HR-V vs Taos
The HR-V and the Taos are direct rivals in the subcompact suv class, one from Honda and one from Volkswagen. If you only read one line, make it this: the Taos takes 2 of 4 compared areas, and the engine & performance gap is the one to look at first.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Taos wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Taos wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance1.7
- Fuel Economy & Range1.8
- 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
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The Taos has 46 lb-ft more torque
When it comes to torque, the Taos wins comfortably with 184 lb-ft against 138 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The Taos has better fuel economy
The gap on fuel economy (combined) is slim (31 mpg against 28 mpg), yet it tips toward the Taos. The Taos uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
-
The Taos has 16 hp more power
You may not notice this one every day, but the Taos’s 174 hp is a step ahead of the HR-V’s 158 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Taos has better highway fuel economy
Slight advantage to the Taos: 36 mpg compared with 32 mpg. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
-
The Taos has better city fuel economy
On fuel economy (city), the Taos edges out the HR-V, 28 mpg to 26 mpg. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Taos has the better rating here.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | HR-V | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 104.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Taos leads
The engine & performance numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the Taos. The Taos pulls ahead with 46 lb-ft more torque. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades. In short, the Taos is the better-equipped car for engine & performance.
Torque
HR-V: 138 lb-ft Taos: 184 lb-ft The Taos’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Total system output
HR-V: 158 hp Taos: 174 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Fuel Economy & Range
Taos leads
The Taos dominates the fuel economy & range section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. The Taos stands out with better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. Bottom line for fuel economy & range: the Taos has the edge.
Fuel economy (combined)
HR-V: 28 mpg Taos: 31 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (highway)
HR-V: 32 mpg Taos: 36 mpg The Taos uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On space & practicality, both deliver about the same. Bottom line for space & practicality: it’s a wash.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Side by side, the off-road & towing figures for the HR-V and the Taos barely differ. On off-road & towing alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | HR-V | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L I4 | 1.5L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 158 hp | 174 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 138 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | CVT | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (4Motion AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | HR-V | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg | 31 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg | 28 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 32 mpg | 36 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | HR-V | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 24.4 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 55.1 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | HR-V | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | HR-V | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Honda Sensing | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | N/A (not specified) |
Dimensions
| Spec | HR-V | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 104.5 in | 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 often drive loaded up or with a trailer (184 lb-ft vs 138 lb-ft of torque)
- you want better combined fuel economy (31 mpg vs 28 mpg)
- you want more power (174 hp vs 158 hp)
- you want better highway fuel economy (36 mpg vs 32 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the HR-V or the Taos?
On the specs compared here, the Taos makes more sense for most buyers; the HR-V doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Comparing the HR-V and the Taos feels a bit like comparing two good restaurants with different menus. The Taos has 46 lb-ft more torque, and for most people that’s not a small thing. There’s more, too: the Taos offers better fuel economy.
For the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the HR-V fits better. For engine & performance, the Taos is the better match.
My pick: the Taos.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.