2022 Volkswagen Taos vs. 2022 Kia Seltos


Overview

Are you in the market for a new SUV? If so, you have no shortage of exciting options. Perhaps you've checked out the 2022 Volkswagen Taos or the 2022 Kia Seltos. At first glance, the two vehicles seem to have much in common. Take a closer look, and you'll soon realize that the Taos is the better buy.


Power and Performance

The Seltos comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine capable of producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. While that sounds like an impressive output, the Taos has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Not only is the Taos' engine more robust than the Seltos' engine, but it's also more efficient. The Taos can get up to 36 mpg on the highway, while the Seltos only gets 31 mpg on the highway.

While both SUVs allow adding an all-wheel drive, only the Taos' all-wheel-drive system gives you a Snow Mode, On-Road Mode, Off-Road Mode, and Off-Road Custom Mode. Plus, the Taos comes with a seven-speed, smoother, and more precise transmission than the Seltos' continuously variable transmission.




Interior Space

While the Taos and the Seltos seat five, the Taos gives you a little extra room to stretch out and enjoy the ride. For example, the Taos gives you 40.7 inches of front headroom and 56.5 inches of front shoulder room. The Seltos only provides 40 inches of front headroom and 55.5 inches of front shoulder room. When you need to transport a lot of cargo, you'll appreciate the Taos' maximum cargo space, measuring 65.9 cubic feet. The Seltos' cargo space maxes out at 62.8 cubic feet.




Amenities

Regarding available amenities, the Taos and the Seltos let you add a wireless device charger, a premium sound system, and a sunroof. However, if you want ventilated front seats, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and a dual-zone climate control system, you'll have to go with the Taos because these features aren't available with the Seltos. Plus, only the Taos lets you use the myVW smartphone app, which transforms your device into a remote control that can start the Taos' engine and adjust climate settings. While Kia offers a smartphone app, you might not find it as user-friendly as the myVW app.

It's easy to see that the 2022 Volkswagen Taos offers much more than the 2022 Kia Seltos. Test drive the Taos today, and you'll know why it should be your next SUV.