What To Know
- In contrast, the Taos adopts a more conservative and sophisticated approach, with a sleek silhouette, sharp creases, and a grille that resembles the larger Volkswagen models.
- The Taos, on the other hand, impresses with its high-quality materials, a sophisticated dashboard design, and a generous amount of legroom for both front and rear passengers.
- The Kona offers a bold design, spacious interior, and competitive performance at a slightly lower price point, while the Taos impresses with its refined interior, sophisticated handling, and slightly better fuel economy.
The automotive landscape is constantly evolving, and the subcompact crossover segment is no exception. Two of the most popular contenders in this class are the Hyundai Kona and the Volkswagen Taos. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality, style, and affordability. But which one comes out on top? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key features, performance, and overall value of the Hyundai Kona and Volkswagen Taos to help you make an informed decision.
Exterior Design
The Hyundai Kona and Volkswagen Taos present distinct visual identities. The Kona exudes a bold and futuristic aesthetic, featuring angular lines, a split-headlight design, and a rugged exterior. In contrast, the Taos adopts a more conservative and sophisticated approach, with a sleek silhouette, sharp creases, and a grille that resembles the larger Volkswagen models.
Interior Comfort and Features
Inside, the Kona and Taos offer comfortable and well-equipped cabins. The Kona boasts a spacious and modern interior with a user-friendly infotainment system, supportive seats, and ample storage space. The Taos, on the other hand, impresses with its high-quality materials, a sophisticated dashboard design, and a generous amount of legroom for both front and rear passengers.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the Hyundai Kona offers a choice of two engines: a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 195 horsepower and a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 147 horsepower. The Volkswagen Taos, meanwhile, comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower.
In terms of handling, the Kona exhibits agile and responsive driving dynamics, while the Taos provides a more composed and stable ride experience. Both vehicles offer optional all-wheel drive for enhanced traction in challenging conditions.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel economy is an important consideration for many crossover buyers. The Hyundai Kona with the 1.6-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The Volkswagen Taos, with its 1.5-liter engine, offers slightly better fuel efficiency, delivering up to 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
Safety Features
Safety is paramount in any vehicle, and the Hyundai Kona and Volkswagen Taos both offer a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard equipment includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Advanced driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, are also available as options.
Price and Value
The Hyundai Kona has a starting price of $21,350, while the Volkswagen Taos starts at $22,995. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels and options, with the top-of-the-line Kona Limited coming in at $32,100 and the Taos SEL Premium R-Line reaching $34,745.
Overall, the Hyundai Kona and Volkswagen Taos provide excellent value for the money. The Kona offers a bold design, spacious interior, and competitive performance at a slightly lower price point, while the Taos impresses with its refined interior, sophisticated handling, and slightly better fuel economy.
Final Verdict
The Hyundai Kona and Volkswagen Taos are both exceptional subcompact crossovers that cater to different tastes and preferences. The Kona is an excellent choice for those seeking a stylish, adventurous vehicle with ample power and a comfortable interior. The Taos, on the other hand, is ideal for buyers who prioritize sophistication, high-quality materials, and a balanced driving experience.
Ultimately, the best choice between the Hyundai Kona and Volkswagen Taos depends on your individual needs and priorities. By carefully considering the factors discussed in this comparison, you can make an informed decision that will ensure you find the perfect subcompact crossover to suit your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
The Hyundai Kona with the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine offers more horsepower (195 hp) than the Volkswagen Taos (158 hp).
2. Which crossover has a larger cargo capacity?
The Hyundai Kona provides a slightly larger cargo capacity of 19.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, compared to the Volkswagen Taos‘s 18.7 cubic feet.
3. Which vehicle offers a better warranty?
Both the Hyundai Kona and Volkswagen Taos come with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.