Kia Niro vs. Volkswagen Taos
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Niro and Volkswagen Taos contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Kia Niro and the Volkswagen Taos.
In comparing the Kia Niro's and the Volkswagen Taos's specifications and ratings, the Kia Niro has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, resale value and interior volume. The Volkswagen Taos has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Kia Niro's and the Volkswagen Taos's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2024 Kia Niro ranges from $26,653 to $37,088 while a used 2024 Volkswagen Taos is priced between $26,455 to $33,569. For a new model, the Kia Niro's price is between $28,375 and $37,092, with the Volkswagen Taos priced between $25,229 and $35,554.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Niro loses 40.4 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Taos loses 41.7 percent of its value. This means the Kia Niro retains 1.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen Taos.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Niro’s base engine makes 139 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Taos base engine makes 158 horsepower. The Niro is rated to deliver an average of 49 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 500 miles. The Taos is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 475 miles. This gives the Kia Niro the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Volkswagen Taos. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Kia Niro, a hybrid SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front leg room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Volkswagen Taos, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Kia Niro has higher safety ratings than the Volkswagen Taos, with an average rating of 4.28 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$28,375 - $37,092
Starting MSRP:
$26,940
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
$34,243
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
$26,940 - $41,400
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$25,229 - $35,554
Starting MSRP:
$23,995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$27,871
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,860 - $30,300
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$31,557
Price Range:
$26,653 - $37,088
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
$37,402
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
$31,557 - $43,791
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
229
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
7,115
# Good or Great Deals:
45
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$29,649
Price Range:
$26,455 - $33,569
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$33,244
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$29,649 - $36,546
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,823
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
9,247
# Good or Great Deals:
244
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$11,293
Depreciation %:
41.9%
Resale Value $:
$15,647
Residual Value %:
58.1%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
42.1%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
41.3% - 43.4%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$10,205
Depreciation %:
42.5%
Resale Value $:
$13,790
Residual Value %:
57.5%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
42%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
29.1% - 47.3%
Kia Niro Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.4 / 10
Reliability:
5.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
8.6 / 10
Volkswagen Taos Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Niro
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.5
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
8.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Taos
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.9 - 13.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
3.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Subcompact SUVs)
1.7 - 3.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8 - 18.3
Kia Niro Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
1 out of / 26Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 5Ranking
5 out of / 5Ranking
9 out of / 27Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 27Ranking
10 out of / 27Ranking
10 out of / 27Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 27Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 27Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
27 out of / 27Ranking
32 out of / 32Volkswagen Taos Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 59Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
34 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
48 out of / 67Ranking
59 out of / 67Ranking
60 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Kia Niro Trim Levels
EX, EX Touring, LX, SX, SX Touring
Volkswagen Taos Trim Levels
S, S 4Motion, SE, SE 4Motion, SE Black, SE Black 4Motion, SEL 4Motion
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.28 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
139 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque:
195 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.045 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
158 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 1750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
53 / 45 / 49
Range (city/hwy):
588 / 500 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
28 / 36 / 31
Range (city/hwy):
370 / 475 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.4 inches
Cargo Space:
22.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
63.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
127.9 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.2 inches
Cargo Space:
27.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
65.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
127.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3071 lbs
Width:
71.8 inches
Height:
60.8 inches
Length:
174 inches
Wheelbase:
107.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3181 lbs
Width:
72.5 inches
Height:
64.4 inches
Length:
175.8 inches
Wheelbase:
105.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P205/60R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
215/55R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Aurora Black Pearl
Gray
Graphite Gray / Steel Gray
Red
Runway Red
White
Snow White Pearl
Blue
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Red
Not available
White
Pure White
Blue
Dusk Blue Metallic
Silver
Pyrite Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Gray
Gray/Black
