Compared: 2024 Honda HR-V vs. 2024 Volkswagen Taos

German engineering faces off against Japanese refinement in this subcompact SUV battle.

Brennan Sullivan | 

May 24, 2024 | 3 min read

Honda | Volkswagen

When shopping for a small SUV, many buyers are searching for a Goldilocks vehicle that's practical, economical, fuel efficient, and enjoyable. Two key players in the segment are the recently redesigned 2024 Honda HR-V and the 2024 Volkswagen Taos. These five-passenger subcompact SUVs offer similar starting prices and impressive fuel-economy ratings — but which one is just right?

Volkswagen

The Taos Offers a Slightly Lower Starting Price

The 2024 Taos base S trim is offered for just over $25,000, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity standard. The SE adds dual-zone climate control and remote start for less than $30,000. At around $35,000, the SEL represents the top of the range, boasting leather upholstery and an upgraded Beats sound system. The SEL is the only Taos with all-wheel drive (AWD) standard. If you want it equipped on the front-wheel-drive (FWD) Taos S and SE, it's a respective $2,300 or $1,400 upgrade.

At $26,000, the base 2024 HR-V, the LX, runs a little pricier than the Taos. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, but the Sport trim adds upgraded audio, heated front seats, and unique exterior trim — it's priced at just under $29,000. The most expensive variant, the EX-L, will only set you back about $31,000, and includes a moonroof, wireless phone connectivity and charging, and a larger touchscreen. Unlike the Taos, the HR-V comes standard with FWD, but Honda's AWD upgrade is $1,500 for all trims.

Honda

The HR-V Brings Some Creative Creature Comforts

With its 7.6 inches of ground clearance on AWD models, the Taos is more off-road capable than the HR-V, which has only 7.0 inches. With 65.9 cubic-feet of space when the rear seats are folded down, the VW also offers significantly more cargo room. The Honda is more cramped, coming in at 55.1 cu-ft.

The VW stays true to its German roots by offering a slightly more luxurious cabin. It boasts line items such as a standard heated steering wheel. That said, the HR-V's optional 9.0-inch center infotainment screen upgrade is a solid inch larger than that of the largest available screen in the Taos, and the Honda's standard active noise cancellation technology minimizes harsh external sounds.

Volkswagen

Taos Nets Slightly Better Fuel-Economy Estimates

Selecting between FWD or AWD affects which of these subcompact SUVs is more fuel efficient.

For FWD models, the Taos scores 28/36/31 mpg in city/highway/combined driving, while the HR-V is less efficient, rated at 26/32/28 mpg. However, when opting for their respective AWD versions, the Volkswagen's 24/32/27 mpg and the Honda's 25/30/27 mpg are similar.

All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication), and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.

Brennan Sullivan

Brennan Sullivan is a writer and lifelong car fanatic. With an appreciation for all makes and models, Brennan is particularly passionate about the rich history of the automotive industry. In his spare time, he's the caretaker of a 1962 Sunbeam Alpine, and a Golden Retriever named Willow.