VS
At a Glance
Power
147hp @ 6200
174hp @ 5500
Torque
132lb-ft @ 4500
184lb-ft @ 1750
Fuel
29 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
1.5 L/91ci
Choosing between the KIA Seltos and the Volkswagen Taos is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The KIA Seltos delivers 147hp @ 6200 while the Volkswagen Taos produces 174hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Seltos returns 29 mpg est. while the Taos uses 29 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $23,790 for the Seltos and $33,210 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.
Specification
KIA SeltosLX FWD 2026 - From $23,790
Volkswagen TaosSE Black 4MOTION 2026 - From $33,210
Performance
Power Output (hp)
147hp @ 6200
174hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
132lb-ft @ 4500
184lb-ft @ 1750
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
1.5 L/91ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
29 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
27 (Est)mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
31 (Est)mpg
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
13.2gal
14.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
172.6in
175.8in
Width (in)
70.9in
72.5in
Height (in)
63.6in
64.6in
Wheelbase (in)
103.5in
105.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
2937lbs
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
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Taos
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Seltos
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
KIA Seltos
Lower starting price ($23,790)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Taos
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Seltos or Taos?
The Seltos gets 29 mpg est. and the Taos gets 29 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Taos is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Seltos or Taos?
The Seltos produces 147hp @ 6200 and 132lb-ft @ 4500 of torque while the Taos delivers 174hp @ 5500 and 184lb-ft @ 1750 of torque. The Taos is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Seltos and Taos?
The Seltos starts from $23,790 and the Taos from $33,210. The Seltos is cheaper by $9,420 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Seltos 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.