Kia Niro vs Volkswagen Taos
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Volkswagen Taos
Overview
| Spec | Kia NiroLX | Volkswagen TaosS |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LX | S |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | hybrid | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Kia NiroLX | Volkswagen TaosS |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $27,090 | $26,500 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Kia NiroLX | Volkswagen TaosS |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 53 MPG (best) | 31 MPG |
| City MPG | 53 MPG (best) | 28 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 54 MPG (best) | 36 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 11 gal | 13.2 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Kia NiroLX | Volkswagen TaosS |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 139 hp | 174 hp (best) |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft (best) | 184 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 1.6 L (best) | 1.5 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Kia NiroLX | Volkswagen TaosS |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | — | 65.9 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | — | 937 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,071 lbs (best) | 3,201 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 6 in | 6.5 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 107 in (best) | 105.9 in |
| Length | 174 in | 175.9 in (best) |
| Width | 72 in | 72.5 in (best) |
| Height | 61 in | 64.5 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Kia NiroLX | Volkswagen TaosS |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Kia Niro | Volkswagen Taos |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LX $27,090 MSRP(Currently comparing) | S $26,500 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | EX $29,890 MSRP | S $28,200 MSRP |
| 3 | SX $33,090 MSRP | SE $29,260 MSRP |
| 4 | SX Touring $35,490 MSRP | SE $30,960 MSRP |
| 5 | — | SE Black $31,510 MSRP |
| 6 | — | SE Black $33,210 MSRP |
| 7 | — | SEL $35,900 MSRP |