Car shoppers looking for a small and affordable SUV enjoy a plethora of choices. That’s because the subcompact SUV segment is full of practical and efficient vehicles like the two we’re comparing here. The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross and 2025 Volkswagen Taos push a lot of the right buttons in terms of how they drive and their available tech and safety features. Each comes standard in front-wheel drive (FWD) format, though all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional.
The Corolla Cross first appeared in the 2022 model year and, as the name implies, it’s based on the same platform used in Toyota’s popular Corolla compact sedan and hatchback. The Taos also debuted for the 2022 model year, which means it’s similarly fresh and up-to-date in terms of having sought-after features like wireless smartphone connectivity and a user-friendly infotainment screen.
Let’s take a look at how the Toyota Corolla Cross and Volkswagen Taos stack up.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Toyota Corolla Cross is available in three trims: L, LE, and XLE. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive can be added to every trim for an additional $1,300.
Every version is equipped with a 169-horsepower 4-cylinder engine coupled to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Good fuel economy, not straight-line speed, is this powertrain’s primary claim to fame. Performance is more than adequate for routine driving, however. There is a hybrid version of the Corolla Cross, though we are comparing the straight internal combustion version here.
Toyota Corolla Cross Highlights
Frugal fuel mileage: Because we were just talking about the Corolla Cross’ miserly mileage, let’s use that as our first highlight. A Toyota Corolla Cross with front-wheel drive delivers an EPA-estimated 32 mpg combined (meaning a mix of city and highway driving). With all-wheel drive it’s nearly as frugal at 29 mpg combined.
Standard driver aids: We like it when an automaker provides a generous number of advanced driver aids on its most affordable models. Every Corolla Cross comes with lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and a rear-seat reminder.
Solid build quality: The interior is fairly straightforward in its design and layout. Despite some hard plastics, the cabin of the Corolla Cross has a robust feel, and we expect it will benefit from Toyota’s reputation for dependability and strong resale values.
No cords needed: Many people consider smartphone connectivity as essential as a steering wheel and pedals. With this in mind, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the Corolla Cross.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Corolla Cross models near you.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Volkswagen Taos is available in four trims: S, SE, SE Black, and SEL. A 174-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission powers the entire trim range. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional on the S and SE trims. Pick the SEL and all-wheel drive is standard.
Volkswagen fits the Taos with the IQ.Drive bundle of driver aids, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Volkswagen Taos Highlights
Lively performance: Consider us fans of how the Taos boogies down the road. We admit the ride is firmer than many rivals. However, the Taos is all the better for it because the tradeoff is sharper handling and more spirited driving dynamics than what many competing models offer, including the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Small SUV, big cargo hold: Open the rear tailgate and feast your eyes on the glorious 27.9 cubic feet of volume provided by the Taos. Drop the split-folding rear seat back, and this expands to 65.9 cubic feet. That’s a whole lot of room for a subcompact SUV and much more than the Corolla Cross.
Digital Cockpit: Once found only in high-end luxury vehicles the likes of Audi, the VW Group’s Digital Cockpit display has migrated to the brand’s smallest SUV. This elegant digital instrument panel measures 8 inches in the Taos S and SE or 10.25 inches in the SEL. It puts information like navigation commands and music settings directly in the driver’s line of sight. You could consider it a tech safety feature since there’s no need to glance away at a screen in the center of the dashboard.
Maintenance is on VW: Taos shoppers will be pleased to learn their pint-size SUV comes with 2 years or 20,000 miles of free maintenance.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Taos models near you.
Similarities
These perky little SUVs run neck-and-neck in terms of their overall value, fuel economy, and features. They’re more than happy to tackle long-distance highway jaunts, and their dimensions make them perfect for dicing up city traffic and squeezing into stingy parking spots.
Price
Used Prices
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The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross vehicles and vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 2025 Volkswagen Taos | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 169 hp @ 6,600 rpm | 174 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 150 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 31 city/33 highway/32 combined | 28 city/36 highway/31 combined |
| Also Available | AWD | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 4-Star | 4-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 inches | 105.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 175.6 inches | 175.8 inches |
| Width | 71.9 inches | 72.5 inches |
| Height | 64.8 inches | 64.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 35.4 feet | 35.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.5 inches | 40.7 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.1 inches | 37.9 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.9 inches | 40.1 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 32.0 inches | 37.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 52.7 inches | 56.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 52.4 inches | 55.2 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 19.6/46.9 cubic feet | 27.9/65.9 cubic feet |
Conclusion
The Corolla Cross has a slight pricing advantage and better resale value while the Taos has the edge for performance and interior room. For the glass-half-empty car shoppers out there, let’s detail a few negatives with each SUV.
To start, the Toyota’s rear legroom is below average among small SUVs. And while it’s easy to drive, the Corolla Cross doesn’t have the same spunky nature as the Taos.
Turning attention to the little VW, The top-of-the-line SEL trim is expensive, with an asking price of more than $33,000. At that level the Taos is competing with larger compact SUVs, such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Overall, the Corolla Cross is more affordable.
Our call is: If your emphasis is on reliability and a lower price, hands-down, go for the Toyota Corolla Cross. If your needs lean toward zestier performance — along with substantially more cargo and rear legroom — then you may be happier with the Volkswagen Taos.
