VW Taos vs. Subaru Crosstrek: Boulder Comparison
Two Colorado favorites, two different philosophies: the turbocharged, cargo-rich VW Taos versus the standard-all-wheel-drive, trail-ready Subaru Crosstrek.
The short version
Turbo torque and cargo vs. standard AWD and off-road grit
The 2026 Taos and the 2026 Crosstrek both target Boulder buyers who want a small, capable SUV — but they get there differently. The Taos leads with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine (174 hp, 184 lb-ft), the most maximum cargo room in the class at 65.9 cubic feet, and up to 36 mpg highway. The Crosstrek leads with standard symmetrical all-wheel drive on every trim and genuine off-road hardware in the Wilderness model.
If your winters mean unplowed county roads and your weekends mean rough forest-service two-tracks, the Crosstrek’s standard AWD and available Wilderness gearing are hard to argue with. If you mostly commute and haul — and want AWD only when you choose to pay for it — the Taos gives you more space, more low-end punch, and better highway economy for a similar price.
2026 Taos vs. 2026 Crosstrek: side by side
| Spec | VW Taos (2026) | Subaru Crosstrek (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $26,500 | $26,995 |
| Standard drivetrain | Front-wheel drive (4MOTION AWD +$1,700) | All-wheel drive standard |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo · 174 hp / 184 lb-ft | 2.0L · 152 hp / 145 lb-ft (2.5L 182 hp avail.) |
| EPA highway mpg | 36 (FWD) / 33 (AWD) | 33 (2.5L AWD) |
| Max cargo | 65.9 cu ft | 54.7 cu ft |
| Off-road model | None | Crosstrek Wilderness |
| Touchscreen | 8-inch standard | Dual 7-inch std (11.6-inch avail.) |
Prices exclude destination ($1,475 Taos, $1,420 Crosstrek) and are subject to change. Crosstrek AWD is standard; Taos 4MOTION adds $1,700. Crosstrek photo shows the Hybrid, mechanically identical body. Specs from VW, Subaru and fueleconomy.gov, September 2026.
Where each pulls ahead
Torque and cargo favor the Taos; the Crosstrek answers with all-wheel drive that never costs extra.
Three reasons Boulder buyers pick the Taos
With 65.9 cubic feet of maximum cargo space versus 54.7, the Taos swallows more gear, bikes and Costco runs than the Crosstrek.
184 lb-ft on tap low in the rev range makes the Taos feel punchier around town and merging onto US-36 than the Crosstrek’s naturally aspirated base engine.
Up to 36 mpg highway keeps fuel costs down on the commute between Longmont, Louisville and Boulder.
Where the Crosstrek genuinely wins
Credit where it’s due: the Crosstrek makes all-wheel drive standard on every trim, while the Taos treats 4MOTION as a $1,700 option. If you want AWD no matter what — and you value Subaru’s trail credibility — the Crosstrek’s a legitimately strong pick, and the Wilderness trim goes places the Taos won’t.
But for most Boulder drivers who split time between pavement and the occasional snowy morning, the Taos delivers more cargo, more torque and better highway economy for a similar price, with 4MOTION available when you want it. Come drive both at Emich and decide which philosophy fits your life.
Which one is right for you?
- You want the most cargo space in the class.
- You value turbo torque and up to 36 mpg highway.
- You’d rather choose (and pay for) AWD than have it standard.
- You want all-wheel drive standard on every trim.
- You go off-road and want the Wilderness model.
- Subaru’s trail reputation matters to you.
Drive the Taos in Boulder
We are at 2470 49th Street, minutes off the Diagonal. Come drive a Taos on real Boulder roads and compare for yourself.
Specifications and pricing are sourced from Volkswagen of America, Subaru and fueleconomy.gov and are subject to change. MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title, registration, options and dealer charges. Comparison prepared by Emich Volkswagen of Boulder; not affiliated with or endorsed by Subaru.