Seemingly, everyone loves a big ol’ full-size SUV. They are everywhere; however, if you look closely, the small, subcompact models are every bit as pervasive on American roads. Why small SUVs? Simple — they offer drivers the higher seating position they want, and they’re easy — well, easier — on the checkbook.
Among the best options this year are the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2025 Volkswagen Taos. This pair are handsome and spacious — top characteristics for anyone buying a vehicle in this class. And, each starts with a price tag of around $26,000. Let’s take a look at both.
2025 Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos is brimming with a slew of standard convenience and safety technologies, which, historically, are top of mind in this segment.
Moreover, the Seltos offers generous interior space, surprising performance, and a best-in-class warranty. Courtesy of a mild exterior update and a redesign of its interior for the 2024 model year, the Seltos offers a big bang for the buck. Pricing starts at $25,965, including the destination charge.
Kia Seltos Highlights
Excellent warranty: Seltos models include a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty — it’s the best in class. Of course, a warranty of this length means that if you drive this vehicle for a while, repairs well down the road will be covered. Kia also includes five years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance. On the other hand, VW offers three years or 36,000 miles of roadside help on the Taos.
Getting more power: At 146 horsepower, the standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine found in the Seltos LX, S, and EX is fine. But who doesn’t want more power? If you do, Kia has an optional 1.6-liter turbocharged engine producing 195 hp for the X-Line and SX models.
Just the right one: With five trim packages, Kia allows buyers to get the Seltos equipped the way they want at an affordable price. The best news: Even the entry-level grade is well-equipped.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Seltos models for sale near you.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
Volkswagen gave the Taos a sprucing up for 2025. A new grille, bumper, and an available light bar advanced the front styling. Oh, LED projector headlights are now standard on every Taos. The freshened dashboard houses an integrated floating 8-inch infotainment display. VW also tinkered with the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine adding more ponies for a total output of 174 hp.
Importantly, it accomplished all of that while keeping the starting price price affordable, which is critical to success in this segment. Pricing starts at $26,420, including the destination charge.
Volkswagen Taos Highlights
Safety first: The IQ.Drive active safety and driver-assistance suite is standard on every Taos. It bundles adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, active blind-spot monitoring, and more.
Improved capabilities: The new Taos offers VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Offering all-wheel drive isn’t unusual in this segment; however, VW’s system is among the best and includes four user-adjustable drive modes. Among them are off-road and off-road custom.
Free and easy maintenance: Every new 2025 Taos model comes with two years or 20,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. Even as impressive as Kia’s warranties are, they don’t include this service.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Taos models for sale near you.
Similarities
Providing buyers plenty of upgrades as they move up through the trim levels, the Kia Seltos and Volkswagen Taos are both smart-looking, good performers. They are also among the roomiest in the subcompact SUV class.
Conclusion
There is no bad pick here. Consequently, it boils down to listing your must-haves and wants to determine which of these subcompact SUVs best fills the bill. They are close enough in price that either should accommodate a monthly budget equally well. The Seltos has a longer warranty, but the Taos has a more robust base engine and a little extra cargo space. In this case, your priorities will dictate your pick.
Used Prices
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The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Kia Seltos vehicles and vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specs
| 2025 Kia Seltos | 2025 Volkswagen Taos | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 146 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 174 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 29 city/35 highway/31 combined mpg | 28 city/36 highway/31 combined mpg (2024) |
| Also Available | 1.6-liter turbo 4-cylinder; 7-speed automatic; AWD | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Stars | 4-Stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 103.5 inches | 105.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 172.6 inches | 175.8 inches |
| Width | 70.9 inches | 72.5 inches |
| Height | 63.4 inches | 64.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 34.8 feet | 35.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40 inches | 40.7 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.4 inches | 39.8 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 40.1 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38 inches | 37.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.5 inches | 56.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.7 inches | 55.2 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 26.6/62.8 cubic feet | 27.9/65.9 cubic feet |
