Compare VW Taos Against The Competition

2025 Volkswagen Taos vs. Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30

Compare Subcompact Crossovers in Chattanooga

The Volkswagen Taos delivers everything drivers love about VW SUVs in a conveniently sized package. It offers bold styling, cozy and versatile accommodations, and many desirable amenities. It's also enjoyable to drive with a peppy powertrain, capable handling, and a smooth ride. A Car and Driver Editor's Choice recipient four years in a row (2022 - 2025), the VW Taos is an excellent choice for Chattanooga-area shoppers seeking comfort and practicality with city-friendly maneuverability. Here's a look at how it compares in a few important areas to two prominent class competitors: the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30.

2025 VW Taos vs. Hyundai Kona

Volkswagen Taos

Hyundai Kona

VEHICLE COMPARISON

 Volkswagen TaosHyundai Kona
Engine Power174 horsepower190 horsepower
Engine Torque184 pound-feet195 pound-feet
TransmissionEight-speed shiftable automaticEight-speed shiftable automatic
Fuel Tank Capacity14.5 gallons13.2 gallons

Performance

New for the 2025 model year, the VW Taos had its turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder re-tuned to produce 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. That's an increase of 16 horsepower over the previous model year and is ample internal motivation for confident highway merging and passing. The Hyundai Kona's standard naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine can't keep pace, topping out at just 147 horsepower and 143 pound-feet of torque.

Accommodations and Utility

Both models are surprisingly spacious for the subcompact class. The Kona offers a bit more legroom, while the Taos has the edge in headroom. The Taos also holds a slight advantage in cargo capacity with a 27.9 cubic-foot cargo area that expands to 65.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Hyundai Kona gets close but ultimately comes up shy, offering 25.5 and 63.7 cubic feet behind the first and second rows, respectively.

Standard Features

The VW Taos and Hyundai Kona are both nicely equipped. Each model comes standard with features like alloy wheels, LED headlamps, and intuitive infotainment, plus advanced safety technologies like collision mitigation, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot/rear cross-traffic monitoring. However, the Taos's base trim also includes adaptive cruise control, roof rails, and rain-sensing wipers, as well as 18-inch wheels and heated front seats in AWD variants. You can get these features in the Kona, but only by climbing the trim ladder.

2025 VW Taos vs. Mazda CX-30

Volkswagen Taos

Mazda CX-30

VEHICLE COMPARISON

 Volkswagen TaosMazda CX-30 
Engine Power174 horsepower191 horsepower
Engine Torque195 pound-feet186 pound-feet
TransmissionEight-speed shiftable automaticSix-speed shiftable automatic
Fuel Tank Capacity14.5 gallons12.7 gallons

Performance

The Mazda CX-30's standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (191 horsepower, 186 pound-feet of torque) may be a bit more powerful on paper than the VW Taos's 1.5-liter turbo-four (174 hp, 184 lb-ft). However, the Taos has an eight-speed automatic transmission while the CX-30 has a six-speed. Despite the power deficit, Car and Driver estimates the Taos's zero-to-60 time to be ~7.0 seconds, compared to 7.6 seconds for the CX-30's standard powertrain.

Accommodations

The VW Taos makes excellent use of its interior dimensions and is impressively spacious for the segment. The passenger compartment measures 99.5 cubic feet compared to 94.1 cubic feet in the Mazda CX-30. That translates into the Taos providing more headroom, legroom, and shoulder room for both front and rear passengers.

The VW Taos also provides considerably more practicality for your Dalton errands and outings, offering 27.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the second row and up to 65.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Mazda CX-30 has just 20.2 cubic feet behind the second row and 45.2 cubic feet behind the first.

Features

The VW Taos's infotainment system is touchscreen-based, while the CX-30 utilizes a less intuitive dial by the center console. The Taos also comes standard with roof rails and rain-sensing wipers, features that cost more in the CX-30. Additionally, the Taos offers several amenities at lower trim levels than the Mazda CX-30, as well as a few that the CX-30 doesn't offer at all. Notable examples include rear USB-C ports, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a panoramic sunroof.

Test-Drive a New VW Taos near Cleveland, TN

Reach out to Village Volkswagen of Chattanooga to learn more about the 2025 VW Taos, including feature options, financing and leasing offers, and reservation opportunities. Would you like to try out the accommodations, amenities, and drivability for yourself? We welcome you to schedule a test drive or visit our Chattanooga dealership at your convenience. We'll be happy to give you a tour.

We're sorry, availability of some equipment, options or features may be limited due to global supply issues affecting the auto industry. Please be sure to verify that the vehicle you purchase includes all expected features and equipment.

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  1. Village VW Of Chattanooga

    6001 International Drive
    Chattanooga, TN 37421

    • Sales: (423) 664-9718
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