2025 Hyundai Kona SE vs 2026 Volkswagen Taos S
$2,150 less vs 27 more hp and 52 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $2,150 price gap, 147 vs 174 hp, 28 vs 28 MPG.
The Kona SE leads on $2,150 less. The Taos S leads on 27 more hp, 52 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 5 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 5 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2025 Hyundai Kona SE | 2026 Volkswagen Taos S |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $26,050 | $28,200 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 | 1.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 174 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 27 | 25 |
| Highway MPG | 29 | 33 |
| Combined MPG | 28 | 28 |
| Fuel Tank | 12.4 gal | 14.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | No published data | $1,550/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,203 lbs | 3,441 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 104.7" | 105.5" |
| Length | 171.3" | 175.9" |
| Width | 71.9" | 72.5" |
| Height | 63.2" | 65.1" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 4/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | No published data |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 12yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 4yr/50k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Hyundai Kona SE and 2026 Volkswagen Taos S?
The 2025 Hyundai Kona SE starts at $26,050, $2,150 less than the 2026 Volkswagen Taos S at $28,200. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $38/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Kona SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Kona SE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $2,150 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Kona SE covers your needs.
Who should choose the 2026 Volkswagen Taos S?
The 2026 Volkswagen Taos S is the stronger pick when the 2026 Volkswagen Taos S is more fuel-efficient for a lower-cost commute.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Hyundai Kona SE or 2026 Volkswagen Taos S?
Both achieve 28 combined MPG, so fuel cost is not a factor in this decision.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Hyundai Kona SE or 2026 Volkswagen Taos S?
The 2026 Volkswagen Taos S produces 174 hp, 27 more than the 2025 Hyundai Kona SE at 147 hp. The 2026 Volkswagen Taos S also leads in torque at 184 lb-ft vs 132 lb-ft. The 2025 Hyundai Kona SE runs a 2.0L I4; the 2026 Volkswagen Taos S uses a 1.5L I4 Turbo.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Kona SE bigger than the 2026 Volkswagen Taos S?
The 2026 Volkswagen Taos S is 4.6″ longer at 175.9″ vs 171.3″. The 2026 Volkswagen Taos S has a 0.8″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
The Hyundai Kona comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The Volkswagen Taos offers 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Hyundai trims, Hyundai Kona trims, Volkswagen trims, Volkswagen Taos trims
- 2025 Hyundai Kona SE Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- 2026 Volkswagen Taos S Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
The Kona–Taos Decision
Cross-shopping subcompact SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the Kona and Taos compare. The $2,150 gap is about $38/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.
What Powers Each Vehicle
The 2025 Hyundai Kona SE runs a 2.0L I4; the 2026 Volkswagen Taos S uses a 1.5L I4 Turbo. The 2026 Volkswagen Taos S has 27 more hp (174 vs 147), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2026 Volkswagen Taos S adds 52 more lb-ft of torque (184 vs 132), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.
The Ownership Math
Annual fuel costs are nearly identical, so running costs will not separate these two.
The Decision
Choose the 2025 Hyundai Kona SE when you want to keep $2,150 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Kona SE covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Volkswagen Taos S when the 2026 Volkswagen Taos S is more fuel-efficient for a lower-cost commute. At $38/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or Volkswagen or any dealership.