​​The Differences Between The Taos and Tiguan​ 

Volkswagen offers some of the best SUVs that fit nearly any budget. Two of those great options just happen to be the Taos and Tiguan. Both vehicles have recently received all-new updates, and while the Tiguan is the older sibling and the best-selling Volkswagen model, the Taos is becoming very popular with buyers who want a crossover that still feels nimble like a car.  

2026 Pricing  

When it comes to price, both vehicles aren’t far apart. The 2026 Volkswagen Taos starts from $27,975, and the 2026 Tiguan has a base price of $32,280. Both come standard with front-wheel drive or 4Motion all-wheel drive available on all trim levels. Let’s take a deeper look at both models to see which one best fits your budget and lifestyle needs. 

The VW Taos 

The Taos is available in four trim levels: S, SE, SE Black, and SEL. All trims feature a 1.5-liter turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder engine that delivers 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, which is perfectly paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox that helps the crossover get an EPA estimated 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway for FWD models and just three mpg less in each driving cycle for AWD models.  

Cargo Space 

When equipped with FWD, owners will have 24.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which increases to 65.9 cu.ft, when those seats are folded. Models with 4Motion AWD will have 24.9 cu.ft. of space behind the rear seats and 60.2 when they’re folded. 

How Much Can the Taos Tow? 

If you are looking for a vehicle that can tow, the Taos can handle up to 1,500 lbs. So, if you have a motorcycle, a jet ski, some smaller boats, and even rental trailers to move you between homes or apartments. This way, you can save money on moving vans and services every few years.  

The Taos Offers Great Interior Tech 

When it comes to interior technology, the Taos does not disappoint. Both it and the Tiguan offer similar equipment. As standard, you will have two 45-watt fast-charging USB-C ports, adaptive cruise control, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 8-inch Digital Cockpit gauge cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An extra 45-watt USB-C charging port and wireless charging pad are all standard on SE and higher trims, while a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro gauge cluster is standard on SEL models.  

The Tiguan Offers a Bit More 

The 2026 Tiguan is also available in four trim levels: S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and the brand-new SEL R-Line Turbo. For the extra money spent, the Tiguan comes with a 2.0-liter turbo engine that produces 201 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque with FWD, or 221 lb-ft of torque with 4Motion AWD. The special SEL R-Line Turbo ups the ante even more with a total of 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, for an experience compared to the GTI hot hatch, but in SUV form.  

Fuel Economy in the Tiguan 

While the Taos offers better EPA fuel mileage, the Tiguan is no slouch with an estimated 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with FWD and 22 mpg in city driving and 30 mpg on the highway with AWD.  

Behind the rear seats, you’ll find 33.8 cubic feet of space that expands to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This gives owners some of the most interior volume of any SUV in the class.  

How Much Can the Tiguan Tow? 

If you plan to use your Tiguan for any towing duties, front-wheel-drive models have the same 1,500 lbs of towing capacity as the Taos, while 4Motion models can tow up to 1,800 lbs when properly equipped, of course.  

The Tiguan Offers Great Tech Features 

The extra price of the Tiguan really starts to make sense when you see the level of standard features you will get. The 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro digital instrument cluster, available only on the Taos SEL, is standard on all Tiguan models, as is a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Even more so, the top SEL R-Line Turbo comes standard with a 15-inch infotainment system. Every trim level features Speech with an A.I. voice assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four 45-watt fast-charging USB-C ports with two more optional, and a 15-watt wireless charging pad. SEL R-Line Black and R-Line Turbo models also get a Head-Up Display as standard.  

All Volkswagen Vehicles Feature Great Standard Safety 

Both vehicles also offer excellent standard safety equipment thanks to IQ.Drive. The Taos and Tiguan both come standard with Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Travel Assist, Front Assist Forward Collision Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring, Active Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Lane Assist Lane Keeping System, and Emergency Assist.  

Let Sisbarro Volkswagen Help You Find the Right Model 

To experience both models in all their glory and test drive them back-to-back, the wonderful sales professionals at Sisbarro Volkswagen would be happy to assist you in making an informed decision. Your salesperson will also work hard to make sure you get the best possible price on your new vehicle and to offer you a great price on your trade-in vehicle, if you have one.  

Why Choose Sisbarro Volkswagen  

Take a trip to Sisbarro Volkswagen to get acquainted with all the 2026 Volkswagen models. At Sisbarro Volkswagen, we are proud to offer the best prices and services on both new and used Volkswagen models. Our sales team will work to find you the car you want, and our finance department will help you get the best possible price. When it’s time to service your car, our service department will work hard to ensure your car or SUV receives the best care imaginable.   

We thank you for trusting us, and we look forward to serving you soon. 

Tags: 2026, Affordable, Cargo, Fuel, Fuel Economy, New, Safety, SUV, Taos, Tech, Tiguan, Torque, Tow, Towing, Used, Volkswagen
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