2025 Honda HR-V LX vs 2026 Volkswagen Taos S
$1,300 less vs 46 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $1,300 price gap, 158 vs 174 hp, 27 vs 28 MPG.
The HR-V LX leads on $1,300 less. The Taos S leads on 46 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 7 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 7 specifications.
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.
| Spec | 2025 Honda HR-V LX | 2026 Volkswagen Taos S |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $26,900 | $28,200 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 | 1.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 158 hp | 174 hp |
| Torque | 138 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 25 | 25 |
| Highway MPG | 30 | 33 |
| Combined MPG | 27 | 28 |
| Fuel Tank | 14.0 gal | 14.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,600/yr | $1,550/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,276 lbs | 3,441 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 104.5" | 105.5" |
| Length | 179.8" | 175.9" |
| Width | 72.4" | 72.5" |
| Height | 63.4" | 65.1" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | No published data |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 12yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 4yr/50k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Honda HR-V LX and 2026 Volkswagen Taos S?
The 2025 Honda HR-V LX starts at $26,900, $1,300 less than the 2026 Volkswagen Taos S at $28,200. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $23/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Honda HR-V LX?
The 2025 Honda HR-V LX is the stronger pick when you want to keep $1,300 in your pocket and the 2025 Honda HR-V LX covers your needs.
Who should choose the 2026 Volkswagen Taos S?
The 2026 Volkswagen Taos S is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $56/year less on fuel.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Honda HR-V LX or 2026 Volkswagen Taos S?
The 2026 Volkswagen Taos S rates 28 combined MPG, 1 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Honda HR-V LX or 2026 Volkswagen Taos S?
The 2026 Volkswagen Taos S produces 174 hp, 16 more than the 2025 Honda HR-V LX at 158 hp. The 2026 Volkswagen Taos S also leads in torque at 184 lb-ft vs 138 lb-ft. The 2025 Honda HR-V LX runs a 2.0L I4; the 2026 Volkswagen Taos S uses a 1.5L I4 Turbo.
Is the 2025 Honda HR-V LX bigger than the 2026 Volkswagen Taos S?
The 2025 Honda HR-V LX is 3.9″ longer at 179.8″ vs 175.9″. The 2026 Volkswagen Taos S has a 1.0″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
The Honda HR-V 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: Honda trims, Honda HR-V trims, Volkswagen trims, Volkswagen Taos trims
- 2025 Honda HR-V LX Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- 2026 Volkswagen Taos S Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
The HR-V–Taos Decision
Cross-shopping subcompact SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the HR-V and Taos compare. The $1,300 gap is about $23/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.
What Powers Each Vehicle
The 2025 Honda HR-V LX runs a 2.0L I4; the 2026 Volkswagen Taos S uses a 1.5L I4 Turbo. The 16 hp difference (174 vs 158) is marginal in daily driving. The 2026 Volkswagen Taos S adds 46 more lb-ft of torque (184 vs 138), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.
The Ownership Math
The 2026 Volkswagen Taos S saves roughly $56/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $280.
The Decision
Choose the 2025 Honda HR-V LX when you want to keep $1,300 in your pocket and the 2025 Honda HR-V LX covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Volkswagen Taos S when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $56/year less on fuel. At $23/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.
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 Honda or Volkswagen or any dealership.