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Drivers in Columbus, OH shopping for a stylish and capable compact SUV in 2025 will likely find themselves comparing two popular options: the Volkswagen Taos and the Hyundai Kona. Both models bring sharp looks, advanced technology, and modern safety features to the table—but a closer look reveals that the 2025 Volkswagen Taos offers more space, refinement, and long-term value that truly set it apart. At Byers Volkswagen in Columbus, Ohio, we know that SUV buyers are seeking more than just flashy design—they want comfort, performance, efficiency, and confidence on the road. The newly updated 2025 Taos delivers on all fronts. With a refreshed exterior, upgraded powertrain, and Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive driver assistance features, the Taos is designed for both everyday commutes and weekend adventures. Meanwhile, the 2025 Hyundai Kona retains its recent design updates and continues to offer strong tech and efficiency. However, it falls short in cargo space, interior volume, and overall refinement—areas where the Taos continues to excel. As we explore these two SUVs head-to-head, you’ll quickly see why Columbus, OH drivers are choosing the Volkswagen Taos for its well-rounded performance and upscale driving experience. Let’s break down the comparison to see which SUV comes out on top.
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos debuts a sleek mid-cycle refresh, featuring a bold LED light bar, new headlight and taillight designs, and available 19-inch wheels on SEL trims. Its clean lines and balanced proportions give it a refined presence that’s both city-savvy and highway-ready. The 2025 Hyundai Kona retains its previous redesign from 2024, with a futuristic LED front light bar and a compact silhouette. While it stands out visually, it leans more toward sporty than sophisticated. In Columbus, OH, where winter conditions and long drives are common, the Taos’s elevated ride height and crisp design give it a practical edge—especially for drivers who want a vehicle that’s stylish and smart without compromising on substance.
Inside, the 2025 Taos offers spacious seating and one of the largest cargo areas in its class—27.9 cubic feet behind the second row and nearly 66 cubic feet with seats folded. Rear seat passengers enjoy ample legroom, while drivers benefit from a customizable 10.3-inch Digital Cockpit display and upgraded wireless connectivity features. The 2025 Hyundai Kona has a modern, tech-forward cabin with a floating center display and available power liftgate. However, its smaller cargo area and tighter rear seating may pose challenges for growing families or those who frequently carry gear. Volkswagen’s attention to ergonomics and tech integration—like intuitive capacitive climate controls and available BeatsAudio sound—make the Taos a standout for Columbus drivers who value both function and premium feel.
Under the hood, the 2025 Volkswagen Taos now features a more powerful 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 174 horsepower—an increase over the previous model and enough to deliver brisk acceleration and excellent highway merging capability. When equipped with 4MOTION® all-wheel drive, the Taos also benefits from a refined 8-speed automatic transmission for a smoother, more confident ride. The 2025 Hyundai Kona offers two engine options, with the 1.6-liter turbocharged variant delivering 190 horsepower. However, its base engine is underpowered at 147 hp and is paired with a CVT that can feel unresponsive. Drivers in Columbus, OH who face diverse road conditions will appreciate the Taos’s composed handling, turbocharged efficiency, and available AWD—a combination that blends daily drivability with weekend-ready strength.
Safety is always top of mind for drivers in Columbus, OH—and the 2025 Volkswagen Taos delivers exceptional peace of mind with its comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features. Every trim comes equipped with IQ.DRIVE, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane assist, forward collision warning with automatic braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Unlike some competitors that limit key safety systems to upper trims or package upgrades, Volkswagen makes advanced safety a standard, not a luxury. Whether you're navigating city streets or tackling Ohio highways, the Taos helps you stay confident behind the wheel. At Byers Volkswagen in Columbus, OH, we’re proud to offer a compact SUV that puts safety first—no compromises, no upcharges, just built-in confidence across the board.
When comparing these two compact SUVs, the 2025 Volkswagen Taos clearly offers more space, powertrain refinement, and standard safety technology—all at a competitive starting price. Its upscale interior, larger cargo capacity, and intelligent AWD system make it a more versatile and family-friendly option for Columbus-area drivers. While the 2025 Hyundai Kona brings style and strong safety ratings to the table, it simply can’t match the Taos when it comes to overall value and livability. At Byers Volkswagen in Columbus, OH, we invite you to experience the 2025 Taos firsthand. Schedule a test drive today and see why more drivers across Ohio (OH) are choosing the Volkswagen Taos as their trusted compact SUV.
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2025 Volkswagen Taos | 2025 Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 1.5-Liter Turbo 4-Cylinder | 2.5-Liter Inline 4-cylinder |
| Standard Horsepower | 174 | 147 |
| Standard Torque (lb-ft) | 184 | 132 |
| Standard Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic | Shift-By-Wire Manual |
| Standard Wheels | 17-inch Alloy | 17-inch Alloy |
| Standard Headlights | LED | LED Projector Combination |
| Heated Front Seats | Available | Available |
| Standard Climate Control | Manual | Manual |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Available |
| Sunroof | Available | Available |
