VS
At a Glance
Power
139hp @ 5700
174hp @ 5500
Torque
195lb-ft
184lb-ft @ 1750
Engine
1.6 L/96cc
1.5 L/91cc
Choosing between the KIA Niro and the Volkswagen Taos is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The KIA Niro delivers 139hp @ 5700 while the Volkswagen Taos produces 174hp @ 5500. Pricing starts at $29,890 for the Niro and $28,200 for the Taos. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
139hp @ 5700
174hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
195lb-ft
184lb-ft @ 1750
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.6 L/96cc
1.5 L/91cc
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Auto-Shift Manual w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
6
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
53 (Est)mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
54 (Est)mpg
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
11.1gal
14.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
174in
175.8in
Width (in)
71.9in
72.5in
Height (in)
60.8in
64.6in
Wheelbase (in)
107.1in
105.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3071lbs
3437lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Taos
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Taos
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
KIA Niro
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Taos
Lower starting price ($28,200)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Niro or Taos?
The Niro produces 139hp @ 5700 and 195lb-ft of torque while the Taos delivers 174hp @ 5500 and 184lb-ft @ 1750 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Niro and Taos?
The Niro starts from $29,890 and the Taos from $28,200. The Taos is cheaper by $1,690 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Niro or the Taos?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.