Starting at $25,450
8.5/10
C/D RATING
Specs
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Andi Hedrick
|Car and Driver
8.5/10 C/D RATING
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- Highs Big space in the subcompact segment, plenty of cargo room, impressive fuel-economy.
- Lows Modest performance, plastic paradise interior, isn’t as spirited as the Golf hatchback it replaces.
- Verdict With an attractively low base price, the Volkswagen Taos offers big fuel mileage along with big space for such a small SUV.
Overview
Subcompact SUVs feed a hunger for space, affordability, and a certain sense of belonging—since almost everyone drives an SUV these days. Among 20 other competitors, the Volkswagen Taos quenches an additional, more recent consumer craving for parsimonious fuel economy. Available in front- or all-wheel drive, every Taos hums along getting exemplary real-world fuel mileage thanks to a stingy, 158-hp 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Taos doesn’t offer a hitch to tow with, so we’d suggest moving up to the larger Tiguan SUV for that, but there’s plenty of cargo space inside, even with the rear seats in use, to easily handle grocery duty. It’s a close fight among the best in this class, so the Tiguan’s low starting price and capacious cockpit make it a tempting choice among others such as the Kia Seltos and Chevrolet Trailblazer. Beating its EPA-estimate by 4 mpg, an all-wheel-drive Taos SEL we tested managed an awesome 40 mpg during our 200-mile, 75-mph highway fuel-economy test loop. Copious amounts of interior plastic help keep the Taos’ price down while making the more richly-appointed Mazda CX-30 cabin feel like a miniature luxury condo in comparison with the VW.
Where This Vehicle Ranks
What's New for 2023?
VW’s smallest crossover doesn’t undergo much change for 2023, but it does receive a few equipment enhancements. Volkswagen adds driver assistance features such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian monitoring, blind spot monitor, and rear traffic alert as standard equipment across all trims. The base S gets 18-inch wheels, instead of 17-inchers, on all-wheel-drive models. Lastly, SEL now get a fancy panoramic sunroof as standard equipment.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We recommend the mid-level SE model because it provides the best value. It comes standard with 18-inch wheels, blind-spot monitoring, heated front seats, remote start, and wireless charging. We'd add all-wheel drive for an extra $1450, largely because it replaces the front-drive model's rear suspension with a more sophisticated independent unit. We'd also opt for the IQ.Drive and SE Convenience packages that add adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beams, a heated steering wheel, lane-keeping assist, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Taos is powered by VW's new turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It makes 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Front-drive versions feature an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel-drive models have a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The front-drive and all-wheel-drive Taos also have different rear suspensions, with the former using a torsion-beam setup and the latter using a more sophisticated multilink design. During our testing, the acceleration difference between the two different drivetrains was negligible, with the front-wheel-drive Taos beating the 4Motion to 60 mph by only a tenth of a second. A set of 17-inch wheels are standard, but 18- and 19-inchers are also available. We appreciated the engine's low-speed thrust, the eight-speed automatic's unobtrusive operation, and the suspension's composure on even roads during our time with one.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The front-drive Taos is rated at 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, and the all-wheel-drive model is rated at 25 mpg city and 32 highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, the front-wheel-drive Taos earned an impressive 40 mpg, while the 4Motion all-wheel-drive Taos achieved 33 mpg. For more information about the Taos's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, there's nothing overtly special about the Taos. The design and materials mimic the modern aesthetic found on other VW models. A fully digital gauge cluster is fitted to every dashboard and the standard two-tone seats are covered in cloth. However, leatherette and leather upholstery are both available, too. There's no shortage of popular options, either. The Taos cabin can be equipped with customizable ambient lighting, an eight-way power driver's seat, dual-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Taos boasts 37.9 inches of rear-seat legroom, which is only 0.8 inch less than the two-row Tiguan. The Taos also has 28 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seatbacks and 66 cubes with them folded flat.
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Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Taos features a slick-looking infotainment system with a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. A 6.5-inch touchscreen is standard, and an 8.0-inch version is optional. The system can also be equipped with built-in navigation, an eight-speaker BeatsAudio stereo, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless smartphone charging.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The smallest VW crossover is available with a variety of driver-assistance technology, too, including forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. For more information about the Taos's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- Standard rear traffic alert
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Volkswagen provides an above-average limited warranty and below-average powertrain coverage. However, the company does include complimentary scheduled maintenance that aligns with Toyota.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for two years or 20,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2022 Volkswagen Taos SEL
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $33,385/$33,385
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 91 in3, 1498 cm3
Power: 158 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/torsion beam
Brakes, F/R: 12.3-in vented disc/10.7-in disc
Tires: Bridgestone Turanza LS100
215/50R-18 92H M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 105.9 in
Length: 175.8 in
Width: 72.5 in
Height: 64.4 in
Passenger Volume: 99 ft3
Cargo Volume: 28 ft3
Curb Weight: 3244 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.4 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.8 sec @ 87 mph
100 mph: 21.5 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 8.4 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.5 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.1 sec
Top Speed (C/D est): 125 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 176 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.83 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 30 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 40 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 520 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 31/28/36 mpg
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2022 Volkswagen Taos SEL 4Motion
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $34,940/$36,535
Options: panoramic sunroof, $1200; Kings Red Metallic paint, $395
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 91 in3, 1498 cm3
Power: 158 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm
TRANSMISSION
7-speed dual-clutch automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.3-in vented disc/10.7-in disc
Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season
225/45R-19 92H M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 105.6 in
Length: 175.8 in
Width: 72.5 in
Height: 64.6 in
Passenger Volume: 99 ft3
Cargo Volume: 25 ft3
Curb Weight: 3557 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.5 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.8 sec @ 85 mph
100 mph: 24.2 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 8.5 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.6 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.9 sec
Top Speed (C/D est): 125 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 185 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.85 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 29 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 33 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 470 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 28/25/32 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
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FAQs
Is VW Taos worth buying? ›
Yes, the 2023 Taos is a good SUV. It has an impressive amount of cargo room, spacious and supportive seats and a comfortable ride. It also returns good fuel economy estimates.
What is the Volkswagen Taos comparable to? ›Think of the new 2022 Volkswagen Taos as a shrunken Tiguan with the face of an Atlas—the design of the subcompact Taos fits right in as part of the Volkswagen SUV family. In terms of size, the Taos' exterior dimensions are similar to the Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek, slotting it on the larger side of its segment.
How much does a VW Taos cost? ›2022 Volkswagen Taos Pricing
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos has a starting price of $23,295, plus a destination fee of $1,195. This is for the Taos S with FWD. A Taos S with 4Motion AWD begins at $25,340. As a mid-range SE model, a front-drive 2022 VW Taos begins at $27,545, which jumps to $28,995 with 4Motion AWD.
For 2023, the Volkswagen Taos adds features to its three trim levels: S, SE, and SEL. Driver assistance systems such as Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring), Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert are now standard across the board.
Does VW Taos require premium gas? ›The VW Taos, unlike some other vehicles with turbocharged engines, also does not require premium gasoline. Between the superior gas mileage of this SUV and the fact that it uses regular fuel, it can really help you and your family stretch the monthly budget.
Are Volkswagen Taos expensive to maintain? ›As you can see, Volkswagen lands about middle-of-the-road for annual repair fees. Compared to average vehicles like Hondas or Toyotas, Volkswagen maintenance costs are high.
Which SUV is better Honda or Volkswagen? ›When it comes to legroom and storage space, Honda has the Volkswagen beat with 39.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear row and 75.8 cubic feet with the seats down. A two-row Volkswagen Tiguan comes up just short with 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear row and 73.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
Which is better Kia or Volkswagen? ›Volkswagen vs Kia: Engine Performance
Kia offers larger engines with a multi-point injection system that enables improved fuel economy while also offering improved overall speed. However, only Volkswagen offers turbocharging with many of its vehicles.
J.D. Power and Associates' 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Hyundai vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Hyundai 7th in reliability, above the industry average.
Is Taos a good SUV? ›Volkswagen's smallest SUV is a big deal. The Taos packs plenty of modern tech and safety features into a tidy package. It also has excellent passenger and cargo space. The transmission makes lazy or awkward gear shifts at times, but that's pretty much the vehicle's only weakness.
Is Taos better than Tiguan? ›
If you are comparing these new VW SUVs for sale, only the Tiguan is capable of towing, but the Taos has better fuel efficiency. The choice between a Volkswagen Taos or Tiguan comes down to your priorities. The Tiguan costs more but comes with a turbocharged engine and more top safety features.
How many miles does a Volkswagen Taos last? ›AWD ones have a 14.5-gallon VW Taos gas tank size. This means that you could, in theory, travel for over 475 miles on the highway with a VW Taos S with front-wheel drive and over 460 miles on the highway with a VW Taos SEL.
When can you order a 2023 VW? ›While no date has been announced for the release of the 2023 Volkswagen ID. 4, we expect it to be available by Q4 of 2022 if the production schedule holds. While it's possible Volkswagen engineers will make some changes to the VW ID.
Which has more cargo space Taos or Tiguan? ›...
Which One is Right for Me?
| 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan | 2022 Volkswagen Taos | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA Cargo Volume | 37.5/73.5 cubic feet | 27.9/65.9 cubic feet |
It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, while the SE gets to have 18-inch ones. On the S, there are black roof rails, and on the SE, those are silver instead. Both look modern with LED headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights. Inside the cabin, the differences are a little more noticeable.
What happens if you put regular gas in a Volkswagen? ›In simplest terms, no. Volkswagen vehicles do not require premium gas. However, many Volkswagen vehicles, like the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan and 2020 Volkswagen Jetta, are equipped with turbocharged engines. Turbocharged engines run best when fueled with high octane fuel, which is found in premium gas.
What happens if I put regular gas in my car instead of premium? ›However, remember this: when a premium fuel engine runs on regular fuel, there's a risk of combustion of the fuel mix before the spark plug even lights up. This causes a phenomenon called knocking, which is likely to damage the engine. Although Mazda recommends using premium fuel, they don't require it.
What does TSI stand for Volkswagen? ›The Volkswagen turbocharged stratified injected (TSI) engine is a lightweight, high-power, fuel-efficient four-cylinder traditional combustion engine. It is found in some form on most Volkswagen vehicles, such as the Atlas, Tiguan, and Passat.
Are VW more expensive to insure? ›It is also generally inexpensive to insure compared to all other car makes and models. The most affordable policy for a VW Golf is from GEICO at an average rate of $979 per year. The most expensive insurance provider is Allstate, at an average annual cost of $1,513.
How often does a VW Taos need an oil change? ›How often does a VW Taos need an Oil Change? An oil change is one of the most basic and essential services for your vehicle. VW advocates getting your VW Taos oil & filter changed each 3,000-5,000 miles for conventional oil. Synthetic oil normally should be changed each 7,500 - 10,000 miles.
Do Volkswagen engines last long? ›
Volkswagen is an excellent brand that has had its ups and downs over the years. They don't last as long as some brands, but you can expect this car to stick around. According to motorask.com, a Volkswagen that is cared for properly should last 100,000 - 200,000 miles. Some have lasted far beyond that.
Are VW as good as Audi? ›Volkswagen and Audi are both impressive brands with beautiful luxury vehicles on offer, but when it comes to safety, reliability, and style, Volkswagen just can't be beat.
Which is best Audi or Volkswagen? ›In the end it's all down to personal taste, as they offer similar qualities and performance from their engines. Whilst the VW can be found with more features as standard, the Audi looks and feels higher quality, so is definitely worth the premium that 4-ring badge holds - if you can afford it.
Is Volkswagen a reliable car to buy? ›According to research by the Consumers' Association, while Volkswagen's reliability is questionable, it remains one of the most reliable German car makers. Low reliability ratings are mainly caused by the problematic Touareg, Atlas, and Passat models, but Volkswagen also has some great and long-lasting cars.
Which is bigger Volkswagen Atlas or Chevy Tahoe? ›Volkswagen Atlas vs Chevrolet Tahoe: Exterior Dimensions
It has a length of 200.7 inches, a width of 78.4 inches, and a height of 70.1 inches. Next up is the Tahoe. It is 210.7 inches long, 81 inches wide, and 75.8 inches high. These numbers reveal the Chevy Tahoe to be the larger vehicle.
However, the VW Atlas offers up to 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats down, while the Telluride only has up to 87 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded down. The Atlas is longer, wider, and taller than the Telluride, giving you a much more comfortably spacious driving experience.
Is Kia Telluride bigger than VW Atlas? ›As far as Kia Telluride vs. Volkswagen Atlas size, the new Telluride SUV is 196.9 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, and 68.9 inches tall. The VW Atlas is bigger and measures 198.3 inches in length, 78.3 inches in width, and 70 inches in height.
What are the disadvantages of Volkswagen? ›- Negative publicity weakening the whole Volkswagen brand. Volkswagen receives a lot of criticism and negative publicity for the following things: ...
- The highest recall rate in the U.S. market. ...
- Low market share in the U.S. automotive market.
The report found that Lexus and Toyota make the most reliable cars, while Jeep and Mercedes-Benz make the ones you can depend on least. But those rankings reflect an average of all the cars each manufacturer builds. There can still be variation within any one brand.
What is special about Taos? ›Taos Pueblo is the only Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. Made entirely of adobe, the multi-storied homes are still occupied today, embodying a living culture.
What is so great about Taos? ›
Prominent for being one of America's bona side Art colonies, it is also in high regard for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, historic landmarks, thriving art, and culture, hiking beautiful trails, prominent peaks stretching across conifers and alpine meadows, Taos is known as "Soul of The Southwest".
Is the Taos quiet? ›Ride and Drive
The cabin provides a fairly quiet ride and visibility is great with a high vantage point of the road. The Taos feels light on its feet so I wondered how it would preform in inclement weather especially in its FWD form.
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is manufactured in General Pacheco plant in Argentina.
What is Volkswagen's top-of-the-line SUV? ›Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line
The top-of-the-line SEL R-Line retails for $37,320.
According to RepairPal, Volkswagen's overall reliability rating is 3.5/5, which ranks it 12th out of 32 total car brands. If you want an SUV with top reliability ratings, you might consider the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Soul, or Kia Telluride instead.
Is the VW Taos underpowered? ›Once you're moving, you'll need to give it a bit to summon up the requisite power to do things like passing on the highway, but even then, it's never really underpowered. It is fine for any normal driving situations. Where I took issue is with the transmission. It's just not great.
Is there a stop sale on VW Taos? ›Volkswagen has issued a stop-sale order for all-wheel-drive (AWD) models of the 2022 VW Taos subcompact SUV. Shoppers can still buy front-wheel-drive (FWD) versions of the Taos.
Will cars cost more in 2023? ›As new-car production improves, demand for used cars will ease up and prices will continue to fall in the new year. The firm estimates that used-car prices will drop 10%-20% in 2023; new cars, on the other hand, are predicted to see a modest decrease of just 2.5%-5%.
Are 2023 vehicles out yet? ›For example, a 2023 model will debut in the fall of 2022 — and dealerships usually want the old stock gone before the new model arrives. But that doesn't always work out. And if a 2022 model is still on the lot when a 2023 model arrives, dealerships will usually offer heavy discounts on the older model to sell it.
Will the 2023 Volkswagen ID 4 qualify for tax credit? ›The 2023 ID4 delivered in 2022 is eligible for the full $7500 credit. The only worry would be how much of the credit can you apply to your taxes. If tax liability for the year adds unto $7500 or more, than you will reap all the tax credit.
What is VW Taos comparable to? ›
Think of the new 2022 Volkswagen Taos as a shrunken Tiguan with the face of an Atlas—the design of the subcompact Taos fits right in as part of the Volkswagen SUV family. In terms of size, the Taos' exterior dimensions are similar to the Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek, slotting it on the larger side of its segment.
Does VW Taos have power liftgate? ›SE. The SE ($30,220) gets 18-inch alloy wheels, remote start, a power-operated liftgate, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, and IQ. Drive driver-assist, which bundles hands-on semi-automated driving capability with additional safety features.
Is the Taos a reliable car? ›The 2023 Volkswagen Taos has a predicted reliability score of 75 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
How much should I pay for a 2022 Taos se? ›The 2022 Volkswagen Taos S, when equipped with Front Wheel Drive costs $22,995. For the 2022 Volkswagen Taos SE, the price ranges about $27,245 with Front Wheel Drive. The 2022 Volkswagen Taos SEL with Front Wheel Drive costs around $31,490.
Does Taos SE have remote start? ›Monitoring and More on the SE Trim
Use the SE trim's remote start system to get the SUV up and running while you're inside your home. That's not even the half of what this intelligent trim is capable of. The 2022 VW Taos has your back (and your front and sides) with driver-assistance features like…
For 2023, this vehicle comes with a 13.2-gallon gas tank in FWD models. AWD ones have a 14.5-gallon VW Taos gas tank size. This means that you could, in theory, travel for over 475 miles on the highway with a VW Taos S with front-wheel drive and over 460 miles on the highway with a VW Taos SEL.
Is Hyundai more reliable than Volkswagen? ›From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports' January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Hyundai vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Hyundai 18 places higher in reliability than Volkswagen.
Are Volkswagens expensive to maintain? ›Though Volkswagen is not on the cheap end of the car manufacturer's list, VW vehicles are well-made and surprisingly affordable to maintain. How much do Volkswagens cost to maintain? Volkswagen maintenance costs are about $676 per year on average, which is only a few dollars higher than the industry midpoint.
Which Volkswagen model is the most reliable? ›The Volkswagen Up belongs to the smallest passenger car category – segment A, which is the main reason this car is the most reliable Volkswagen.
How many MPG does a VW Taos AWD get? ›Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The front-drive Taos is rated at 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, and the all-wheel-drive model is rated at 25 mpg city and 32 highway.
What is the difference between the Taos S SE and SEL? ›
What is the difference? The S and SE are priced well under $30,000, but the SEL has a cost that's above that mark. It looks more refined than the others in the lineup, as it has 18-inch black alloy wheels and an illuminated grille. Like the SE, it has heated side mirrors.