Compare the VW Tigan and Taos Against the Competition
Volkswagen Taos and Tiguan vs. Honda CR-V: Compact SUVs with a European Edge
How Volkswagen Turns the Daily Drive into Something Sharper
Volkswagen has a one-two compact SUV punch in the new Tiguan and Taos, and both line up squarely against the ever-popular Honda CR-V.
If you are cross-shopping all three, the Volkswagens come to the table with turbocharged power, smart tech, and, right now, a compelling Conquest Event on select remaining 2025 models that rewards qualifying non-VW owners on new Tiguan and Taos purchases (conquest incentives apply to 2025 models only; see Village Volkswagen of Chattanooga for current program details).
| Volkswagen Tiguan | Volkswagen Taos | |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | All wheel drive | Front wheel drive |
| Engine Power | 268 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 174 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Engine torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1,900 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Fuel Economy (City/Hwy/Combined) | 22 / 29 / 25 MPG | 28 / 36 / 31 MPG |
| Fuel Capacity | 15.6 gal | 13.2 gal |
Overview of the New Volkswagen Tiguan
The latest Volkswagen Tiguan leans into a more premium, driver-focused feel while keeping the practicality shoppers expect in this class. It is sized and tuned for drivers who want something a bit more refined than the typical compact SUV, but still easy to live with every day.
- Starting MSRP: $30,805 dollars
- Horsepower: 268 horsepower
- Torque: 258 pound feet of torque
- Cargo Space: 69.8 cubic feet
- Colors: Avocado Green, Atlantic Blue Metallic, Deep Black Pearl, Kings Red Metallic, Opal White, Platinum Gray Metallic
The Tiguan is the more substantial of the two Volkswagens here, aimed at drivers who want a planted highway ride, all-weather confidence, and the sort of calm, solid feel that makes long Chattanooga drives less tiring.
Overview of the New Volkswagen Taos
The Volkswagen Taos is the compact urban specialist: easy to park, surprisingly roomy inside, and now more powerful than before. It delivers big-SUV versatility in a smaller footprint that fits daily city life and country rides in equal measure.
- Starting MSRP: $26,500 dollars
- Horsepower: 174 horsepower
- Torque: 184 pound feet of torque
- Cargo Space: 66 cubic feet
- Colors: Bright Moss Green, Cornflower Blue, Monterey Blue Pearl, Platinum Gray, Pyrite Silver, Deep Black Pearl, Pure White, Monument Gray
The Taos is smaller than both the Tiguan and the Honda CR-V, but that compact footprint is part of the appeal. It feels light on its feet, easy to maneuver, and right at home threading through crowded streets or tight parking garages.
| Volkswagen Tiguan | Honda CR-V | |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | All wheel drive | All wheel drive |
| Engine Power | 268 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 190 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Engine torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1,900 rpm | 179 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | Continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy (City/Hwy/Combined) | 22 / 29 / 25 MPG | 27 / 31 / 29 MPG |
| Fuel Capacity | 15.6 gal | 14.0 gal |
2026 Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V built its reputation on efficiency and space, and it continues to offer a strong mix of cargo room and comfortable seating. The Volkswagen Tiguan approaches the same mission with more emphasis on driver engagement, turbocharged strength, and a subtly more upscale cabin.
From a power standpoint, the CR-V offers a 1.5-liter turbo engine around the 190-horsepower mark and an available hybrid system with roughly 204 horsepower. The Tiguan's available turbo engine, rated up to 268 horsepower and 258 pound feet of torque, gives it a decisive edge when you need a quick pass or a confident merge onto the highway. That extra power translates into a more relaxed feel at speed, with the Tiguan never seeming strained on long stretches to Cleveland, TN.
Space is where the CR-V pushes back. It boasts one of the largest cargo areas in the class, with maximum volume in the mid-70s cubic-foot range when the rear seats are folded. The Tiguan's 69.8 cubic feet still offers plenty of real-world utility, and its more driver-centric cockpit and taut, European-style chassis tuning will appeal to shoppers who care as much about how a vehicle feels on the road as how many boxes it can swallow.
Technology and safety are strong on both sides. Honda's CR-V offers large screens, available built-in Google features, and the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistance systems. The Tiguan counters with a crisp digital cockpit, Volkswagen's intuitive infotainment interface, and IQ.DRIVE, which brings adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and other advanced features into everyday use. The difference lies in execution: the Tiguan's cabin and controls feel distinctly German in layout and texture, while the CR-V leans toward a more traditional, family-oriented approach.
| 2026 Volkswagen Taos | 2026 Honda CR-V | |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | All wheel drive | All wheel drive |
| Engine Power | 174 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 190 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Engine torque | 184 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm | 179 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | Continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy (City/Hwy/Combined) | 28 / 36 / 31 MPG | 27 / 31 / 29 MPG |
| Fuel Capacity | 13.2 gal | 14.0 gal |
2026 Volkswagen Taos vs. Honda CR-V
Comparing the Taos directly to the CR-V highlights just how much SUV Volkswagen has packed into a smaller, more affordable package. The Taos targets drivers who want the elevated seating and flexibility of an SUV without committing to a larger footprint.
On price, Taos comes in lower, freeing up room in the budget to climb trims or add options. The CR-V's larger size grants it the edge in maximum cargo capacity, but the Taos's smart packaging means it still handles daily tasks easily: groceries, luggage, sports gear, while remaining easier to park and thread through traffic.
From behind the wheel, the Taos's 1.5-liter turbo engine delivers quick, responsive acceleration, especially in city driving where torque matters more than top-end horsepower. The CR-V's base engine makes more power on paper, but has more mass to move. For Soddy-Daisy drivers who prioritize agility and a more playful feel in a smaller SUV, the Taos hits a sweet spot that the bigger Honda simply cannot match in tight quarters.
Tech features map similarly: both crossovers bring smartphone integration, modern screens, and available driver-assistance systems. Taos, however, leans into Volkswagen's clean, minimalistic layout and digital cockpit, giving it an edge for drivers who prefer a more streamlined feel across the dash.
Why Choose Volkswagen?
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan and Taos give compact SUV shoppers two distinct choices with a shared DNA: turbocharged performance, composed ride quality, and interiors that feel thoughtfully designed rather than simply filled with features. Both benefit from Volkswagen's attention to chassis tuning, delivering balanced handling and a confident highway demeanor that stand out in a crowded segment.
Volkswagen also backs its vehicles with Carefree Coverage on new models, bundling scheduled maintenance at key early intervals, a comprehensive limited warranty, and roadside assistance to help manage ownership costs during the initial years. Add in the Conquest Event on select remaining 2025 Tiguan and Taos models, offering special incentives to qualifying non-VW owners on those 2025 vehicles, and it becomes even easier to consider switching from another brand.
Schedule a Test Drive at Village Volkswagen of Chattanooga
The numbers tell part of the story, but the real difference between Volkswagen and Honda shows up in how these SUVs feel to drive.
Visit Village Volkswagen of Chattanooga serving Dalton, GA, to test drive the new Volkswagen Tiguan and Taos back-to-back with the Honda CR-V, explore current Conquest offers on eligible 2025 Volkswagen models, and see which compact SUV fits your daily routine best.
We're sorry, availability of some equipment, options or features may be limited due to global supply issues affecting the auto industry. Please be sure to verify that the vehicle you purchase includes all expected features and equipment.
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Village VW Of Chattanooga
6001 International Drive
Chattanooga, TN 37421
- Sales: (423) 664-9718