Volkswagen Taos vs. Hyundai KONA
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Volkswagen Taos and Hyundai KONA 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 Volkswagen Taos and the Hyundai KONA.
When comparing the Volkswagen Taos's and the Hyundai KONA's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Taos has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, interior volume and base engine power. The Hyundai KONA has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen Taos's and the Hyundai KONA's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Taos is a better car than the Hyundai KONA.
Pricing: A used 2024 Volkswagen Taos ranges from $26,455 to $33,569 while a used 2024 Hyundai KONA is priced between $23,916 to $34,317. For a new model, the Volkswagen Taos's price is between $25,229 and $35,554, with the Hyundai KONA priced between $25,890 and $34,889.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Volkswagen Taos loses 41.7 percent of its value and the Hyundai KONA loses 34.1 percent of its value. This means the Hyundai KONA retains 7.7 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 Volkswagen Taos’s base engine makes 158 horsepower, and the Hyundai KONA base engine makes 147 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Volkswagen Taos, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear head room, and cargo space. The Hyundai KONA, a crossover/subcompact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, front leg room and rear leg room. The Volkswagen Taos and Hyundai KONA are comparable in regards to rear shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Hyundai KONA has higher safety ratings than the Volkswagen Taos, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
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
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$25,890 - $34,889
Starting MSRP:
$24,250
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$24,740
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$19,900 - $32,650
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:
1,415
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
5,070
# Good or Great Deals:
136
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$28,576
Price Range:
$23,916 - $34,317
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$29,059
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$23,526 - $38,837
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
951
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
7,637
# Good or Great Deals:
138
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%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$8,642
Depreciation %:
35.6%
Resale Value $:
$15,608
Residual Value %:
64.4%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Subcompact SUVs)
36.7%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
28% - 42.9%
Volkswagen Taos Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Hyundai KONA Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
5.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
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:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai KONA
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact SUVs)
11.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
10.3 - 14
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
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
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
9.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
1.6 - 17.6
Volkswagen 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 / 67Hyundai KONA Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 20Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 20Ranking
9 out of / 20Ranking
9 out of / 20Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 16Ranking
13 out of / 20Ranking
13 out of / 20Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 59Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
40 out of / 67Ranking
41 out of / 67Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
55 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Volkswagen Taos Trim Levels
S, S 4Motion, SE, SE 4Motion, SE Black, SE Black 4Motion, SEL 4Motion
Hyundai KONA Trim Levels
Limited, N Line, SE, SEL
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
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
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 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
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
132 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
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
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.2 inches
Cargo Space:
25.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
63.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
126.7 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3005 lbs
Width:
71.9 inches
Height:
62.2 inches
Length:
171.3 inches
Wheelbase:
104.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
215/55R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
215/60R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Dusk Blue Metallic
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Silver
Pyrite Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Green
Not available
Orange
Not available
Red
Not available
Yellow
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Abyss Black Pearl
Blue
Denim Blue Pearl
Gray
Cyber Gray Metallic / Ecotronic Gray Pearl
Silver
Not available
White
Atlas White
Green
Mirage Green
Orange
Soultronic Orange Pearl
Red
Ultimate Red Metallic
Yellow
Neoteric Yellow
Interior Colors
Gray
Gray/Black
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Gray
Black
Black