2022 Volkswagen Taos VS Hyundai KONA: A Battle of Subcompact SUVs

September 30, 2021

The all-new Volkswagen Taos is here and it already has automotive experts buzzing. The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is the brand new subcompact SUV model from Volkswagen and comes with strong performance, a wealth of standard features, and impressive efficiency. The new Volkswagen Taos enters a segment with plenty of competition, so how does this all-new model stack up against those that have occupied the subcompact SUV market for years?

In this Volkswagen comparison page, you'll see how the latest VW compact SUV compares to the stiff competition from Hyundai. We want to make your new car research a little easier with a concise overview of just what you're getting for the money in a new Volkswagen. It's why we put together detailed comparisons like this one between the Hyundai KONA and Volkswagen Taos. See for yourself which subcompact SUV is the best fit for you, then schedule your test drive with us at Byers Volkswagen in Columbus, OH.

2022 Volkswagen Taos VS 2022 Hyundai KONA: Exterior & Interior

You might think that most subcompact SUVs look and perform the same, but there's a sharp contrast in the amount of standard features you get with the VW Taos compared to the Hyundai KONA. For instance, the 2022 Taos comes standard with LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights while the 2022 KONA has standard LED daytime running lights, but not LED headlights or taillights-you'd have to upgrade to a higher trim of the Hyundai KONA to get those features. You don't even get standard roof rails with the Hyundai KONA like you do with the Volkswagen Taos.

Take a seat inside these two subcompact SUVS, and you'll notice that the Volkswagen Taos is also more spacious than its Hyundai counterpart. The 2022 Taos has more passenger volume, 99.5 cubic feet against 94.1 cubic feet, as well as more cargo volume, up to 65.7 cubic feet against only 45.8 cubic feet for the 2022 KONA. It may be affordable and efficient like other subcompact SUVs, but the Volkswagen Taos is in a class of its own when it comes to interior space for this segment.

2022 Volkswagen Taos VS 2022 Hyundai KONA: Technology

In the category of tech features, the 2022 Taos is equipped with a wealth of infotainment technology. Where the 2022 KONA comes standard with a 4.2" multi-information display as part of its infotainment system, the new VW Taos comes standard with a larger 6.5" touchscreen display. Both models offer features like Bluetooth^® hands-free technology standard, but the Volkswagen Taos also offers Volkswagen Car-Net^® standard which puts more control in the driver's hands with available remote functions like starting the engine, locking the doors, and more all from your phone no matter where you are. The Hyundai KONA does have the Hyundai mobile app for remote functions, but it's not available for the entry-level trim model like the Volkswagen Taos. The VW Taos also comes standard with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, which adds another display screen in place of the conventional digital cluster to give you more information like navigation directions directly in your field of vision. The Hyundai KONA also offers a digital instrument cluster but it's not standard on the entry-level model, which means you'll have to pay more to get the equipment that's standard on the VW Taos.

2022 Volkswagen Taos VS 2022 Hyundai KONA: Performance

When it comes to performance, both subcompact SUVs have solid standard engines that pack a punch. The Hyundai KONA has a standard 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that generates 147 horsepower and 132 lb/ft of torque. The Volkswagen Taos surpasses that output with its 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder that makes 158 horsepower and 184 lb/ft of torque. Plus, you don't have to sacrifice efficiency to get the enhanced performance of the 2022 Taos because it still gets up to 36 MPG on the highway, edging out the 35 MPG highway fuel economy of the 2022 KONA. Whether you want efficiency or performance, the answer is the all-new Volkswagen Taos.

2022 Volkswagen Taos VS 2022 Hyundai KONA: Safety

It only makes sense to shop for a new car that's built to protect yourself and passengers, which is why the 2022 Taos is engineered for maximum safety with advanced materials and features. Both these subcompact SUVs have numerous available driver assist systems, including lane assist, adaptive cruise control, front assist, and rear cross traffic alert. But, only with the Volkswagen Taos do you also get the innovative emergency assist. The available emergency assist of the Volkswagen Taos can determine if the driver of the vehicle is incapacitated or unresponsive based on steering wheel activity. If it doesn't measure a response from the driver after alerts, it can bring the vehicle to a safe and controlled stop immediately. And, in the event of a crash, the Volkswagen Taos has the standard Intelligent Crash Response System which automatically turns off the fuel pump, unlocks doors, and activates safety hazards when airbags have been deployed.

2022 Volkswagen Taos VS 2022 Hyundai KONA: Price & Value

Of course, we couldn't properly compare these two models without looking at the price tags. Subcompact SUVs are popular with many drivers because of their affordable prices. The all-new Volkswagen Taos and Hyundai KONA both live up to that expectation. The 2022 Hyundai KONA begins at $21,150 while the 2022 Volkswagen Taos begins at $22,995. The Volkswagen Taos may appear to cost slightly more, but you also get more interior space, a more high-powered engine, more standard features, and a better fuel economy. When you take everything the 2022 Taos has to offer in comparison to the Hyundai KONA, there's no doubt which subcompact SUV is the better value.

Stop by our Byers Volkswagen dealership located at 379 North Hamilton Road in Columbus, OH 43213 to talk with one of our staff and learn more about the all-new 2022 Volkswagen Taos or to take one for a test drive today.

2022 Volkswagen Taos		2022 Hyundai KONA
$22,995	Starting MSRP*	$21,150
1.5-Liter TSI Inline 4-Cylinder	Standard Engine	2.0-Liter Inline 4-Cylinder
158 HP / 184 lb/ft	Performance Output (Horsepower / Torque)	147 HP / 132 lb/ft
28 MPG / 36 MPG	Standard Fuel Economy (City / Highway)	30 MPG / 35 MPG
Standard	LED Headlights & Taillights	Only Available On Higher Trims
99.5 Cubic Feet	Passenger Volume	94.1 Cubic Feet
27.9 / 65.9 Cubic Feet	Cargo Volume (Standard / Maximum)	19.2 / 45.8 Cubic Feet
6.5" LCD Touchscreen	Standard Infotainment Display	4.2" Color Multi-Information Display
Standard	Instrument Cluster Digital Display	Available
Available	Adaptive Cruise Control	Available

*Prices exclude destination, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

Related Pages

• View Our New Volkswagen Taos Inventory
• Browse Our New Volkswagen Inventory Specials
• Research Other Volkswagen SUV Models