VS
At a Glance
Power
141hp @ 6000
174hp @ 5500
Torque
140lb-ft @ 4000
184lb-ft @ 1750
Fuel
32 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
1.5 L/91ci
Choosing between the Nissan Kicks and the Volkswagen Taos is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Nissan Kicks delivers 141hp @ 6000 while the Volkswagen Taos produces 174hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Kicks returns 32 mpg est. while the Taos uses 29 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $26,960 for the Kicks 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
Nissan KicksSR FWD 2026 - From $26,960
Volkswagen TaosSE Black 4MOTION 2026 - From $33,210
Performance
Power Output (hp)
141hp @ 6000
174hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
140lb-ft @ 4000
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.)
32 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
28mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
35mpg
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
11.8gal
14.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
171.9in
175.8in
Width (in)
70.9in
72.5in
Height (in)
64.2in
64.6in
Wheelbase (in)
104.6in
105.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3024lbs
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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Nissan Kicks
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Taos
Fuel Economy
Kicks
Value
Kicks
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Nissan Kicks
Better fuel economy (32 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($26,960)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Taos
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (29 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Kicks or Taos?
The Kicks gets 32 mpg est. and the Taos gets 29 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Kicks 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 Kicks or Taos?
The Kicks produces 141hp @ 6000 and 140lb-ft @ 4000 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 Kicks and Taos?
The Kicks starts from $26,960 and the Taos from $33,210. The Kicks is cheaper by $6,250 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Kicks 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.