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. Its 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. Both models 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 tricky terrain. The Volkswagen Taos, however, has a unique upgrade in the form of its 4MOTION® all-wheel drive system. This Volkswagen-exclusive system distributes power between the front and rear wheels based on detected traction and stability needs.

4MOTION® all-wheel drive also includes Active Control, which adds four performance-tailored drive modes: Snow, On-Road, Off-Road, and Custom. Without a comparable AWD system, it’s the VW Taos that delivers an overhauled drivetrain made to handle whatever road you take.

Digital Command Center

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.

In a world where visibility is everything, the VW Taos makes it easier to view essential driving data, thanks to its larger 8-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster. This screen, located behind the steering wheel, helps keep you informed in full color. The Kona offers a similar feature; however, its smaller 4.2-inch cluster may make viewing data at a glance difficult.

To help simplify your morning commute, the VW Taos and the Kona offer remote services that allow you to lock or unlock the doors, locate your parked car, and access other connected services. Likewise, they each come standard with push-button engine start, allowing you to get going the moment you take your seat.

Driver Assistance

Peace of mind is priceless. The engineers of the Volkswagen Taos and the Hyundai Kona understand this, which is why each SUV features its own advanced suite. The VW Taos includes IQ.DRIVE®, while the Kona has Hyundai SmartSense. Each suite includes systems that help keep you alert and aware of your surroundings, including:

• Forward Collision Warning
• Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring
• High Beam Control
• Lane Assist

Despite these similar standard features, the VW Taos still comes out on top with additional native tech. Its standard Adaptive Cruise Control adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance behind traffic ahead. You’ll also have added awareness with the standard Blind Spot Monitor, making lane changes even easier.

Sufficient Space

No matter your destination or who you’re traveling with, more space is always appreciated. Cargo volume is essential for weekend adventures and shopping hauls alike. A quick comparison shows the VW Taos stretches further to fit more of your must-haves.

In addition to more cargo space, the VW Taos offers more room for everyone to get comfortable. It includes 39.8 inches of rear headroom compared to just 38.3 inches in the Kona.

Interior Style

Since you spend lots of time in the cabin of your next SUV, it should be a place you look forward to seeing. Choosing between seating materials and color schemes gives you more room to explore and find a layout that fits your tastes. The Volkswagen Taos offers five unique looks and three comfortable materials, giving you more ways to make your model unique:

• Gray & Black Cloth
• Black CloudTex
• Gray CloudTex
• Gray & Black Leather
• Night Blue Leather

Opting for either smooth CloudTex or luxurious leather (both optional) will make your cabin more inviting and comfortable for you and your passengers. The Hyundai Kona only offers two colors, Black and Gray, and only cloth or optional leatherette upholstery. Freedom of expression comes from having more opportunities, and the VW Taos offers more.