If you are looking for a sport utility vehicle on the market right now, Volkswagen has many options to offer you. The two most popular sport utility vehicles in the Volkswagen lineup this year will likely be the 2023 VW Tiguan and the 2023 VW Taos. The Taos is a small entry-level sport utility vehicle while the Tiguan is a compact SUV.

As you can expect, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan will be more expensive than the 2023 Volkswagen Taos, but of course, the Tiguan also has more space, more performance, and more features. This article isn't about telling you which of these models is best, but it should help you see the differences side to side and determine which of these two Volkswagen SUVs is right for you.

Pricing

As mentioned, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is more expensive than the 2023 Volkswagen Taos. Based on 2022 pricing, there is about a $7,000 difference between both models in terms of starting price, while the top-of-the-line Volkswagen Taos is $7,000 less than the top-of-the-line Volkswagen Tiguan.

Both SUVs come in Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline versions. While the Tiguan comes standard with all-wheel drive for a starting price of $33,695, the Taos is a front-wheel drive model starting at $26,695. If you want all-wheel drive in the Taos, you will pay $29,195. The most expensive and best-equipped version of the Taos is the Highline starting at $36,695 while the Volkswagen Tiguan Highline had a starting price of $43,695 in 2022.

Interior space

There is more cargo space in the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan both when all seats are in place and when the rear seats are folded down. The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offers 1,065 L of cargo space behind the rear seats while the Taos offers 790 L. Should you fold the rear seats down, you get 2,081 L of cargo space in the Tiguan, and 1,866 L in the Taos.

Inside, the differences between both SUVs aren't as noticeable. The 2023 Volkswagen Taos has a bit less rear legroom with 963 mm vs 983 in the Tiguan, but on the other hand that Taos has the advantage when it comes to head room in the front and in the back, offering more than the Tiguan.

Performance

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos is powered by a 1.5 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine which delivers 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Tiguan is heavier, but it also has a bigger 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that has 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Both of these SUVs deliver some of the quickest accelerations in their respective segments and both lead the way in their category in terms of total standard torque.

The Tiguan has more power, but it also has a higher fuel consumption rating. It averages 10.6 L per 100 km in the city and 8 L per 100 km on the highway while the Taos averages 9.5 L per 100 km in the city and 7.4 litres per 100km on the highway with all-wheel drive. You will save about 1 L per 100 km when you choose a front-wheel drive Taos.

Ultimately, the right choice between each model will depend on your needs. Give us a call today to learn more.