Volkswagen Taos Vs. Toyota RAV4: A Head-To-Head Comparison
Volkswagen Taos vs. Toyota RAV4 at a Glance
- Both the VW Taos and RAV4 come in four trims, but the Taos lineup has a more competitive starting MSRP in comparison to the RAV4 lineup.
- The VW Taos has more advanced standard features than the Toyota model, like a heated steering wheel and an Active Blind Spot Monitor.
- In their base iterations, the Taos is shorter in length and has a lighter curb weight compared to the RAV4, making it easier to handle and maneuver.
- When comparing FWD models, the gas-only RAV4 is slightly less efficient than the Taos on the city and highway.
Who wins in our Volkswagen Taos vs. Toyota RAV4 SUV comparison? The perfectly sized Taos proves its worth over the RAV4 with more passenger volume and a nimble frame that handles a variety of driving conditions. It also excels with higher MPG ratings and boasts more impressive standard features than the RAV4. When you're ready to see if the VW Taos is worth the hype, reach out to our team at Wallace Volkswagen of Kingsport to schedule a tour and test drive at your convenience.
Volkswagen Taos vs. Toyota RAV4 Specs & Engine Info
We begin our Volkswagen Taos vs. Toyota RAV4 comparison where it should begin: engine specs and performance. No one wants to drive a lackluster SUV, and thankfully, you won't find that with either model in today's guide. The Toyota vehicle produces slightly higher horsepower than the VW Taos, but both SUVs offer 184 pound-feet of torque from their standard powertrain. With the FWD setup, the Taos also achieves higher fuel efficiency numbers on the city and highway, thanks to its turbocharged 1.5-liter engine – which we'll cover more below – and to top it off, it has a lower starting MSRP than the RAV4.
So if you prioritize having higher MPG and a more accessible beginning price at the cost of losing a little bit of horsepower, the VW Taos is the ideal choice.
| 2025 Volkswagen Taos S vs. 2025 Toyota RAV4 LE: Engine Specs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Models | 2025 Volkswagen Taos S | 2025 Toyota RAV4 LE |
| Standard Engine | 1.5L turbo 4-cyl | 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 28 / 36 / 311 | 27 / 35 / 302 |
| Horsepower | 177 | 203 |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto | 8-speed auto |
2025 Volkswagen Taos vs. Toyota RAV4 Dimensions
Your SUV shouldn't be a challenge to maneuver or handle when out running errands – that's why the Volkswagen Taos proves to be the perfect balance of agility and spaciousness when you put it against the bulkier RAV4. The VW SUV is shorter in both length and height, and it's more narrow; however, this doesn't mean the model loses out on passenger space. The VW Taos surprisingly has more passenger volume than the RAV4, as you can see in the chart below:
| 2025 Volkswagen Taos S vs. 2025 Toyota RAV4 LE: Dimensions & Capacity | ||
|---|---|---|
| Models | 2025 Volkswagen Taos S | 2025 Toyota RAV4 LE |
| Passenger Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Length | 175.9 in | 180.9 in |
| Width (Excluding Mirrors) | 72.5 in | 73 in |
| Height | 64.5 in | 67 in |
| Maximum Passenger Volume | 99.5 cu ft | 98.9 cu ft |
| Maximum Headroom (First / Second Row) | 40.7 / 39.8 in | 37.7 / 39.5 in |
| Legroom (First / Second Row) | 40.1 / 37.9 in | 41.0 / 37.8 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,201 lbs | 3,370 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 105.9 in | 105.9 in |
VW Taos vs. Toyota RAV4 Trim Levels
Both SUVs come in four trim packages. The RAV4 can be customized into the following gas-powered editions:
- LE
- XLE
- XLE Premium
- Limited
With impressive turbocharged performance, each edition of the VW Taos can be the perfect candidate for everyday commuting:
- S
- SE
- SE Black
- SEL
2025 Volkswagen Taos vs. Toyota RAV4 Features
The Taos continues to set a higher standard and outpaces the RAV4 in terms of technology and amenities. Here's a quick overview of the more robust Taos SUV:
- A heated steering wheel and leather gear shift level are found on every trim level of the Taos; neither are found standard on the RAV4.
- Genuine leather upholstery is available on higher-tier Taos models, while the RAV4 only offers a SofTex alternative.
- Higher-level Taos trims have a standard panoramic sunroof, but a similar feature must be purchased as part of a package for the RAV4 at a much higher price.
- Secure innovative and attractive styling elements like an integrated light bar in the front grille in the Taos, which the RAV4 lacks.
With all this in mind, we think it's safe to say the Taos pulls ahead of its Toyota SUV competitor. Get a look at the thoughtfully crafted, built-for-life VW Taos at Wallace Volkswagen of Kingsport today.
Volkswagen Taos vs. Toyota RAV4 Safety and Driver Assistance Tech
Both SUVs in our Volkswagen Taos vs. Toyota RAV4 matchup are built with safety in mind and come standard with a suite of driver assistance systems. However, the VW Taos offers more. Starting with the Toyota RAV4, you get access to Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which includes the following:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Road Sign Assist
Meanwhile, the VW Taos looks toward the future with its signature IQ.DRIVE driver-assistance system that has an edge over the Toyota model. Take advantage of the following technology:
- Active Blind Spot Monitor
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Front Assist
- Emergency Assist
- Lane Assist
- Travel Assist
When comparing the two, we see the Taos offers a standard Active Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert to help you remain aware of your surroundings. The same can't be said for the RAV4.
VW Taos vs. Toyota RAV4 Fuel Economy
If higher MPG on the city and highway are important to you, the new Volkswagen Taos for sale is the more efficient of the two when comparing gas-only variants with FWD:
- 2025 VW Taos: an EPA-estimated 28/36/31 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1
- 2025 Toyota RAV4: an EPA-estimated 27/35/30 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2
With AWD, the Toyota model achieves slightly higher fuel economy, but opting for this drivetrain setup does result in a jump in price. The base-level Taos can also be upgraded to AWD, but it does so at a much more affordable MSRP.
Who Wins Our Volkswagen Taos vs. Toyota RAV4 Clash?
The new VW Taos is driver-centric and stands up to the challenge of everyday versatility; it's designed to keep up with your world, wherever your path leads you. With its larger passenger volume, agile handling, exciting turbocharged performance, and more premium standard features at a more appealing price, it's easy to see why it takes the crown in this SUV battle.
If you're already convinced the Taos is made for you, go ahead and apply for financing online before dropping by our dealership.
We look forward to welcoming you to our showroom at Wallace Volkswagen of Kingsport, where you can start a deeper conversation about Volkswagen Taos vs. Toyota RAV4 reviews with our experts or inquire about our enticing VW Taos deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the fuel efficiency of the 2025 Volkswagen Taos compare to the Toyota RAV4?
The fuel efficiency of the 2025 VW Taos is more appealing and takes you farther than that of gas-only Toyota RAV4 models. Unless you're shelling out for a hybrid Toyota model, you're only getting 27/35/30 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2 on RAV4 iterations with FWD, while every VW Taos with FWD offers an EPA-estimated 28/36/31 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1
Between the VW Taos and the Toyota RAV4, which provides a more comfortable interior?
The answer to this question depends on your preferences, but we believe the VW model has an edge over the RAV4 in terms of comfort. Although both models are considered compact, the Taos provides more front-passenger headroom and overall passenger volume, giving you and your friends space to truly relax. The Taos is also equipped with a standard heated steering wheel, which the RAV4 offers on higher trim levels.
How do the infotainment systems in the Volkswagen Taos and Toyota RAV4 compare?
Both the Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Taos start with an 8-inch touchscreen display and come standard with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. While the RAV4 gets upgraded to a 10.5-inch option on higher editions, the VW Taos has a more streamlined, user-friendly approach by utilizing the same display throughout the lineup and adding navigation and voice control in upper-tier trims.
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128 city/36 highway mpg (2025 VW Taos 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, eight-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
2Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.