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2025 Volkswagen Taos vs. Competitors
When it debuted for the 2022 model year, the Volkswagen Taos entered the highly competitive subcompact crossover category. A refresh for 2025 added more power and technology, along with a dose of updated styling. In the interest of helping undecided buyers choose the best vehicle, let’s explore how the 2025 VW Taos stacks up against the same-year versions of the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, and Toyota Corolla Cross. Note that all of comparisons that follow involve the least-expensive all-wheel-drive trim for each model, unless we state otherwise.
Pricing and Features
The Taos starts at $26,695, placing it above the Corolla Cross ($25,435) and the Kona ($26,050), but below the HR-V ($26,900). While the Taos isn’t the lowest-priced in the segment, it makes that fair with its stronger standard features. Heated front seats are found on every 2025 Taos, while all of the mentioned competitors require that you buy a more expensive trim to get this feature. Adaptive cruise control is another amenity included with the Taos, while Kona buyers will have to step up to a higher trim. On the safety side, the Taos includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which aren’t available on the most affordable editions of the HR-V and Corolla Cross. As for a warranty comparison, the Taos comes with 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage, while the HR-V and Corolla Cross offer similar coverage for just 3 years/36,000 miles.
Power
In the powertrain department, the Taos has a clear advantage. Its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine puts out 174 horsepower, outpacing the Hyundai Kona (147 hp), Honda HR-V (158 hp), and Toyota Corolla Cross (169 hp), which all have naturally aspirated (non-turbo) engines. Thanks to its turbo power, peak horsepower for the Taos arrives at 1,750 rpm (versus 4,200 to 4,500 rpm for the others). This gives the Taos a stronger response at low speeds, which is particularly useful in city traffic or when climbing steep grades.
Transmission Type
Unlike the continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) found in the Corolla Cross, Kona, and HR-V, the Taos uses a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. This upgraded type of transmission results in a driving experience with predictable gear changes and a natural feel behind the wheel. In stop-and-go driving or during brisk acceleration, the Taos avoids the engine drone and lag that often come with CVTs. Most importantly, the Taos’s automatic gearbox provides competitive fuel economy.
Fuel Economy
On the highway, the AWD-equipped Taos is EPA-rated to return 33 mpg, which beats the Hyundai Kona (29 mpg), Honda HR-V AWD (30 mpg), and Toyota Corolla Cross AWD (31 mpg). In around-town driving, the Taos’s 25 mpg rating matches that of the Corolla Cross. This highway efficiency, combined with a 14.5-gallon fuel tank, gives the Taos a maximum highway range of 479 miles and enables the Taos to travel further on a single tank of gas than the Kona’s 377 miles, the HR-V’s 420 miles, and the Corolla Cross’s 434 miles.
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We make every effort to provide accurate information but please verify options and price with management before purchasing. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. All financing is subject to approved credit from participating lender. Dealer installed options are additional. Stock photo colors, options and trim levels may vary. Dealer not responsible for typographical errors. Published price subject to change without notice to correct errors and omissions or in the event of inventory fluctuations. Vehicle offers/prices expire at the end of each business day. Vehicles may be in transit to dealer. Vehicle photos may not match exact vehicle. Please call to confirm availability status. All prices exclude taxes, title, tags, and electronic titling fee. All prices include a $800 dealer processing fee (Not required by law). MSRP includes destination and handling.
NHTSA Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s New Car Assessment Program (www.nhtsa.gov/ratings). Model tested with standard side airbags (SAB).
**Based on model year EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery pack age/condition, and other factors.