2022 Volkswagen Taos vs. 2022 Kia Seltos: The Taos Takes the Lead

The Taos is Volkswagen’s all-new SUV that sets a new standard for subcompact driving. Just smaller than the Tiguan, it doesn’t ignore roominess with generous passenger capacity and up to 1,877 litres of cargo volume with the rear seats folded down. Each trim also receives a newly designed 1.5L turbo engine that offers fuel consumption as low as 6.6 L/100 km on the highway.

Many competitors are bracing for the arrival of the Taos. To illustrate why, we compare the 2022 Taos to the 2022 Kia Seltos.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos spreads power and efficiency across all trims

With a new 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that generates 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, the Taos is made for zipping around the city as well as taking on long trips on the highway. It develops this output for a small engine because of new geometry design and high injection pressure. This turbocharged unit is standard on each Taos.

On the contrary, nearly all Seltos trims rely on a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that peaks at 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Power in the lineup doesn’t increase until the top-grade SX Turbo. The only turbo in the Seltos lineup, it has a starting MSRP of $34,900. The Taos enters around $26,695 with a standard turbocharged engine.

Each Taos, except for the entry trim, includes standard 4MOTION AWD. FWD models include an 8-speed automatic transmission, and AWD models receive a quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Taos earns a very respectable 8.4 L/100 km in the city and 6.6 L/100 km on the highway FWD fuel consumption rating, also topping the Seltos’ highway rating of 7.1 L/100 km. The AWD Taos also has better highway fuel economy than the AWD Seltos trims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos outrooms the Seltos

The 2,817 litres of available passenger volume in the Taos results in more front and rear seat head and shoulder room than the Seltos.

It is also important for compact/subcompact crossovers to offer as much versatility as possible. The Taos features 1,877 litres of cargo volume behind the front seats, which expands over what’s available in the Seltos by 100 litres.

There is much more to discover about the 2022 Taos, including generous safety and other technologies. You can shop for your car online with us. Our representatives are waiting for your call and can answer all your questions.