The compact SUV market is booming, with drivers seeking vehicles that blend city-friendly dimensions with versatile interiors and capable performance. Two standout contenders in this segment are the Volkswagen Taos and the Hyundai TUCSON. In this guide, we'll compare the 2025 models of these popular SUVs in terms of their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Exterior Design and Styling
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos' design continues to impress with its sleek and modern look. LED headlights and taillights come standard, giving the Taos a premium look even in its base trim, while the available panoramic sunroof adds light and openness to the cabin. You'll also enjoy a choice of 17-inch, 18-inch, or 19-inch wheels with various finishes so you can personalize your Taos to suit your tastes.
The 2025 Hyundai TUCSON, meanwhile, sports a bold and futuristic design that'll turn heads on the roads of State College and beyond. Its characteristic grille with integrated daytime running lights creates a unique front fascia that sets it apart from competitors. Like the Taos, the TUCSON offers an available panoramic sunroof and multiple wheel options.
When it comes to dimensions, the two SUVs are comparably sized, fitting comfortably into the compact segment. If you prefer a timeless look, though, the Taos' more conservative styling might just give it an edge.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Under the hood, the 2025 Volkswagen Taos features a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for a balanced mix of performance and efficiency. Both the front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models now pair this with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2025 Taos is expected to have similarly impressive fuel efficiency to the 2024 model year, which boasted 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
The 2025 Hyundai TUCSON provides more powertrain variety, with gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options available. The standard gas engine is competitive, but the hybrid powertrains offer enhanced performance and efficiency. Hyundai's HTRAC all-wheel-drive system is available if you need extra traction. The gas front-wheel-drive model of the TUCSON achieves 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, which is lower than the Taos, though the hybrid models significantly boost those figures.
Interior Comfort and Cargo Space
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos' interior is another example of its high-quality design and efficiency. With 40.1 inches of front legroom and 37.9 inches in the rear, passengers can stretch out comfortably. The Taos offers a total passenger volume of 99.5 cubic feet, ensuring ample room for five occupants. Cargo space is generous, with 27.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to an impressive 66 cubic feet with the seats folded.
The 2025 Hyundai TUCSON counters have an even more spacious interior. Its 41.4 inches of front legroom and remarkable 41.3 inches in the rear make it particularly comfortable for taller passengers. TUCSON's total passenger volume of 108.2 cubic feet is notably larger than that of Taos. Cargo space is also a strong point, with 38.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, reaching 80.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.
Technology and Infotainment
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos comes equipped with a host of modern technology features. The available Volkswagen Digital Cockpit provides a customizable display of vital information right at your fingertips, while the infotainment system features a responsive touch screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, allowing for seamless smartphone integration. If you're an audiophile, you'll appreciate the available six-speaker sound system, which delivers crisp, powerful sound throughout the cabin.
The 2025 Hyundai TUCSON offers its own impressive tech suite. An available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster provides clear, customizable information to the driver, and the infotainment system boasts a large touchscreen display and similar Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. For its premium audio option, Hyundai partners with Bose, ensuring high-quality sound.
Both vehicles offer connected car features through their respective platforms: Volkswagen Car-Net for the Taos and Hyundai Bluelink for the TUCSON. These systems provide remote access to vehicle functions, emergency assistance, and various convenience features.
Safety Features and Ratings
Both manufacturers prioritize safety, and it shows in their comprehensive suites of driver-assistance features. The 2025 Volkswagen Taos' safety suite is the IQ.DRIVE, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and front assist, to name just a few. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the 2024 Taos a solid four-star overall safety rating.
The 2025 Hyundai TUCSON is equipped with the Hyundai SmartSense safety suite. Standout technologies include highway driving assist, blind-spot view monitor, and remote smart parking assist. The TUCSON has impressive safety credentials, including an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, both for 2024.
Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos starts at an attractive MSRP of $24,995, making it an excellent value proposition in the compact SUV segment. It's available in four trim levels: S, SE, SE Black, and SEL. This allows you to choose the perfect balance of amenities and affordability.
The 2025 Hyundai TUCSON has a higher starting MSRP of $28,605 but offers a slightly wider range of trim levels: SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, XRT, and Limited. This offers you a little more choice, but there's a bigger price tag.
Ready To Experience the 2025 Volkswagen Taos?
While both the 2025 Volkswagen Taos and the 2025 Hyundai TUCSON offer compelling packages in the compact SUV segment, the Taos stands out for its combination of efficiency, value, and quality engineering. Its timelessly sleek design, impressive fuel economy, and competitive pricing make it an excellent choice for a wide range of drivers.
If you're ready to try out the 2025 Volkswagen Taos, contact us at Ciocca Volkswagen of State College and schedule a test drive. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to help, from guiding you through your options to helping with financing.
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