2023 Honda HR-V vs 2023 VW Taos

The 2023 Honda HR-V is an all new generation this model year. This has made it more competitive than ever. The 2023 VW Taos is another big player in the subcompact SUV arena.

In this review, we’ll look at common questions and answers about these two compact SUVs. If you don’t find answers you need, please reach out to our staff.

1. What’s New for 2023?

   For 2023, the main Volkswagen Taos change was the addition of some driver assistance. It added two more key features, but it still can’t claim as many as the Honda HR-V.

   This model year, the HR-V grew bigger in all the ways that count. It is 2.6 inches wider and 8.6 inches longer. This allows it to offer more passenger room and more cargo space. A larger greenhouse surrounds the passengers, providing better views of the outdoors.

   New body stabilizing seats take care of the front seat occupants. A larger, more comfortable second-row bench takes care of passengers.

   When it comes to value, Honda has added more technologies and amenities to the basic package. Plus the interior and exterior have been renewed with a higher-end appearance. Engine enhancements and a new front/rear suspension set-up helps insure better handling.

2. How do the interiors Compare?

   With its redesign, the HR-V gained a more sophisticated interior. Shoppers will notice more padded surfaces and other soft touches. The sleek dashboard has a special honeycomb grille. A French stitched accent adds visual interest to the curvy center console.

   Special touches include a wavy pattern on the doors that looks good and minimizes the look of long-term scuffs. To reduce windshield reflections, designers minimized the cutlines. Assisted by the large driver information screen, the cockpit has a digital speedometer and digital tachometer.

   

   The VW Taos has a gray or gray and black two-one interior. Dashboards have a two-level look. Digital instruments are matched with an 8-inch driver display, and a full digital cockpit is available.

   These Voikswagen have slightly more standard cargo space than the HR-V. However, the Honda cargo area was expanded this model year and special care was taken to make the space easy to access. It measures 24.4 cubic feet and expands to 55.1 cubic feet.

   If you are interested in loans and leases, our finance department can help. We want to make it easy for you to drive away in a new SUV.

3. What are the Prices and Trim Levels?

   Both the Volkswagen Taos and Honda HR-V have three trim levels. Despite offering more standard, the Honda HR-V price is slightly under the Taos price at entry level.

   At the second tier, the HR-V Sport price is significantly less than the Volkswagen Taos SE. Going to the third tier, the Taos price rises to about $35,000 while the EX-L FWD remains under $30,000. It is likely you can get the EX-L for around the same cost as the Taos SE. These price differences are sure to tempt shoppers away from the VW toward the Honda.

4. What are the Performance Features?

   For this new generation, the HR-V has a bigger engine that is more responsive than ever. Hill descent control is standard even on the front-wheel drive models.

   It is mated to a continuously variable transmission. Honda uses Step-Shift automatic technology to give it a natural feel for the driver. Output is 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque.

   The VW Taos has a 158-horsepower turbo mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. When you add all-wheel drive, the same engine is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic. Output is 195 lb-ft of torque.

5. What is the Handling and Ride Quality Like?

   The VW Taos has a standard 6.5-inch brand-specific touchscreen while the Honda has its own 7-inch touchscreen. These have essentials such as Bluetooth interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Push button start gets both compact SUVs on their way.

   Hondas have a three-angle rearview camera to show you more when you are in reverse. The Taos has a typical one-angle rearview camera.

   Higher trims have an 8-inch touchscreen on the VW Taos and a 9-inch touchscreen on the Honda HR-V. Hondas have a special finger rest with this larger screen.

   Manual air conditioning is standard on Taos S and SE models while HR-V LX and Sport models have automatic air conditioning controls. HR-V EX-L and Taos SEL have dual-control automatic HVAC.

6. What Driver Assistance Can You Get?

   Both vehicles have the most important driver assistance on board. This is the emergency autobrake that responds to forward collision dangers and pedestrians. For the new model year, Honda has introduced a more refined system with a wider front-camera arc.

   

   The VW Taos has a standard blind spot alert, a second-tier system on the Honda. However, the 2023 HR-V has many standards that the Volkswagen doesn’t. This includes adaptive cruise control, a lane departure system, automatic high beams, a driver attention monitor, and traffic sign recognition. All of these are extras with the VW Taos.

   In addition, roadside departure is a Honda standard not available on other brands. Another exclusive is traffic jam assist which makes stop-and-go traffic much easier. Plus, the HR-V has new-generation airbags with more airbags than the Taos.

Conclusion

While the 2023 Volkswagen Taos is a good compact SUV, the 2023 Honda HR-V is a better value at every trim level. Plus, it can even save you money by providing leather upholstery, ambient lighting and other amenities for less.

When you schedule a test drive, ask about HR-V specials at your Earnhardt Honda dealer.