2024 Volkswagen Taos and the 2024 Ford Escape

When it comes to choosing a new SUV, buyers have a lot of choice. SUVs have been growing in popularity over the past 10 years and there are more and more models and segments of SUVs. For example, Volkswagen has four SUVs now including the 2024 Volkswagen Taos, its entry-level model and smallest SUV that is officially classified as a subcompact SUV. Then there's the Volkswagen Tiguan, a compact model that officially competes with the subject of this comparison, the 2024 Ford Escape. 

It may seem strange at first to compare the Ford Escape to the Volkswagen Taos and not the Tiguan, but in reality, for many consumers, the Taos could very well meet their needs for space, functionality and performance while saving money. 

Not only does the Taos offer a level of equipment and luxury that rivals the Ford Escape very well, it also offers one of the most welcoming interiors in its class. It may be smaller than the Escape in terms of class, but it's actually similar in terms of space. So, for those initially considering an Escape, the Taos presents a compelling alternative that could lead to substantial savings without sacrificing space, comfort or performance.

Price and Value

The 2024 Volkswagen Taos is the clear winner when compared directly to the 2024 Ford Escape. Starting at just $27,395 for the front-wheel drive Trendline base model, the Taos is significantly more affordable than the front-wheel drive Escape Active base model, which starts at $33,049. 

Even if you opt for the Taos with 4MOTION all-wheel drive, priced at $29,995, it's still more than $3,000 cheaper than the base Escape. The difference becomes even more pronounced when you look at the top-of-the-range versions, with a difference of nearly $10,000 between the top versions of the two models, i.e. the Volkswagen Taos Highline AWD 4MOTION at $37,995 and the Ford Escape Platinum 4dr AWD at $46,379. 

As well as being more affordable, the Taos offers a superior basic warranty, with 48 months or 80,000 km of basic cover compared with the Escape's basic cover of 36 months or 60,000 km.

Price comparison: Volkswagen Taos vs Ford Escape

Interior Space

At first glance, one might assume that the Taos' smaller classification would mean less interior space. In reality, the Volkswagen SUV offers more space in some areas. The 2024 Volkswagen Taos offers a maximum interior cargo volume of 1866 litres, slightly ahead of the 2024 Ford Escape with 1852 litres. What's more, the Taos offers more headroom than the Escape, with 1,033mm at the front and 1,011mm at the rear, compared to the Escape's 1,016mm and 998mm, respectively.

Performance and Efficiency

The 2024 Volkswagen Taos is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful engines in its segment. This engine enables the Taos to compete effectively with the Ford Escape's base three-cylinder turbo engine. In real-life driving scenarios, the Taos feels just as quick, if not quicker, when overtaking and accelerating than the Escape. 

It is also more efficient in terms of fuel consumption:

The city:

• Taos: 8.4 L/100 km
• Escape: 8.9 L/100 km

Motorway:

• Taos: 6.5 L/100 km
• Escape: 6.9 L/100 km

Combined:

• Taos: 7.5 L/100 km
• Escape: 8.0 L/100 km

When comparing the 2024 Volkswagen Taos to the 2024 Ford Escape, the Taos presents itself as a compelling choice for those in the market for a versatile, spacious and efficient SUV. Despite being considered a sub-compact SUV, the Taos offers competitive interior space, superior performance and fuel efficiency, and exceptional value for money, especially when considering its more affordable price point and superior warranty coverage. For buyers who were initially set on an Escape but are open to alternatives, the 2024 Volkswagen Taos deserves serious consideration. Its attractive mix of features, coupled with substantial economy, could well make it the ideal vehicle to meet both your adventures and day-to-day responsibilities.