunset Volkswagen of Sarasota in Sarasota, FL.

We're sorry, availability of some equipment, options or features may be limited due to global supply issues affecting the auto industry. Please be sure to verify that the vehicle you purchase includes all expected features and equipment.

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  1. Sunset Volkswagen of Sarasota

    2124 Bee Ridge Road
    Sarasota, FL 34239

    • Sales: 941-921-8080
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