Volkswagen Taos vs. Hyundai Kona

Impressive Raw Power

Every trip starts with the roar of the engine coming to life. Creating a masterful motor that powers many years' worth of travel takes countless hours of engineering work. The Volkswagen Taos and the Hyundai Kona have similar engine styles, complementing their compact size. What those engines are capable of is another story.

The extra horsepower from its turbocharged engine gives the VW Taos a mighty kick when you press the accelerator. Plus, the substantial increase in torque lets you rev up into high gear and accelerate briskly down the highway.

Dynamic Drivetrain

A powerful energy source is just the beginning of what makes your drive so satisfying. Having optimal control over your SUV will make driving more confident. The Volkswagen Taos and the Hyundai Kona come standard with traditional front-wheel drive for predictable handling. However, if you plan on tackling more demanding surfaces like gravel and dirt, you'll need a more versatile system.

Each SUV offers an available all-wheel drive (AWD) system for improved handling on low-friction surfaces. The Volkswagen Taos, however, has a unique upgrade in the form of 4MOTION® All-Wheel Drive. This Volkswagen-exclusive system distributes power between the front and rear wheels based on detected traction and stability needs. It's an overhauled drivetrain made to handle whatever road you take.

Seamless Connectivity

Having accessible tech lets you take command of your drive in many ways. The Volkswagen Taos and the Hyundai Kona offer the modern amenities you've become accustomed to, such as seamless phone pairing and intuitive controls. However, the VW Taos will give you a better view of your most vital driving information. Its 20.3-centimetre (8-inch) Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster easily stretches beyond the Kona and its 10.7-centimetre (4.2-inch) screen.

The standard myVW App and Bluelink are app-based platforms that let you use your smartphone to remotely access your vehicle. Lock or unlock doors, locate your parked car, and access other connected services all from your smart device. Likewise, each SUV features a push-button engine start, allowing you to get going the moment you take your seat.

Driver Assistance

Peace of mind is priceless, and that's especially true when you're out in the world. Enhanced safety will help prepare you for the unexpected, and that's exactly what driver-assistive technologies provide. The Volkswagen Taos includes IQ.DRIVE®, a suite of systems that help keep you alert and aware of your surroundings. It shares several similar standard and available features with the Kona, including:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
• Automatic High Beam Control
• Lane Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control

Despite these similar features, the VW Taos still comes out on top with additional native tech. Added awareness comes standard with the integration of the Active Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert. This advanced system can alert you to hazards in your vehicle's blind spot and even provide counter-steer movements to avoid a collision, making lane changes easier. A similar feature comes with the Kona, but only with select higher trim levels.

Sufficient Space

Sometimes, choosing between compact SUVs is as simple as having more room. If you're packing up for an epic solo adventure or getting your gear together to work at an event, you'll need the most space for your equipment. Cargo volume is essential for times like these, and the VW Taos stretches further to fit more of your must-haves.

The Volkswagen Taos gives you more space to pack, whether you're loading up luggage for a trip with friends or folding down the rear seats for a big weekend away. The VW Taos also offers more room for everyone to get comfortable, with 1,033 millimetres (40.7 inches) of rear headroom compared to just 1,013 millimetres (39.9 inches) in the Kona!

Interior Style

Since you'll be spending lots of time in the cabin of your Volkswagen Taos or Hyundai Kona, it should be a place you look forward to seeing--and being. Choosing between seating materials and colour schemes gives you more room to explore and find a layout that suits your tastes. The VW Taos offers four unique looks and three comfortable materials, giving you more ways to make your model unique:

• Dark Blue cloth
• Mistral leatherette
• Titan Black (leatherette or leather)
• Blue Night leather

Opting for either smooth leatherette or luxurious leather will make your cabin more inviting and comfortable for you and your passengers. The Kona only offers one colour in Black, and either cloth or leather upholstery. Freedom of expression comes from having more opportunities, and the VW Taos offers more.