2022 Subaru Outback vs 2023 Volkswagen Taos

CarGurus experts rate the 2022 Subaru Outback as 7 out of 10 and the 2023 Volkswagen Taos as 9 out of 10.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness offers a rugged and adventurous look, with 9.5 inches of ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, and unique design elements. It features a distinctive grille design, black 17-inch wheels, and a waterproof interior with water-repellant upholstery and all-weather floor mats. The Outback Wilderness was priced at $36,995 when new plus a destination charge of $1,125.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos boasts a stylish and upscale appearance, with bold 19-inch alloy wheels, creased and carved flanks, and proper proportions. The top-trim Taos SEL, priced at $35,830 when new, features a premium look and feel inside, with CloudTex artificial leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness is equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It offers a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs and achieves an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in combined driving. The Outback Wilderness provides impressive off-road capabilities and is designed for tackling challenging terrain.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It offers a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD) and achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in combined driving. The Taos provides a nimble and agile driving experience, suitable for urban and suburban environments.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness features a spacious and practical interior, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery, heated front and rear seats, and generous rear seat room. It offers ample storage space, with 32.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat. The Outback Wilderness also provides a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, suitable for rooftop camping.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos offers a comfortable and roomy interior, with CloudTex artificial leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. It provides impressive rear-seat room and comfort, along with generous storage space, offering 27.9 cubic feet behind the back seat and 65.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

CarGurus experts rate the 2022 Subaru Outback 6 out of 10 for technology, and the 2023 Volkswagen Taos 4 out of 10.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness features an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment and climate control system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It also includes a PIN code entry technology, allowing keyless access to the vehicle.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos is equipped with standard digital instrumentation and offers infotainment systems ranging from basic to fully featured. It provides wireless smartphone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a native navigation system in the SEL trim.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness is equipped with Subaru's EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), providing adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. It also features steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system with a lane-change assistance function.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos includes standard Front Assist, a blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, and VW’s IQ.Drive collection of ADAS, offering Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. It also features a standard post-collision automatic braking system and automatic high-beam headlights.