Envista vs Taos
If you’re shopping for a car in the subcompact suv class, the Envista and the Taos are likely both on your shortlist. This one has a front-runner. The Taos wins 3 of 4 compared areas, and engine & performance is where the difference is hardest to miss.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Taos wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Taos wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Taos wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
- Engine & Performance3.5
- Fuel Economy & Range3.5
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Taos has 37 hp more power
The numbers aren’t close. The Taos lists 174 hp for total system output, while the Envista lists 137 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Taos has 22 lb-ft more torque
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the Taos (184 lb-ft versus 162 lb-ft). Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
-
The Taos has better highway fuel economy
The Taos gets a small bonus on fuel economy (highway), with 36 mpg against the Envista’s 32 mpg. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
-
The Taos has available all-wheel drive
You won’t find this on the Envista. With the Taos, it’s part of the package. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Envista | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Taos leads
On engine & performance, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the Taos. The Taos makes its case with 37 hp more power. The Taos’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. Prioritize engine & performance, and the Taos is where you should land.
Total system output
Envista: 137 hp Taos: 174 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Envista: 162 lb-ft Taos: 184 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
Taos leads
On balance, the Taos leads the fuel economy & range section, just not by much. The Taos takes this one with better highway fuel economy. The Taos uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes. Anyone shopping mainly on fuel economy & range should start with the Taos.
Fuel economy (highway)
Envista: 32 mpg Taos: 36 mpg Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to space & practicality. Both cover space & practicality well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Off-road & Towing
Taos leads
The Taos squeezes out a win in the off-road & towing section. The Taos has the edge with available all-wheel drive. The Taos offers all-wheel drive; the Envista doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters. On off-road & towing alone, the Taos gets the nod.
AWD / 4WD available
Envista: no Taos: yes All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Envista | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 1.5L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 174 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD (4Motion AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Envista | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 32 mpg | 36 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Envista | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 20.7 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 42 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Envista | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Envista | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | N/A (not specified) |
Dimensions
| Spec | Envista | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Envista | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $23,800 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Taos if…
- you want more power (174 hp vs 137 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (184 lb-ft vs 162 lb-ft of torque)
- you want better highway fuel economy (36 mpg vs 32 mpg)
- you face snow, ice or slippery back roads
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Envista or the Taos?
On the specs compared here, the Taos makes more sense for most buyers; the Envista doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Cross-brand comparisons are where I find the real differences in philosophy, and the Envista versus the Taos shows that nicely. The single spec I’d point a friend to is this: the Taos has 37 hp more power. Stack better highway fuel economy on top of that, and the Taos’s lead grows.
The Envista is for you if the things a spec sheet can’t capture tops your list; the Taos is for you if engine & performance does.
My pick: the Taos.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.