Volkswagen Taos 1.5L TSI vs Subaru Crosstrek 2.5L Boxer: The Mechanic’s Guide
Choosing between the Volkswagen Taos and the Subaru Crosstrek? You’re not alone. These two compact SUVs are in the same price range, but they couldn’t be more different under the hood. As a mechanic who’s seen both of these roll into my shop, let me break it down for you—no marketing fluff, just real-world experience.
Who Should Buy the Volkswagen Taos or Subaru Crosstrek?
The Taos is for city drivers who want a comfortable, fuel-efficient SUV with modern tech. It’s a good fit for someone who does a lot of highway commuting and doesn’t plan on venturing off-road. If you like a smooth, quiet ride and don’t want to think about all-wheel drive, this is your car.
The Subaru Crosstrek is for adventurers. You live where it snows? You like dirt roads? You want something that’ll last 10+ years with minimal fuss? The Crosstrek is calling your name. Subaru owners tend to be practical people who value reliability over fancy interiors.
Inside Story: Practicality and Comfort
Volkswagen Taos: The Taos has a spacious cabin for its size, with good headroom and plenty of cargo space. The seats are well-padded, but some drivers find the lumbar support a bit aggressive. The infotainment system? It’s decent, but Volkswagen’s software is known for the occasional glitch. Visibility is good, though rear-quarter blind spots are noticeable.
Subaru Crosstrek: The Crosstrek’s interior is more rugged, with durable materials that can handle a bit of wear and tear. The seats are comfortable for long drives, though slightly firmer than the Taos. The infotainment system is straightforward, with physical buttons (thank you, Subaru) that make life easier. Sound insulation? It’s not great—the Crosstrek lets in more road noise than the Taos.
Motors: Performance for Real People
Volkswagen Taos: 1.5L turbocharged engine, 158 hp, 250 Nm torque. Fuel economy: ~7.5 L/100 km (31 mpg US).
Good for: City driving, highway cruising, fuel efficiency.
Weaknesses: Turbo lag. Feels sluggish when fully loaded.
Subaru Crosstrek: 2.5L naturally aspirated Boxer engine, 182 hp, 239 Nm torque. Fuel economy: ~8.5 L/100 km (28 mpg US).
Good for: AWD grip, reliability, long-term durability.
Weaknesses: CVT transmission makes acceleration feel dull.
Bells and Whistles: Useful Tech, Not Just Gimmicks
Volkswagen Taos: Digital cockpit, wireless charging, adaptive cruise control. Sounds great—until the infotainment crashes (which it does). Some owners report laggy touchscreen response.
Subaru Crosstrek: Simple but effective. Starlink infotainment isn’t the flashiest, but it works. Subaru’s EyeSight safety system is a lifesaver in traffic, though it can be a bit too sensitive at times.
Long-Term Value
The Taos depreciates faster than the Crosstrek. Volkswagen’s DSG transmissions can be expensive to repair after 100,000 km. The Crosstrek holds value better and is known for lasting over 300,000 km with basic maintenance. Insurance? The Taos is slightly cheaper, but not by much.
Pros and Cons
Volkswagen Taos:
✅ Fuel-efficient
✅ Comfortable ride
❌ Turbo lag
❌ Lower resale value
Subaru Crosstrek:
✅ Reliable
✅ Great in bad weather
❌ Noisy interior
❌ CVT dulls performance
Maintenance – Real Talk
Volkswagen Taos: DSG transmission fluid changes are expensive. Turbocharged engines need more maintenance. Software glitches are common.
Subaru Crosstrek: Regular oil changes and timing belt replacements keep it running forever. CVT repairs, if needed, can be costly.
Europe’s Opinion
In Europe, the Taos is rare, while Subaru has a loyal fanbase in colder regions. Resale values reflect this—good luck selling a Taos in rural Italy!
The Mechanic’s Take
If you want a car that drives like a Golf but sits higher, get the Taos. If you want something bulletproof that’ll survive bad weather and bad roads, get the Crosstrek. My pick? The Crosstrek. It’s not perfect, but it’s built to last.
