VS
At a Glance
Power
187hp @ 6100
174hp @ 5500
Torque
178lb-ft @ 4000
184lb-ft @ 1750
Towing
1653lbs
—
Engine
2.5 L/152cc
1.5 L/91cc
Choosing between the KIA Sportage and the Volkswagen Taos is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The KIA Sportage delivers 187hp @ 6100 while the Volkswagen Taos produces 174hp @ 5500. Pricing starts at $28,690 for the Sportage 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)
187hp @ 6100
174hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
178lb-ft @ 4000
184lb-ft @ 1750
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152cc
1.5 L/91cc
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
25 (2025)mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
33 (2025)mpg
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.3gal
14.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
183.5in
175.8in
Width (in)
73.4in
72.5in
Height (in)
65.4in
64.6in
Wheelbase (in)
108.5in
105.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
—
3437lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1653lbs
—
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
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Taos
Practicality
Sportage
Pros & Cons
KIA Sportage
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Taos
Lower starting price ($28,200)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Sportage or Taos?
The Sportage produces 187hp @ 6100 and 178lb-ft @ 4000 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 Sportage and Taos?
The Sportage starts from $28,690 and the Taos from $28,200. The Taos is cheaper by $490 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sportage or Taos?
The Sportage has a braked towing capacity of 1653lbs and the Taos can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sportage 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.