In the high-volume world of compact SUVs, the 2025 Volkswagen Taos and 2025 Nissan Kicks are receiving serious updates or a complete overhaul. These vehicles are aimed at practical buyers looking for efficient, feature-rich crossovers with style to match their performance, technology and value.
Let’s take a look at how they compare to help you choose which one is best for your lifestyle.
Powertrains: Turbo power or simplicity
Under the hood, the 2025 Volkswagen Taos features a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth gear changes and increased efficiency. Buyers can opt for front-wheel drive (FWD) or Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, which provides increased grip in difficult conditions. The Taos strikes a good balance between performance and efficiency, offering enough power for highway driving while maintaining respectable fuel economy.
2025 Volkswagen Taos First Drive: Big Updates
The 2025 Nissan Kicks, on the other hand, comes with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine that generates 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT gearbox, which emphasizes efficiency over performance. While the Kicks offers good city driving, it doesn’t match the Taos’ turbocharged engine in terms of punch, especially for passing or merging on the highway. For the first time, Nissan is offering Intelligent All-Wheel Drive on the Kicks, adding confidence on slippery roads.
The Taos offers better acceleration and greater versatility, making it more suitable for highway driving and varied driving conditions. Although less powerful, the Kicks emphasizes simplicity and efficiency, especially in urban environments.
Features : Advanced technology for different needs
When it comes to features, both vehicles aim to impress with modern connectivity and safety technologies. The Volkswagen Taos is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims elevate the experience with the 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro, a fully digital instrument cluster that adds a premium touch to the cabin. Additionally, Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE suite of advanced safety systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and blind spot monitoring, come standard on all trims.
The Nissan Kicks features a remarkable 12.3-inch touchscreen as standard on all trims, which is beneficial for buyers who appreciate spacious screens. It also includes wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard. Higher trims offer upgraded features such as ProPILOT Assist, which helps center the vehicle in its lane for more convenient highway driving, and an Intelligent Surround View Monitor that provides a 360-degree view for parking. The Kicks SR Premium also comes with a 10-speaker Bose audio system with headrest-level speakers.
The key difference is priorities: the Taos emphasizes premium materials, while the Kicks emphasizes larger screens and affordability.
Prix : Balance between value and features
The affordable price is one of the best selling points of the Nissan Kicks. The base Kicks S FWD starts at $27,199, while adding all-wheel drive bumps the price to $29,199. The mid-range SV AWD model starts at $30,749 and offers excellent value with wireless charging and heated seats. The fully equipped SR Premium AWD model starts at $34,899 and offers luxury amenities at a competitive price.
First test drive Nissan Kicks 2025: A strong return to the small SUV market
By comparison, the Volkswagen Taos starts at $29,795 for the base front-wheel-drive Trendline version and $31,795 for the all-wheel-drive version. Higher trims like the Comfortline and Highline, especially with optional packages, can exceed $38,000. Although the Taos is more expensive, it offers better performance, a more refined interior and greater versatility.
The Kicks offers significant value to buyers on a tighter budget, thanks to its equipment and price. Although it’s more expensive, the Taos justifies its price with premium touches and a more robust driving experience.
Dimensions and practicality: Space for your needs
| Category | Volkswagen Taos | Nissan Kicks |
| Length (mm) | 4,467 | 4,365 |
| Width (mm) | 1,841 | 1,800 |
| Height (mm) | 1,638 (FWD) / 1,654 (AWD) | 1,630 (FWD) / 1,625 (AWD) |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,680 | 2,656 (FWD) / 2,665 (AWD) |
| Loading capacity (L) | 705–790 (behind 2nd row) | 676–849 (behind 2nd row) |
| Volume for passengers (L) | 2,818 | 2,709 |
The Taos is slightly larger overall, providing more space for passengers and cargo. It is therefore ideal for families or travelers who need extra space. Although more compact, the Kicks maximizes its interior space with flexible cargo solutions.
Driving impressions: Performance and agility
On the road, the Volkswagen Taos’ turbocharged engine delivers strong acceleration, and the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system adapts perfectly to different conditions. Multiple driving modes make the Taos versatile on different terrains and in different weather conditions. The well-tuned suspension provides a stable and comfortable ride, especially on the highway.
The Nissan Kicks is agile and lightweight, excelling in urban environments where maneuverability is essential. The naturally aspirated engine offers adequate performance, although it is less confident on the highway. The all-wheel drive system, combined with snow mode, provides confidence on slippery roads, but the overall driving experience remains focused on efficiency rather than sportiness.
Conclusion
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos and the 2025 Nissan Kicks each respond to different priorities. The Taos is the best choice for those looking for performance, premium interior finishes and versatility. The Kicks, on the other hand, excels with its affordability, advanced technology features, and city agility, making it perfect for urban drivers looking for value for money.
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