Kia Niro vs Volkswagen Tayron
What's the difference?

Kia Niro

$28,990 - $54,990

2023 price

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Volkswagen Tayron

$48,950 - $76,550

2026 price

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Polestar 2 Long Range

Polestar 2 Standard Range

Summary

2023 Kia Niro

2026 Volkswagen Tayron

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Electric

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

8.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Decent driving range
Pleasant interior design
Easy-to-use tech

Thoughtful family features
Comfortable daily driver
Great boot space

Dislikes

Rougher ride
Doughy acceleration from a full stop
Expensive compared to rivals

Lacks the finesse and power of Touareg
Third row is still a 'sometimes seat'
Expensive ownership

2023 Kia Niro Summary

Kia has released the newly updated Niro, which is the smaller and less sporty sibling to Kia’s popular, EV6. As far as EVs go, it has a decent driving range and specs that should entice first-time electric vehicle owners to dip their toes into the EV pool.

However, the updated model does come with a price hike… which might not excite a budget-conscious buyer, especially with such affordable competitors like the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric also available.

I’ve been hanging in it for a week with my family of three to see how it handles!

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2026 Volkswagen Tayron Summary

Volkswagen has a new large SUV in the Tayron (pronounced TIE-ron), and it arrives with a fair bit riding on it. Replacing the Tiguan Allspace and taking on some of the duties left by the departing Touareg, it’s now the brand’s key seven-seat family offering.

We’re testing the flagship 195TSI R-Line with established petrol rivals like the Kia Sorento GT-Line, Skoda Kodiaq RS and Toyota Kluger Grande in mind. After a few weeks of school-holiday mayhem, complete with feral kids, does it sink or swim?

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Kia Niro 2026 Volkswagen Tayron

Verdict

The Kia Niro S Electric is a solid little SUV that has decent space inside and some nice specs, but it's more expensive than its nearest rivals. The EV powertrain can take a little getting used to and I would have liked a smoother ride, but the 460km driving range is good.

For first-time EV owners, this wouldn’t be a bad option if you wanted to dip your toes in the water but it will suit urban dwellers and smaller families, like mine, best. This gets a 7.5/10 from me.

My son wasn’t in love with this one. Not enough buttons for him to press and he did comment on how bumpy the ride was in the back. He gives it a 6.0/10.

Verdict

So, does the new Volkswagen Tayron 195TSI R-Line sink or swim? It's definitely swimming as it delivers a solid blend of features and comforts for families seeking a 'sometime' seven-seater. It's not yet on the podium as it doesn’t hit every mark. Purchase price and servicing costs may put some buyers off but it packs in a number of thoughtful, family-oriented features. Whether it will go on to become Volkswagen’s standout seven-seat offering remains to be seen, but it’s a capable, well-rounded option in the segment.

Kia Niro vs Volkswagen Tayron What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Niro vs Volkswagen Tayron
What's the difference?