Volkswagen Taos vs Toyota RAV4: Which Is the Better?

Compare Volkswagen Taos vs Toyota RAV4 – If you’re in the market for a new car, you may be wondering which of the two top contenders, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos or the 2022 Toyota Rav4, is the better choice.

The Volkswagen Taos is an all-new compact SUV, while the Rav4 is a perennial favorite. We’ll take a look at the features and specs of each car to help you decide which one is the better option for you.

What is The Main Difference Between Volkswagen Taos and Toyota RAV4?

When it comes to comparing the Volkswagen Taos and the Toyota RAV4, there are a few key differences between them.

The Volkswagen Taos is the newest member of the Volkswagen lineup, released in 2021, and is significantly more affordable than its counterpart.

On the other hand, the Toyota RAV4 is a well-known and reliable compact SUV that has been around for several years. In terms of reliability, many people consider Toyota vehicles to be more reliable than Volkswagen ones.

The Taos and RAV4 also differ when it comes to their engines and transmission options. The Volkswagen Taos comes with a 1.5L four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which offers an impressive output of 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.

The Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, has a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The Toyota also comes with an optional hybrid powertrain, while the Volkswagen does not.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

When it comes to pricing, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos starts at an MSRP of $24,155 and goes up to $34,535. On the other hand, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 has an MSRP ranging from $26,975 to $36,915.

This means that the Taos is initially cheaper than the RAV4, however, when comparing higher trim levels, the difference in price is minimal.

As far as which one to buy, it really depends on what you are looking for. If you’re looking for a compact SUV with the latest technology features, then the RAV4 may be the better option for you.

However, if you’re more interested in fuel economy, then the Taos may be more suitable for your needs. The Taos also offers a more enjoyable ride compared to the RAV4.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

When it comes to engine, transmission, and performance, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos and the 2022 Toyota RAV4 have some key differences.

The Taos is powered by a 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine (gasoline fuel) that’s mated to either a 7-speed A/T or an 8-speed A/T transmission. It offers both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options.

On the other hand, the RAV4 features a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine (gasoline fuel) that’s connected to an 8-speed A/T transmission. It is available with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.

When it comes to performance, the RAV4 has a slight advantage as its 203 hp is higher than the Taos’ 158 hp.

However, it’s worth noting that both models offer great performance and are reliable in terms of handling.

Additionally, both cars can be found with hybrid versions, so if you’re looking for improved fuel economy and performance you may want to consider either the VW Taos vs RAV4 Hybrid or VW Tiguan vs RAV4 Hybrid.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

When it comes to fuel economy and real-world MPG, the Volkswagen Taos has a clear advantage over the Toyota Rav4.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos offers an impressive 32 to 35 MPG, making it one of the most efficient vehicles in its class.

On the other hand, the 2022 Toyota Rav4 only offers 25 to 27 MPG. This difference in fuel economy can make a big impact on your wallet if you’re looking to drive long distances.

In terms of how these two vehicles compare to one another, the Taos is the clear winner when it comes to fuel efficiency.

If you’re wondering which vehicle to choose between the two, the Volkswagen Taos is the obvious choice when it comes to fuel economy and real-world MPG.

However, you should also consider other factors such as reliability, interior comfort, and safety features when making your decision.

Exterior Dimensions

When looking at the exterior dimensions of the Volkswagen Taos vs Toyota RAV4, it is clear that the RAV4 has a larger overall size.

The RAV4 has a length of 180.9 – 181.5 inches while the Taos has a length of 175.8 inches. The RAV4 also has a width of 73.0 – 73.4 inches while the Taos has a width of 72.5 inches.

The front track measurement of the Taos is 40.1 inches while the RAV4 measures 41.0 inches. The rear track measurement for the Taos is 37.9 inches and for the RAV4 is 37.8 inches.

The Taos has a range of front ground clearance from 39.5 to 40.7 inches while the RAV4 has a range from 37.7 to 39.5 inches.

Finally, the rear ground clearance for the Taos is 38.8 to 39.8 inches while the RAV4 has a rear ground clearance of 39.5 inches.

Interior, and Comfort

When it comes to the interior, the Volkswagen Taos and Toyota Rav4 offer very similar comfort levels, but with distinct differences.

Both models feature leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated front, and rear seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

The Toyota Rav4 has a more spacious interior than the Taos, especially in the second row. It also provides a few more storage compartments throughout the cabin.

On the other hand, the Taos offers slightly better ride quality than the Rav4, as well as a larger trunk area.

Infotainment

The Volkswagen Taos and the Toyota RAV4 are both equipped with an impressive range of infotainment features.

The Taos comes standard with an 8-inch touch screen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, plus SiriusXM radio and VW Car-Net App-Connect. Available upgrades include a 10-inch display, wireless charging, and dual USB-C ports.

The RAV4 also offers plenty of techs, with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Amazon Alexa integration.

Higher trims get upgraded to an 8-inch display, Wi-Fi connectivity, and JBL audio. Both vehicles also offer optional navigation systems.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

When it comes to safety features, both the Volkswagen Taos and the Toyota RAV4 offer the latest in advanced driver-assistance systems.

The Taos comes standard with Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking, while the RAV4 offers Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 which includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

Both vehicles also come with a variety of other features like blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive headlights, and more.

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