2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2025 Volkswagen Taos
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Hyundai Kona bursts onto the scene emphasizing efficiency and maneuverability with its compact 171.3-inch length and impressive 34 MPG highway rating. It offers a straightforward driving experience powered by a 147 hp engine utilizing a CVT. Conversely, the 2025 Volkswagen Taos brings a tangible boost in sheer grunt, boasting 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, promising more assertive acceleration over its rival. While the Taos is slightly larger overall (175.9 inches long and 64.5 inches high), its advanced 8-speed automatic transmission helps it achieve an outstanding 36 MPG highway, even offering 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Kona's 25.5 cu ft. Both start close in price, but the Taos delivers significantly higher performance metrics for a marginal difference in MSRP.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Kona takes the commuter crown due to its slightly better city fuel economy (29 MPG vs 28 MPG) and marginally smaller footprint for easier urban parking.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Volkswagen Taos wins for families by offering superior utility with 27.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Kona's 25.5 cubic feet.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
Enthusiasts will prefer the Taos because its engine generates a commanding 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the Kona’s 147 hp.
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona offers slightly better overall fuel efficiency packaging (31 combined MPG) for a lower starting price of $24,550.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- You prioritize the lowest entry price point at $24,550 MSRP.
- You value the smoother, slightly more efficient operation of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
- You seek the absolute best city fuel economy rating of 29 MPG.
Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...
- You require the extra power provided by 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
- You need maximum hauling capability with 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space.
- You prefer the more conventional and engaging shifting experience of an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Kona | Volkswagen Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.3" | 175.9" |
| Width | 71.9" | 72.5" |
| Height | 62.2" | 64.5" |
| Wheelbase | 104.7" | 105.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 174 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 29/34 MPG | 28/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.6/421.6 mi. | 369.6/475.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.2 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 45.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | 215/55R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Kona and 2025 Volkswagen Taos.
Which crossover is more powerful for passing maneuvers?
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is decidedly more capable when merging or passing, delivering 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This represents a significant 27 hp advantage over the 2025 Hyundai Kona's 147 hp output.
How do the fuel economy ratings compare directly?
Both vehicles share a 31 MPG combined rating, but the Taos edges out the Kona on the highway with 36 MPG compared to the Kona's 34 MPG highway. Conversely, the Kona maintains a slight edge in city driving at 29 MPG versus the Taos's 28 MPG.
Is there a noticeable difference in physical size between the two?
Yes, the Taos is generally larger; it is 175.9 inches long and 64.5 inches tall. The Kona is more compact, measuring 171.3 inches in length and 62.2 inches in height, making it feel nimbler.
Which car provides more room for luggage?
The Volkswagen Taos offers superior utility for families or travelers, providing 27.9 cubic feet of dedicated cargo space. The Hyundai Kona accommodates slightly less gear at 25.5 cubic feet.
What is the main difference in their transmission technology?
The Kona uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) for smooth power delivery, optimized for efficiency. The Taos employs a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic, which enthusiasts often find more engaging.
Are the starting prices significantly different?
The pricing is quite competitive; the 2025 Hyundai Kona starts at $24,550, while the 2025 Volkswagen Taos begins at $25,495, representing less than a $1,000 difference for the Taos's extra power.
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