Compare the2026 Subaru OutbackVS 2026 Volkswagen Taos

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Outback are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Taos doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Subaru Outback has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Taos doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The Outback has standard Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats, which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats system allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Taos doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

With its standard EyeSight, the Subaru Outback is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Volkswagen Taos, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

	Outback	Taos
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
	Crossing Child - DAY
12 MPH	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH	AVOIDED	-9 MPH
	Crossing Adult - NIGHT
12 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
12 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-14 MPH
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-14 MPH
	Parallel Adult - NIGHT
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	No Slowing
25 MPH Low beams	-8 MPH	No Slowing
37 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	No Slowing
Warning Issued-Brights	3.1 sec	No Warning
37 MPH Low beams	-11 MPH	No Slowing
Warning Issued-Low beams	3 sec	No Warning

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Subaru Outback achieved a “Good” rating - the highest possible - in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, outperforming the Volkswagen Taos which scored “Poor” - the lowest rating - in these critical safety features.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Outback. But it costs extra on the Taos.

The Outback (except Premium/Limited 2.5) offers an optional 360-Degree Surround View Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Taos only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

The Outback’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Taos doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Outback and the Taos have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and rear cross-path warning.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the Outback is much safer than the Taos:

	Outback	Taos
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	114	236
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh/hip Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Leg/foot Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
	Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	MARGINAL
Thigh Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4189-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Subaru Outback is safer than the Taos:

	Outback	Taos
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Structure	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	87	189
Neck Tension	134 lbs.	379 lbs.
Neck Compression	22 lbs.	45 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Deflection	.63 in	1.57 in
Shoulder Force	201 lbs.	357 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.75 in	1.18 in
Torso Deflection Rate	5 MPH	8 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	POOR
Pelvis Force	513 lbs.	1406 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	144	259
Torso	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE
Torso Max Deflection	.98 in	1.54 in
Torso Deflection Rate	6 MPH	16 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	469 lbs.	781 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Subaru Outback has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2026 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test, and a “Good” score in the revised vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention test. The Taos is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2026.

Warranty

Subaru’s powertrain warranty covers the Outback 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Volkswagen covers the Taos. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the Taos ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The Outback’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Taos’ (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

Reliability

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the Outback’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the Taos’ camshafts. If the Taos’ belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Outback’s reliability 32 points higher than the Taos.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are better in initial quality than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Subaru above average in initial quality. With 38 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volkswagen is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen With 73 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Subaru higher than Volkswagen.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2026 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru second in overall reliability. Volkswagen is ranked 16th.

Engine

The Outback 2.5i’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 6 more horsepower (180 vs. 174) than the Taos’ 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The Outback XT/Wilderness’ standard 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder produces 86 more horsepower (260 vs. 174) and 93 lbs.-ft. more torque (277 vs. 184) than the Taos’ 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Outback XT/Wilderness 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the Volkswagen Taos:

	Outback	Taos
Zero to 60 MPH	6.3 sec	8.9 sec
Quarter Mile	14.9 sec	16.7 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	96.4 MPH	85.1 MPH

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Outback lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability (That’s why Porsche uses boxer engines.). The Taos doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

Fuel Economy and Range

The Outback has 4.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the Taos FWD’s standard fuel tank (18 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Outback has 3.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the Taos AWD’s standard fuel tank (18 vs. 14.5 gallons).

Transmission

The Outback has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Taos doesn’t offer a CVT.

Brakes and Stopping

The Outback’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Taos are solid, not vented.

The Outback stops much shorter than the Taos:

	Outback	Taos
70 to 0 MPH	174 feet	185 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	114 feet	127 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Outback has larger tires than the Taos (225/65R17 vs. 215/55R18).

The Outback Wilderness has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the Taos; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Subaru Outback has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Taos 4x2 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Outback has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Outback flat and controlled during cornering. The Taos 4x2 suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The Outback offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The Taos’ suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Outback’s wheelbase is 2.6 inches longer than on the Taos (108.1 inches vs. 105.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Outback is .4 inches wider in the front and 2.6 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Taos.

For greater off-road capability the Outback has a 1.1 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Taos (8.7 vs. 7.6 inches), allowing the Outback to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Outback Wilderness’ minimum ground clearance is 1.9 inches higher than on the Taos (9.5 vs. 7.6 inches).

Chassis

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the Outback has liquid-filled engine mounts. The liquid helps further dampen engine harshness. The Taos uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

The front grille of the Outback uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Taos doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Passenger Space

The Outback has 12.8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Taos (112.3 vs. 99.5).

The Outback has .3 inches more front headroom, 2.9 inches more front legroom, 1.1 inches more front hip room, 1.4 inches more front shoulder room, .7 inches more rear headroom, 1.6 inches more rear legroom, 9.7 inches more rear hip room and 2.2 inches more rear shoulder room than the Taos.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Outback’s rear seats recline. The Taos’ rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The Outback has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Taos with its rear seat up (34.6 vs. 27.9 cubic feet). The Outback has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Taos with its rear seat folded (80.5 vs. 65.9 cubic feet).

The Outback’s cargo area is larger than the Taos’ in almost every dimension:

	Outback	Taos
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	42.8”/75.9”	34.3”/65.2”
Min Width	43.3”	40”
Height	34.1”	37”

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the Outback’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Taos doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Outback. The Taos doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Outback has a standard power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The Taos doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Towing

The Outback has a 2700 lbs. towing capacity. The Taos has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Stability Assist on the Outback uses the Vehicle Dynamics Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Taos doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The engine in the Outback is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Taos. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than Volkswagen. J.D. Power ranks Subaru third in service department satisfaction. With a 67% lower rating, Volkswagen is ranked 31st.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the Outback (except Premium), the optional memory system makes it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, outside mirror angle and climate settings. The Taos doesn’t offer a memory system.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Outback’s exterior PIN entry system. The Taos doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

The Outback’s standard Keyless Access and Start allow you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. KESSY Push-Button Start standard on the Taos only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle. KESSY Push-Button Start is not available on the Taos SE/SEL.

The Outback’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Taos’ passenger power window switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Outback has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the Taos only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Outback to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Taos doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The Outback’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Volkswagen charges extra for heated mirrors on the Taos.

When the Outback with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Taos’ mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Outback’s optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Taos offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the Subaru Outback and Volkswagen Taos offer exterior mirrors that can be folded to provide convenience. The Outback offers optional power folding mirrors, which allow for easy, one-touch folding or unfolding at the driver’s discretion. This provides added convenience when maneuvering or parking, as well as when walking past the parked vehicle. In comparison, the Taos’ foldable mirrors are manual, requiring the driver to get out and physically fold them once parked and unfold them before getting in.

The Outback has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats cost extra on the Taos. The Outback Limited/Touring/Wilderness also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Taos.

Both the Outback and the Taos offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Outback has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Taos doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Compared to the Volkswagen Taos, the Subaru Outback eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries with its optional integrated Homelink® universal remote controlled from the rear view mirror.

Compared to traditional radio, the Subaru Outback’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the Taos SE/SEL.

Economic Advantages

According to iSeeCars.com the 2026 Subaru Outback retains 56.65% of its original value after 5 years, more than the 51.91% resale value of the 2026 Volkswagen Taos after five years, which can save the Subaru’s owner.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Subaru Outback, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Volkswagen Taos isn't recommended.

The Subaru Outback outsold the Volkswagen Taos by almost three to one during 2025.

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