2025 Volkswagen Taos Vs. Toyota RAV4: Comparing Specs And Features
The Volkswagen Taos vs. Toyota RAV4 debate is a common one in the realm of sporty, small SUVs. While both models offer impressive performance, advanced technology, and versatile interiors, the 2025 VW Taos stands out in many key areas, including gas mileage, interior space, standard features, and, most importantly, starting price.
Take a detailed look at the VW Taos vs. Toyota RAV4 comparison below before you head to Wallace Volkswagen of Johnson City and test-drive a Taos.
2025 Volkswagen Taos vs. Toyota RAV4 at Glance
- Trim Levels & Features: The VW Taos offers more premium features on its entry-level trim and boasts a lower starting MSRP than the RAV4.
- Performance: The Taos SUV's turbocharged engine provides better fuel efficiency than the RAV4 SUV's standard engine, achieving up to an EPA-estimated 28/36 MPG (City/Highway).1
- Interior & Cargo Space: Despite its subcompact classification, the VW Taos delivers impressive interior space, providing more passenger volume and rear legroom than the RAV4.
- Safety & Warranty: Both SUVs are equipped with a strong set of safety features, but the VW Taos stands out with its more comprehensive warranty, including a four-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Warranty.2
Volkswagen Taos vs. Toyota RAV4 Trim Levels
The VW Taos and Toyota RAV4 both have four traditional gasoline trims to choose from for 2025. You'll find similar standard interior features, with both vehicles providing an 8-inch touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and numerous standard safety systems.
However, the VW Taos stands out with a few inclusions on the entry-level trim that you won't find on the base RAV4, such as a leatherette-wrapped heated steering wheel, push-button start, and a digital instrument display, a feature only available on the higher trims of the RAV4.
This all makes the 2025 VW Taos and its lower starting MSRP stand out even more. When combined with our VW Taos specials, it becomes the ultimate budget-friendly option for drivers.
| 2025 Volkswagen Taos | 2025 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo | 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Horsepower | 177 | 203 |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD | FWD or AWD |
| Max EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy) | 28 / 361 | 27 / 353 |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Max Passenger Volume | 99.5 cu ft | 98.9 cu ft |
| Max Cargo Space | 65.9 cu ft | 69.8 cu ft |
Volkswagen Taos vs. Toyota RAV4 Engine Performance & Specs
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos has a standard 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 184 pound-feet of torque. The new RAV4 is motivated by a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that also hits 184 pound-feet of torque.
The VW Taos, however, gets more MPGs with its equal torque output: up to an EPA-estimated 28/36 MPG (City/Highway),1 while the RAV4 achieves up to an EPA-estimated 27/35 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).3
And the Taos is considerably more maneuverable too, boasting a 35-foot turning circle vs. the RAV4 SUV's 36.1-foot turning circle. Equal power with better fuel efficiency and maneuverability is an undeniable win, especially for you as a driver.
Volkswagen Taos vs. Toyota RAV4 Specs & Cargo Space
Considering that the Volkswagen Taos is classified as a subcompact SUV while the RAV4 falls into the compact SUV category, the Taos is naturally smaller. However, that makes its interior space even more impressive – it comes close to, matches, and even exceeds the RAV4 in some key measurements.
Both models have seating for up to five passengers. In the rear, the Taos provides slightly more legroom than the RAV4, which is, as mentioned, impressive considering that the Taos is in a smaller size class.
More to that point, the VW Taos has more passenger volume, providing 99.5 cubic feet compared to the RAV4 SUV's 98.9 cubic feet. The main place where the RAV4 and its larger, less maneuverable build takes the lead is in maximum cargo space. It has up to 69.8 cubic feet, yet the smaller Taos remains competitive with 65.9 cubic feet.
The Volkswagen Taos measures 175.9 inches in length and stands 64.5 inches tall. In comparison, the larger Toyota RAV4 measures 180.9 inches long and up to 67.2 inches tall, which can make parking and city driving a bit more challenging.
Volkswagen Taos vs. Toyota RAV4 Safety & Driver Assistance
When it comes to safety and driver assistance features, both the Volkswagen Taos and Toyota RAV4 are equipped with advanced technologies designed to protect drivers and passengers. The VW Taos comes standard with safety systems such as a Blind-Spot Monitor with Rear-Traffic Alert; the RAV4 has this feature as an available upgrade. And more importantly, the Taos has a standard Emergency Assist: this feature can bring the car to a stop if you, the driver, are incapacitated. The RAV4 doesn't even offer that feature in its highest trim levels.
Volkswagen Taos vs. Toyota RAV4 Reviews
Both the Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Taos earned an 80/100 Reliability Rating from J.D. Power.4, 5 A closer look at reviews reveals that the VW Taos earns a higher Driving Experience score from J.D. Power, receiving an 80/100,4 while the RAV4 follows with a lower score of 78/100.5 Equal reliability with a more enjoyable drive is an undeniable win for the Taos.
Between its nimble handling, efficient turbocharged engine, and higher fuel economy, the VW Taos offers a more engaging and cost-effective driving experience. Conduct your own "Driving Experience" with our team and schedule a test drive today!
Explore the 2025 Volkswagen Taos Today!
Ready to experience all the 2025 VW Taos has to offer? Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option with exceptional fuel economy, more interior space, or a smooth, quieter ride, the Taos has you covered. Discover our new Volkswagen Taos inventory and find the perfect five-seater SUV for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the infotainment systems of the VW Taos and Toyota RAV4 compare?
Both the VW Taos and RAV4 come standard with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring smartphone compatibility. However, the Taos SUV's touchscreen stands out with its "floating" design, offering a more prominent display compared to the integrated dash screen on the RAV4. Additionally, the VW Taos comes equipped with the standard Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, an 8-inch digital instrument display, enhancing the driving experience with a modern, customizable interface.
Which SUV offers a better warranty, the Volkswagen Taos or the Toyota RAV4?
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos has a better, longer-lasting warranty than the Toyota RAV4, with a four-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Warranty,2 compared to the RAV4 SUV's three-year/36,000-mile coverage.6 Additionally, the VW Taos includes a seven-year/100,000-mile Limited Warranty6 against corrosion and Scheduled Carefree Maintenance for the first two years.7
Which SUV has a quieter cabin, the 2025 Volkswagen Taos or Toyota RAV4?
Because of its acoustic dampening treatments, the 2025 Volkswagen Taos will provide drivers with a quieter ride. While the 2025 Toyota RAV4 does include acoustic noise-reducing glass on the front side windows, some owners have noted that road and engine noise can still be more noticeable compared to the VW Taos, making it a more serene driving experience overall.
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128 city/36 highway mpg (2025 Taos 1.5L, 8-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
24 years/50,000 miles (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty on all new MY 2025 vehicles. See owner’s literature or dealer for warranty exclusions and limitations.
3Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
4Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/volkswagen/taos
5Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/toyota/rav4
6Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
7Carefree Coverage available on all new 2025 vehicles. For vehicle eligibility details, visit vw.com/coverage. VW’s Carefree Maintenance Program provides 10,000- and 20,000-mile scheduled maintenance services or scheduled maintenance services for two years (whichever occurs first) as stated in the vehicle’s maintenance booklet. Does not include tire rotations, or other services or parts not specified in the owner’s literature. 3 years/36,000 miles (whichever occurs first) Roadside Assistance provided by a third party. 4 years/50,000 miles (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty. See owner’s literature or dealer for warranty, maintenance program, and roadside assistance details, exclusions, and limitations. Car-Net Remote Access services require cellular connectivity, GPS signal, and acceptance of Terms of Service. Not all Car-Net services and features are available on all vehicles. Other Car-Net services require a trial or paid subscription. See additional important information at carnet.vw.com.