Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Volkswagen Taos
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Volkswagen Taos contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Volkswagen Taos.
When we compare the Volkswagen Golf GTI's and the Volkswagen Taos's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has the advantage in the areas of resale value and base engine power. The Volkswagen Taos has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen Golf GTI's and the Volkswagen Taos's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Taos is a better car than the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Pricing: A used 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI ranges from $33,860 to $41,026 while a used 2025 Volkswagen Taos is priced between $23,739 to $33,684. For a new model, the Volkswagen Golf GTI's price is between $33,305 and $42,915, with the Volkswagen Taos priced between $26,052 and $36,651.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Volkswagen Golf GTI loses 41.4 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Taos loses 48.1 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Golf GTI retains 6.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen Taos.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Volkswagen Golf GTI’s base engine makes 241 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Taos base engine makes 174 horsepower. The Golf GTI is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 422 miles. The Taos is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 475 miles. This gives the Volkswagen Taos the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Volkswagen Taos, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Volkswagen Golf GTI, a compact car, has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has higher safety ratings than the Volkswagen Taos, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
33305 - 42915
Starting MSRP:
32445
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
28470
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
21590 - 47100
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
26052 - 36651
Starting MSRP:
25495
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
28836
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24135 - 30995
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
37233
Price Range:
33860 - 41026
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
30314
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
22070 - 52316
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
28107
Price Range:
23739 - 33684
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
32106
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
28107 - 36583
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
13737
Depreciation %:
0.42338168
Resale Value $:
18708
Residual Value %:
0.57661832
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)
0.3979908
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)
0.31796157 - 0.42854561
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
12408
Depreciation %:
0.48667302
Resale Value $:
13087
Residual Value %:
0.51332698
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.43208374
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.30791758 - 0.51647538
Volkswagen Golf GTI Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Volkswagen Taos Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
7.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Golf GTI
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
12.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
8.8 - 16.2
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.032
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Taos
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.8108517430028832
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.8 - 28.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.9169527641409647
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 16.1
Volkswagen Golf GTI Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
7 out of / 37Ranking
8 out of / 37Ranking
8 out of / 37Ranking
12 out of / 37Ranking
13 out of / 22Ranking
14 out of / 37Ranking
15 out of / 37Ranking
17 out of / 37Ranking
17 out of / 22Ranking
18 out of / 37Ranking
23 out of / 37Ranking
25 out of / 37Ranking
30 out of / 37Volkswagen Taos Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 56Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
39 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 67Ranking
52 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 67Ranking
63 out of / 67Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Volkswagen Golf GTI Trim Levels
Autobahn, S, SE
Volkswagen Taos Trim Levels
S, S 4Motion, SE, SE 4Motion, SE Black, SE Black 4Motion, SEL 4Motion
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
241 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
273 foot-lbs @ 1750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.076 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
174 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 1750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.054 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 32 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
317 / 422 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
28 / 36 / 31
Range (city/hwy):
370 / 475 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.9 inches
Cargo Space:
19.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
34.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
111.8 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.2 inches
Cargo Space:
27.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
65.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
127.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3183 lbs
Width:
81.6 inches
Height:
57.7 inches
Length:
168.9 inches
Wheelbase:
103.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3201 lbs
Width:
82.6 inches
Height:
64.5 inches
Length:
175.9 inches
Wheelbase:
105.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P225/40R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
215/55R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Slate Blue Metallic
Gray
Moonstone Gray
Red
Kings Red Metallic
Silver
Alpine Silver Metallic
White
Opal White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Monterey Blue Pearl
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Pyrite Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black/Scalepaper Plaid
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Gray
Gray/Black
