The new VW Taos is a subcompact SUV that combines some of the best features from the Golf and Tiguan into one small and versatile package. The cabin is practical and provides two rows of seats with plenty of interior space and the kind of upright seating position SUV buyers appreciate. The Taos at Volkswagen of Warner Robins has a low starting price and keeps saving you money with outstanding fuel efficiency. Here's a comparison of the new 2024 Volkswagen Taos vs. subcompact competitors like the Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Chevy Trailblazer and more.
A comparison of prices
The 2024 Volkswagen Taos has a lower starting price than the Honda HR-V, the Hyundai Kona and the Kia Seltos. In addition, the new Volkswagen Taos has a base price that’s below the Mazda CX-30 and the Subaru Crosstrek. Subcompact SUV buyers in Perry and Centerville will appreciate that.
A comparison of ride and handling
According to the automotive experts at Morningstar, the Volkswagen Taos is “peppier and more fun” than comparable models in the same class. After all, Volkswagen has a reputation for engineering even small SUVs with rewarding behavior on the road. Some of the virtues you'll especially appreciate include a suspension that’s firm without being too firm and an energetic turbocharged engine. The VW Taos feels more athletic than the subcompact Honda HR-V.
A comparison of fuel economy
When it comes to fuel efficiency, four of the best competitors in the subcompact SUV category are the VW Taos, the Hyundai Kona, the Chevy Trailblazer and the Kia Seltos. All four crossovers get outstanding fuel economy but the Volkswagen Taos comes out ahead with 36 MPG on highways around Fort Valley and Dublin. The Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Kona both come in behind the Taos at 34 MPG on the highway. The Trailblazer takes up the rear with an EPA rating of 33 highway MPG.
A comparison of performance
When lined up against the Trailblazer, the Seltos and the Kona, the Taos pulls into the lead once again with the most powerful engine of the bunch. The Taos has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder power plant that gives you 158 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. The Seltos and Kia have an engine with a larger displacement but the output is less with 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet for the Seltos and 147 horsepower with 132 pound-feet for the Kona. The Chevy Trailblazer has a turbocharged engine but it produces only 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque.
A comparison of transmissions
A transmission might be something you don't think about much as a buyer but it can be an important part of a vehicle's long-term repair costs. The Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, and Chevy Trailblazer all operate with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) while the Volkswagen Taos has an eight-speed automatic transmission. A CVT is cheaper to make but more expensive to work on than an automatic transmission like the one in the Taos. What’s more, CVT repairs can often require a total transmission replacement whereas an automatic transmission can sometimes be repaired more economically by replacing just a single bad gear.
A comparison of dimensions
The VW Taos, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona and Chevy Trailblazer all have similar measurements inside and out. But the Taos edges ahead with the longest wheelbase and that helps smooth out rugged road surfaces. In addition, the VW Taos has more cargo space in back of the second row (27.9 cubic feet) than the other three competitors. That can make a difference when you're loading luggage or groceries in a small SUV. We invite you to test drive the winning new Volkswagen Taos soon at Volkswagen of Warner Robins in Warner Robins, GA.