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Nissan Kicks vs Volkswagen Taos: fuel economy and fuel cost

In model year 2026 the Nissan Kicks and the Volkswagen Taos cost the same to fuel: about $2,110 a year for the lowest-cost configuration of each (Kicks, 31 MPG combined, and Taos, 31 MPG combined).

Both are classed as Small SUVs by the EPA. Costs assume 15,000 miles a year and the same fuel and electricity prices for both vehicles, using the EPA combined rating (55% city, 45% highway). Each figure is rounded to $10 and every difference is calculated from the rounded values.

The EPA is still publishing model year 2027 ratings, so this page compares model year 2026, the latest complete year.

Illustration: Small SUVs
  • Gas
  • Small SUVs

Nissan Kicks

Lowest fuel cost configuration

Kicks

31 MPG
Combined
28 MPG
City
35 MPG
Highway
Annual fuel cost
$2,110

$14.07 per 100 miles

15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices

2 configurations in MY2026

Illustration: Small SUVs
  • Gas
  • Small SUVs

Volkswagen Taos

Lowest fuel cost configuration

Taos

31 MPG
Combined
28 MPG
City
36 MPG
Highway
Annual fuel cost
$2,110

$14.07 per 100 miles

15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices

2 configurations in MY2026

What the fuel costs

Annual fuel cost of the lowest-cost configuration

  • Nissan Kicks$2,110 a year · $14.07 per 100 mi
  • Volkswagen Taos$2,110 a year · $14.07 per 100 mi

Difference per year

Same

The rounded annual costs are equal

Head to head, MY2026

Nissan Kicks and Volkswagen Taos compared on their lowest fuel cost configuration
Measure Nissan Kicks Volkswagen Taos
Lowest-cost configuration KicksTaos
Powertrain GasGas
Combined rating 31 MPG31 MPG
City rating 28 MPG28 MPG
Highway rating 35 MPG36 MPG (better)
Annual fuel cost $2,110/yr$2,110/yr
Cost per 100 miles $14.07$14.07
Annual cost range, all configurations $2,110–$2,150$2,110–$2,330
Configurations in MY2026 22
EPA class Small SUVsSmall SUVs

Best configuration by powertrain

Lowest-cost configuration of each powertrain, Nissan Kicks and Volkswagen Taos
Powertrain Nissan Kicks Volkswagen Taos
Gas 31 MPG · $2,110/yr Kicks 31 MPG · $2,110/yr Taos

Each cell shows the combined rating and the annual fuel cost of the lowest-cost configuration with that powertrain.

Where each one comes out ahead

Generated from the numbers above, comparing the lowest fuel cost configurations. No subjective judgements.

Nissan Kicks

Not ahead on any measure listed here.

Volkswagen Taos

  • Higher highway rating: 36 MPG vs 35 MPG

Level on: annual fuel cost ($2,110), combined rating (31 MPG), city rating (28 MPG)

Year by year

Combined rating and annual fuel cost by model year, Nissan Kicks and Volkswagen Taos
Model year Nissan Kicks Volkswagen Taos
CombinedPer yearCombinedPer year
2026 30–31 MPG $2,110–$2,150 28–31 MPG $2,110–$2,330
2025 30–33 MPG $1,970–$2,150 28–31 MPG $2,110–$2,330
2024 33 MPG $1,980 27–31 MPG $2,090–$2,410
2023 33 MPG $1,980 28–31 MPG $2,100–$2,370
2022 33 MPG $1,980 28–31 MPG $2,100–$2,370

Earlier model years are costed with today's fuel prices, so the table shows how each model's efficiency changed, not what fuel cost at the time. Ranges cover every configuration of that model year.

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper to fuel, the Nissan Kicks or the Volkswagen Taos?

They cost the same: about $2,110 a year each. That compares the lowest-cost configuration of each in model year 2026 at 15,000 miles a year with the same fuel prices.

Which has the better fuel economy rating, the Nissan Kicks or the Volkswagen Taos?

Both are rated 31 MPG combined. City: 28 MPG vs 28 MPG. Highway: 35 MPG vs 36 MPG. These are the EPA ratings of each model's lowest-cost configuration.

How is the annual fuel cost calculated?

Distance of 15,000 miles a year at the EPA combined rating (55% city, 45% highway). Gasoline is priced at $4.36/gal (EIA U.S. average for regular, Sep 2026) and electricity at 18.3¢/kWh (EIA U.S. residential average, Jul 2026); premium and diesel configurations use their own EIA prices. Each result is rounded to $10, and differences are calculated from the rounded figures.

Are the Nissan Kicks and the Volkswagen Taos in the same class?

Yes. The EPA classes both as Small SUVs.

Explore these cars

More comparisons

EPA ratings: fueleconomy.gov file of Sep 29, 2026 · Prices: EIA regular gasoline, U.S. avg, Sep 2026 ($4.36/gal); residential electricity, U.S. avg, Jul 2026 (18.3¢/kWh) · 15,000 mi/yr, 55% city, same prices for both vehicles