How The 2026 VW Taos And Chevy Trax Compare As Compact SUVs
Not all compact SUVs are created equal, as evident from our Volkswagen Taos vs. Chevy Trax comparison. The Taos outclasses the Trax in terms of power, fuel efficiency, cabin space, and amenities, which we describe in detail in this guide. To experience the refined handling and cushy interior of the Taos firsthand, visit us at Wallace Volkswagen of Johnson City.
Volkswagen Taos vs. Chevrolet Trax at a Glance
- The Taos produces more horsepower and torque than the Trax – and it also gets a higher maximum fuel efficiency
- Furthermore, the VW Taos boasts a roomier cabin in terms of passenger and cargo volume overall
- Thanks to features like a standard heated steering wheel and available dual-zone automatic climate control, the Taos is more impressive in terms of amenities
- Safety is competitive between these SUVs, but the Taos takes the lead with additional standard driver-assist systems
Volkswagen Taos vs. Chevy Trax Specs & Engine Performance
Though the Volkswagen Taos and Chevy Trax may appear similar on the surface, their engines tell a different story. Under the hood of the Taos is a responsive 1.5-liter four-cylinder unit with 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The Trax, on the other hand, is powered by a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that only musters up 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. For drivers who want a little muscle in their compact SUV, this is no contest – the VW Taos wins hands down.
Both SUVs come standard with FWD. Unlike the Chevy Trax, though, the VW Taos also offers 4MOTION all-wheel drive. This intelligent, dynamic AWD system uses cutting-edge technology to boost performance and improve handling, so you don't have to sweat it when you take all those winding mountain roads and switchbacks that Tennessee is famous for. The Trax does not have AWD as an option.
2026 VW Taos vs. Chevy Trax Fuel Economy
Given the superior horsepower and torque of the VW Taos, it may surprise you to learn that this small SUV also outperforms the Trax when it comes to fuel economy. The Taos earns up to an estimated 28/36/31 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1 with FWD, compared to the Chevy Trax and its peak 28/31/29 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2
| 2026 VW Taos | 2026 Chevy Trax | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L 4-cyl | 1.2L 3-cyl |
| Horsepower | 174 | 137 |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 162 lb-ft |
| Max MPG (Cty / Hwy / Cmb) | 28 / 36 / 311 | 28 / 31 / 292 |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto | 6-speed auto |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD | FWD |
| Dimensions (L / W / H) | 175.9 / 72.5 / 64.5 - 65.1 in | 178.6 / 71.7 / 61.4 in |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Max Passenger Volume | 99.5 cu ft | 98 cu ft |
| Max Cargo Volume (Behind 2nd / 1st Row) | 27.9 / 65.9 cu ft | 25.6 / 54.1 cu ft |
Volkswagen Taos vs. Chevrolet Trax Dimensions
The Chevy Trax is 178.6 inches long, 61.4 inches tall, and 71.7 inches wide (without mirrors), with a 106.3-inch wheelbase and a minimum ground clearance of 7.3 inches. The FWD VW Taos is 175.9 inches long, 64.5 inches tall, and 72.5 inches wide, complemented by a 105.9-inch wheelbase and a ground clearance of 6.5 inches; the AWD version is a bit taller, at 65.1 inches, and has a shorter wheelbase of 105.5 inches but a higher ground clearance of 7.6 inches.
As for the interiors, the Trax features slightly more legroom, with 41.9 inches in the first row and 38.7 inches in the second row, compared to 40.1 inches in the first row and 37.9 inches in the second row for the Taos. However, the Taos comes out ahead in a few areas:
- Taos first-row headroom (without sunroof): 40.7 inches
- Taos first-row shoulder room: 56.5 inches
- Taos second-row headroom (without sunroof): 39.8 inches
- Taos second-row shoulder room: 55.2 inches
- Taos passenger volume (without sunroof): 99.5 cubic feet
- Trax first-row headroom: 39.6 inches
- Trax first-row shoulder room: 55.7 inches
- Trax second-row headroom: 38.1 inches
- Trax second-row shoulder room: 54.3 inches
- Trax passenger volume: 98 cubic feet
Taos vs. Trax Cargo Space
The dimensions above may not sound all that different, but the taller, wider design of the Taos really snaps into focus when you consider the cargo capacity for each of these vehicles:
- Taos cargo space behind first row (FWD model): 65.9 cubic feet
- Taos cargo space behind second row (FWD model): 27.9 cubic feet
- Trax cargo space behind first row: 54.1 cubic feet
- Trax cargo space behind second row: 25.6 cubic feet
With a whopping 11.8 more cubic feet of maximum cargo space, and more passenger volume in the same configuration to boot, the Taos is arguably better equipped for those weekend trips to Roan Mountain or Warriors' Path State Park. The AWD Taos has slightly lower cargo space ratings than the FWD model, but its maximum figure still exceeds that of the Trax.
VW Taos vs. Chevy Trax Trim Levels
Both the Taos and Trax come in numerous trims, each with a unique feature set. The first three trims of the new Volkswagen Taos for sale offer FWD and 4MOTION AWD options, while the SEL is 4MOTION AWD-only:
- S
- SE
- SE Black
- SEL
Every trim of the Chevy Trax is FWD, so if you prioritize AWD, you may want to consider the Taos instead:
- LS
- 1RS
- LT
- 2RS
- ACTIV
Volkswagen Taos vs. Chevy Trax Interior & Tech Features
The Taos offers an array of standard premium features for you to enjoy as you glide along I-26, such as an 8-inch touchscreen display, a leatherette-wrapped heated steering wheel, an 8-inch gauge cluster, and a leather-wrapped gearshift knob. By comparison, the Trax also has a standard 8-inch touchscreen but a smaller 3.5-inch gauge cluster; a heated steering wheel and an 8-inch gauge cluster are only offered in higher trims. A leather-wrapped gearshift is not available at all.
Both sport-utes boast single-zone manual climate control as standard equipment. However, the Taos upgrades to dual-zone automatic climate control in its second trim; the Trax sticks with a single-zone climate control system in every variant. To boot, leather upholstery is equipped in the top trim of the 2026 Taos; it is not available at all in the Trax.
Get another perspective of how the Taos comes out ahead through our VW Taos vs. Toyota RAV4 matchup.
VW Taos vs. Chevy Trax Safety & Driver Assistance
Safety is one of the Volkswagen brand's core values, which is why the Taos is equipped with the IQ.DRIVE suite of driver-assist features, which includes Rear Traffic Alert, Emergency Assist, Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Travel Assist, Front Assist, and an Active Blind Spot Monitor. While the Trax has a similar Chevy Safety Assist suite and other standard amenities, it fails to offer systems on par with the Taos. Notably, Adaptive Cruise Control and Side Blind Zone Alert are not standard in the Trax.
Furthermore, the 2026 Chevy Trax has not received a safety rating from the NHTSA as of this writing, while both FWD and AWD 2026 VW Taos models earned four out of five stars.3
Explore the 2026 Volkswagen Taos vs. Chevy Trax Winner at Our VW Dealership: The Taos
If you're intrigued by the winning combination of performance, fuel economy, interior room, and features presented by the VW Taos, schedule a test drive at Wallace Volkswagen of Johnson City, conveniently located just minutes from I-26. We have competitive prices on a wide range of great, family-friendly Volkswagen SUVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Volkswagen Taos or Chevy Trax offer all-wheel drive?
Yes, but only the Volkswagen Taos – 4MOTION all-wheel drive is offered on all four of its trims as available or standard, while the Chevy Trax doesn't have an AWD option at all. If you're in the market for a stylish compact SUV with AWD, contact us to learn about our current Taos inventory and any applicable VW Taos deals.
Which has more cargo space, the Volkswagen Taos or the Chevy Trax?
The Volkswagen Taos in its standard configuration has more cargo space than the Chevy Trax. The FWD Taos boasts a range of 27.9 to 65.9 cubic feet; the Trax offers just 25.6 to 54.1 cubic feet. Even the AWD Taos has more maximum cargo volume with 60.2 cubic feet, and its standard figure of 24.9 cubic feet is a negligible difference from the Trax's.
Is the Volkswagen Taos more powerful than the Chevy Trax?
Yes, the Volkswagen Taos is more powerful than the Chevy Trax with its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the Chevy Trax houses a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that puts out just 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque.
Discover More VW Model Comparisons
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| VW Taos Vs. Toyota RAV4 | VW Tiguan Vs. Toyota RAV4 |
128 city/36 highway mpg (2026 Taos 1.5L, 8-speed auto). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
2EPA-estimated 28 city/31 hwy 1.2L.
3Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov.