Comparison: Subaru Crosstrek vs Volkswagen Taos

When shopping for a compact SUV, it's important that the vehicle is technologically advanced, versatile, and ready for adventures. And good news for you, the all-new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and recently debuted 2023 Volkswagen Taos check all of those boxes and more.

Both vehicles are coming to us from fresh redesigns, and offer an impressive amount of off-road performance, intelligent safety features, as well as modern convenience and connectivity.

Let's take a closer look at how the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and 2023 Volkswagen Taos can help us find our joy on- or off-road.

       

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Comparison Highlights

Subaru's third-generation Crosstrek compact SUV is all-new for the 2024 model year, and delivers rugged styling with a lot of technology, all-wheel drive performance, and award-winning safety.

Let's start with the Crosstrek's new looks, which have been created around the concept of utility and sportiness. A frameless hexagonal grille, compact headlights, and more sculptural body help communicate the vehicle's ready-for-adventure attitude, while black wheel arch cladding and rocker panels offer protection and visual contrast to the exterior paint colors.

And these new changes aren't just superficial - a number of aerodynamic improvements have been made to enhance the Crosstrek's performance and stability. For example, an air outlet near the edge of the front wheel opening contributes to reduced lift and turbulence by letting the air exit more freely from the wheel well. Additionally, air outlets at each side of the rear bumper reduces trapped air and lessens body sway at higher speeds.

Speaking of higher speeds, the all-new Crosstrek has a 10 percent stiffer chassis that delivers improved dynamic performance and ride quality. This structural enhancement also allows more of the power from the Subaru Boxer engine to make it to the ground, letting you take full advantage of the revised symmetrical all-wheel drive system which is standard across all models. The Crosstrek's off-road ready drivetrain also features standard Active Torque Vectoring, which adjusts the speed of the inside wheels so you can carve corners with even more precision.

For those seeking to unlock a new level of all-terrain capabilities, the Crosstrek Wilderness variant includes all sorts of exclusive enhancements so you can ride the toughest trails and then get home safe. Features exclusive to the Crosstrek Wilderness include 9.3 inches of ground clearance, a standard front skid plate, redesigned bumpers for improved approach and departure angles, and a lower final-drive ratio for better low-speed climbing.

On the inside, you'll find a stylish and comfortable cabin that has signature Subaru touches all over. And for the first time, the Subaru STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system is available for Crosstrek. This high-resolution touchscreen comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto integration, and can also function as a center information display so everyone can keep an eye on the vehicle's operating status.

Lastly, Subaru's award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard across all Crosstrek models, and brings advanced awareness and capabilities like automatic emergency braking (new for Crosstrek), automatic pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. The latest updates to EyeSight include a widened field of view, updated control software, and a new electric brake booster.