Kia Seltos vs Volkswagen Taos – Differences & Prices Compared

Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos: A Compact SUV with Big Ambitions

The 2025 Kia Seltos stands as a testament to Kia's ability to blend style, performance, and innovation within the compact SUV segment. As a versatile vehicle, the Seltos offers drivers a balance of power and practicality, making it an attractive option for city dwellers and adventure seekers alike.

Performance and Engine Dynamics

Under the hood, the Kia Seltos is equipped with a variety of powertrains, offering a choice between two gasoline engines. The robust 2.0L engine delivers 146 horsepower, providing a solid performance on urban roads. Alternatively, the spirited 1.6L engine, endowed with a turbocharger, boosts the output to a thrilling 195 horsepower, offering an exhilarating drive for those seeking a bit more speed.

Drive type is another critical decision for Seltos buyers. Whether traversing city streets or taking on rougher terrains, the Seltos is available in both Front Wheel and All Wheel drive options, allowing drivers to align their vehicle choice with their lifestyle preferences. Furthermore, the automatic transmission ensures a smooth and effortless driving experience across all configurations.

Seamless Design and Practicality

As a practical SUV, the 2025 Kia Seltos measures 172.6 inches in length and 70.9 inches in width, providing a roomy interior for passengers and cargo alike. The vehicle comfortably seats five, ensuring ample space and comfort for all occupants. The cleverly designed fuel tank capacity of 13.2 gallons complements its efficient use of space, making it a dependable choice for longer drives.

Despite its intimidating presence on the road, the Seltos has managed to keep its curb weight manageable, ranging from 2936 lbs. to 3247 lbs. based on model configurations. This design choice allows for improved handling and fuel efficiency, creating a driving experience that is both practical and enjoyable.

Technological Sophistication

With innovation at its core, the Kia Seltos integrates a host of technological features designed to enhance the driving experience. Advanced infotainment systems, coupled with intuitive interfaces, ensure that drivers remain connected while keeping their eyes on the road. Safety technologies are equally prioritized, with features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance providing an additional layer of security for all passengers.

A Future-Ready SUV

The Kia Seltos doesn't just cater to the demands of today but anticipates the needs of tomorrow. By blending a sleek SUV body with robust performance figures and cutting-edge technology, the Seltos positions itself as a leader in the compact SUV market. Whether it's the 146 HP or the more powerful 195 HP variant, the 2025 Kia Seltos is ready to take on any challenge with confidence and style.

Volkswagen Taos

Introducing the 2024 Volkswagen Taos: Sleek, Compact, and Powerful

The Volkswagen Taos has quickly established itself as a mainstay in the compact SUV market, offering a blend of style, performance, and practicality. For the model year 2024, the Taos continues to impress with a variety of configurations, all powered by a robust 158 horsepower engine. With options for both front-wheel drive (FWD) and Volkswagen's signature 4MOTION all-wheel drive, there's a Taos for every driving preference.

Performance and Efficiency: Heart of the Taos

At the core of each Taos model lies a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that delivers 158 horsepower and a muscular 184 lb-ft of torque. Coupled with an automatic transmission, this powertrain provides a driving experience that's both spirited and efficient. The front-wheel-drive versions boast an impressive fuel economy, achieving 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. On the other hand, the 4MOTION all-wheel-drive variants offer excellent traction and control, with fuel ratings of 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.

Taos Variants: Tailored to Perfection

The 2024 Volkswagen Taos lineup includes several variants to cater to diverse needs and preferences. The Taos S and Taos SE are available with both front-wheel and all-wheel drives, ensuring that drivers can opt for the drivetrain that best suits their lifestyle. At the top of the range is the Taos SEL 4MOTION, offering a premium feature set along with the surefootedness of all-wheel drive technology.

Design and Dimensions: Small Yet Spacious

The Volkswagen Taos is crafted to be compact yet spacious, making it a perfect choice for urban and suburban lifestyles. Measuring 175.8 inches in length, 72.5 inches in width, and 64 inches in height, its dimensions strike a balance between maneuverability and interior space. With a seating capacity for five, it’s designed to provide comfort without compromising its SUV styling or performance.

Innovative Features: Making Life on the Road Easier

Volkswagen has packed the Taos with innovative features to enhance both convenience and safety. Key amongst these is the available 4MOTION technology, which seamlessly adjusts power to the drive wheels that need it most, ensuring optimal traction under any condition. Other features include advanced infotainment systems, easy-to-use driver assistance features, and clever cargo solutions that make the Taos as functional as it is stylish.

Fuel Capacity and Weight: The Balancing Act

The Taos boasts a practical fuel tank capacity of 13.2 to 14.5 gallons, depending on the drivetrain. Despite its sturdy build, with curb weights ranging from 3,181 to 3,430 lbs, the vehicle maintains a sprightly and responsive drive characteristic of Volkswagen’s engineering precision.

Conclusion

Overall, the 2024 Volkswagen Taos stands out in the crowded compact SUV segment by offering a versatile, powerful, and efficient mode of transportation that doesn't sacrifice modern technology and creature comforts. Whether you want the confident handling of the 4MOTION all-wheel drive or the fuel economy of the front-wheel-drive, the Taos ensures that every journey is as enjoyable as it is economical.