2024 Volkswagen Taos vs 2024 VW Tiguan
The 2024 Volkswagen Taos and Tiguan are both excellent crossover SUVs for small families or couples in Lewisville, Texas — and they’re both for sale at Lewisville Volkswagen. Which VW SUV is a better fit for you? We’ll help you by showing their differences so you can decide between these two models as you shop for your next SUV.
Differences in exterior dimensions and appearance
The first difference that you will notice between the 2024 Tiguan and 2024 Taos is their size. Looking at the exterior, you can tell that the Tiguan is a tad larger than the Taos. The Tiguan is longer than the Taos by around 10 inches from bumper to bumper, with a 4-inch longer wheelbase (109.9 vs. 105.9 inches).
Although both SUVs are the same width from side to side, the Tiguan has a much wider rear track between the wheels. This extra 1.4 inches gives the Tiguan more stability around curves, which is understandable given the Tiguan is taller than the Taos by 2 inches —an inch of that going to its higher ground clearance (7.4 vs. 6.4 inches).
Their exterior silhouettes are relatively similar, although they have slight appearance differences in their grille patterns, intake vent shapes, and wheel spoke patterns.
Differences in interior measurements and seating
The reason that the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan is a bit larger than the Taos is so that it can fit a compact third row inside its cabin. While the smaller Taos seats five passengers across two rows, the Tiguan can seat seven people across three rows. The Taos offers a tad more headroom for passengers throughout the cabin, while Tiguan passengers have more hip room.
This third row isn’t spacious enough for adults or teenagers in larger Volkswagen SUVs like the Atlas, though. It’s suitable for small children who only need 27.9 inches of legroom. And, there’s only 12 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, so the Tiguan is mostly suitable for accommodating the occasional fifth, sixth, or seventh passenger now and then — rather than everyday usage for a large family.
Differences in performance and efficiency
The 2024 VW Taos and Tiguan both use TSI® four-cylinder turbocharged engines, but the Tiguan has a larger displacement than the Taos: 2.0 liters vs. 1.5 liters. This lets the Tiguan’s motor generate more power (184 vs. 221 lb-ft torque), though that’s at the expense of burning more fuel.
According to EPA calculations, the 2024 Tiguan averages 24 mpg in cities and 31 mpg on highways, while the 2024 Taos is more efficient by reaching 28 mpg in cities and 36 mpg on highways.[1] You can also attribute that difference in fuel efficiency to the 550-pound heavier curb weight of the Tiguan due to its larger size and bigger fuel tank (14.5 vs. 15.9 gallons).
Apart from that, the Tiguan and Taos use the same eight-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive system, and 17-inch standard wheels. Both Volkswagen SUVs offer optional 4MOTION® all-wheel drive, but only the VW Taos offers an available 7-speed DSG® dual-clutch transmission. Behind the wheel, you’ll notice that the Tiguan has better grip and cornering on the road, while the Taos has a narrower turning radius by 3 inches.
Differences in pricing tiers and included features
Since the Volkswagen Tiguan is a larger SUV than the Taos, you’ll pay some more money to cover the difference. A base-model 2024 Tiguan costs about $5,000 more than a bare-bones 2024 Taos does.[2] On the other end of the spectrum, a fully loaded 2024 Tiguan costs $5,000 more than a decked-out 2024 Taos would, too.
You’re also paying for more standard equipment on the 2024 Tiguan S, which comes with included conveniences like an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated front seats, keyless access, and heated washer nozzles.
Both SUVs follow the same trim level arrangement — S, SE, and SEL — though the Tiguan offers R-Line versions of these with black-colored accents and exterior components for heightened style. Otherwise, both SUVs have nearly identical tech features, such as the same 6.5-inch media touch screen, 8-inch cockpit display, and App-Connect® functionality. The only notable variation on loaded trims being the Fender® audio system on the 2024 Tiguan SEL R-Line versus a BeatsAudio® on the Taos SEL.
Ultimately, the Tiguan and Taos are very similar SUVs. The Tiguan is better for parents who need extra seating now and then for carpools or guests, while the Taos is better for singles and couples who only have one child or baby seat. The best way to determine which SUV is a better fit for you is to test-drive the Tiguan and Taos at Lewisville Volkswagen.
[1] 28 city/36 highway mpg (2024 Taos 1.5L, 8-speed automatic transmission). 22 city/ 29 highway mpg (2024 Tiguan 4MOTION 2.0L, 8-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
[2] Starting MSRP of $23,995 for a 2024 Volkswagen Taos S 1.5L TSI® with 8-speed automatic transmission. Starting MSRP of $28,880 for a 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan S with 8-speed automatic transmission. Price excludes destination, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.