2025 Kia Seltos vs 2025 Volkswagen Taos

$24,690 · Crossover

$25,495 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2025 Volkswagen Taos often comes down to balancing efficiency against slightly punchier performance in a tight package. If your primary goal is squeezing out extra miles, the Taos shines, offering a superior combined MPG of 31 versus the Seltos's 29 MPG, which translates to fewer stops at the pump. However, the Seltos undercuts the Taos on initial outlay, starting at an MSRP of $24,690 compared to the Taos's $25,495. Performance fans will notice the Taos boasts 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, notably more than the Seltos's 146 hp and 132 lb-ft. Dimensionally, the Taos is marginally larger in length (175.9 inches vs 172.6 inches) and provides slightly more space, evidenced by its 27.9 cu ft of cargo room compared to the Seltos's 26.6 cu ft. For daily driving, the Seltos's smaller footprint might ease parallel parking duties.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Taos

The Volkswagen Taos offers better fuel economy at 31 combined MPG, saving money on longer daily drives.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Taos

The Taos provides slightly more room with 27.9 cu ft of cargo capacity and marginally larger overall dimensions.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volkswagen Taos

The Taos provides significantly more power with 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos offers a lower entry price point at $24,690 while still including all-wheel drive capability.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

You prioritize the lowest possible starting price, as the Seltos MSRP is $24,690.
You need the included All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability paired with a lower price tag.
You prefer a slightly smaller vehicle for urban maneuvering, given its 172.6-inch length.

Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...

You want better highway mileage, as the Taos achieves 36 MPG on the highway.
You prefer a more responsive drive thanks to the Taos's 174 hp engine.
You require the extra hauling space, as the Taos offers 27.9 cu ft of cargo capacity.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Seltos	Volkswagen Taos
Length	172.6"	175.9"
Width	70.9"	72.5"
Height	63.4"	64.5"
Wheelbase	103.5"	105.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Volkswagen
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-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	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	—
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	146 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	Kia	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/31 MPG	28/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.4/409.2 mi.	369.6/475.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Volkswagen
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	8.0 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	✓	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	1	—
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	40.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.5 in.	56.5 in.
Front Hip Room	53.5 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	4-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	38.4 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	37.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	55.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.8 in.	45.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Volkswagen
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P215/55R	215/55R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Volkswagen
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Seltos and 2025 Volkswagen Taos.

Which crossover is more powerful for passing on the highway?

The 2025 Volkswagen Taos holds a clear advantage here, generating 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This is a substantial 28 hp bump over the Kia Seltos's 146 hp, making overtakes feel easier.

Is the fuel economy difference between these two vehicles significant for a daily driver?

Yes, the Taos is rated at 31 combined MPG, whereas the Seltos manages 29 combined MPG. If you drive 15,000 miles annually, that 2 MPG difference adds up over the course of a year, especially considering both use regular unleaded fuel.

How do the MSRPs compare for these two AWD/FWD models?

The Kia Seltos is slightly more affordable upfront at $24,690, and importantly, it includes standard All-Wheel Drive for that price point. The VW Taos starts at $25,495, but note that this base figure is generally Front-Wheel Drive.

Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling gear?

The Volkswagen Taos edges out the Seltos in pure capacity, offering 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Seltos's 26.6 cubic feet. While the difference is slight, it’s a meaningful gain for packing bulky items.

What is the difference in how they shift gears?

The Kia Seltos utilizes a Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic Transmission (CVT), which aims for smooth, consistent power delivery. Conversely, the Volkswagen Taos features a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which some drivers prefer for a more defined shifting feel.

Since both use regular unleaded gas, are the dimensions drastically different for parking?

While both are compact crossovers, the Taos is slightly larger overall in width (72.5 inches vs 70.9 inches) and height. However, the Seltos is marginally shorter in length at 172.6 inches, which could offer a small advantage in very tight parking situations.