2025 Chevrolet Trax LS vs 2025 Volkswagen Taos S

$6,695 less and 2 mpg better vs 37 more hp and 22 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $6,695 price gap, 137 vs 174 hp, 30 vs 28 MPG.

The short answer

The Trax LS leads on $6,695 less, 2 MPG better. The Taos S leads on 37 more hp, 22 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.

$6,695
Price Gap
37 HP
HP Diff
2 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2025 Chevrolet Trax LS
Starts at $20,500
VS
Higher price
2025 Volkswagen Taos S
Starts at $27,195

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
1.2L I3 flex-fuel Turbo
vs
1.5L I4 Turbo
Horsepower
137 hp
vs
174 hp
Torque
162 lb-ft
vs
184 lb-ft
Drivetrain
FWD
vs
AWD
Fuel Economy
30 MPG combined
vs
28 MPG combined

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.

MSRP
$20,500Trax LS
$27,195Taos S
Engine
1.2L I3 flex-fuel TurboTrax LS
1.5L I4 TurboTaos S
Horsepower
137 hpTrax LS
174 hpTaos S
Torque
162 lb-ftTrax LS
184 lb-ftTaos S
Transmission
6-speed shiftable automaticTrax LS
8-speed shiftable automaticTaos S
Drivetrain
FWDTrax LS
AWDTaos S
City MPG
28Trax LS
25Taos S
Highway MPG
32Trax LS
33Taos S
Combined MPG
30Trax LS
28Taos S
Fuel Tank
13.2 galTrax LS
14.5 galTaos S
Wheelbase
106.0"Trax LS
105.5"Taos S
Length
178.6"Trax LS
175.9"Taos S
Width
71.8"Trax LS
72.5"Taos S
Height
61.4"Trax LS
65.1"Taos S
Bumper-to-Bumper
3yr/36kTrax LS
4yr/50kTaos S
Powertrain
5yr/60kTrax LS
4yr/50kTaos S
Corrosion
6yr/100kTrax LS
12yr/unlimitedTaos S
Roadside Assistance
5yr/60kTrax LS
4yr/50kTaos S

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2025 Chevrolet Trax LS2025 Volkswagen Taos S
Pricing
MSRP$20,500$27,195
Powertrain
Engine1.2L I3 flex-fuel Turbo1.5L I4 Turbo
Horsepower137 hp174 hp
Torque162 lb-ft184 lb-ft
Transmission6-speed shiftable automatic8-speed shiftable automatic
DrivetrainFWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2825
Highway MPG3233
Combined MPG3028
Fuel Tank13.2 gal14.5 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)No published data$1,550/yr
Dimensions
Curb WeightNo published data3,441 lbs
Wheelbase106.0"105.5"
Length178.6"175.9"
Width71.8"72.5"
Height61.4"65.1"
Safety
NHTSA Overall4/5 stars4/5 stars
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper3yr/36k4yr/50k
Powertrain5yr/60k4yr/50k
Corrosion6yr/100k12yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance5yr/60k4yr/50k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS and 2025 Volkswagen Taos S?

The 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS starts at $20,500, $6,695 less than the 2025 Volkswagen Taos S at $27,195. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $118/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS?

The 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS is the stronger pick when you want to keep $6,695 in your pocket and the 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $100/year less on fuel.

Who should choose the 2025 Volkswagen Taos S?

The 2025 Volkswagen Taos S is the stronger pick when the extra 37 hp matters for your commute or driving style; you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS or 2025 Volkswagen Taos S?

The 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS rates 30 combined MPG, 2 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS or 2025 Volkswagen Taos S?

The 2025 Volkswagen Taos S produces 174 hp, 37 more than the 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS at 137 hp. The 2025 Volkswagen Taos S also leads in torque at 184 lb-ft vs 162 lb-ft. The 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS runs a 1.2L I3 flex-fuel Turbo; the 2025 Volkswagen Taos S uses a 1.5L I4 Turbo. Drivetrains differ too: FWD on the 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS, AWD on the 2025 Volkswagen Taos S.

Is the 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS bigger than the 2025 Volkswagen Taos S?

The 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS is 2.7″ longer at 178.6″ vs 175.9″. The 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS has a 0.5″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

Do the 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS and 2025 Volkswagen Taos S have the same drivetrain?

No. The 2025 Volkswagen Taos S comes with AWD, while the 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS uses FWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.

How do the warranties compare?

The Chevrolet Trax comes with 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. The Volkswagen Taos offers 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.

Explore more: Chevrolet trims, Chevrolet Trax trims, Volkswagen trims, Volkswagen Taos trims

Official sources

How the Trax and Taos Stack Up

Two compact SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS ($20,500) and 2025 Volkswagen Taos S ($27,195) solve similar problems in different ways. The $6,695 gap adds up to $118/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.

Powertrain: Trax vs Taos

The 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS runs a 1.2L I3 flex-fuel Turbo; the 2025 Volkswagen Taos S uses a 1.5L I4 Turbo. The 2025 Volkswagen Taos S has 37 more hp (174 vs 137), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2025 Volkswagen Taos S comes with AWD; the 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.

What It Actually Costs to Own

The 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS saves roughly $100/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $500. The 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS when you want to keep $6,695 in your pocket and the 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Volkswagen Taos S when the extra 37 hp matters for your commute or driving style. At $118/month more, the 2025 Volkswagen Taos S needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Chevrolet or Volkswagen or any dealership.

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