2023 Volkswagen Taos review
Volkswagen Taos highlights
Customer rating
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- Comfortable interior that's easy to get in and out of
- Spacious cargo area
- Impressive technology features
Cons
- Transmission can be frustratingly slow to downshift
- Road and engine noise can be noticeable at highway speeds
- Hard to drive it smoothly
Mileage (EPA estimate)
25 city, 32 highway, 28 combined
Pricing for current inventory
From $20,998 - $22,998*
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The 2023 Volkswagen Taos stretches the limits of a subcompact SUV
The Volkswagen Taos is technically a subcompact SUV and it's the smallest that Volkswagen makes. But it is also part of a new tweener class that includes the Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross, whose size nearly takes them into the compact SUV territory occupied by the VW Tiguan. The Taos is a relatively new model, just introduced for the 2022 model year. Highlights include excellent cargo space, a spacious interior, and a solid list of driving aids. One potential deal breaker is an inconsistent power delivery. You'll want to test-drive one to see if this is an issue for you.
Volkswagen shifted a number of features for the 2023 Taos. Forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert are now standard across all trims. The S 4Motion model received larger 18-inch wheels, the SE gained adaptive cruise control plus lane-keeping assistance, and a panoramic sunroof became standard on the top SEL trim.
All Volkswagen Taos years
What is new for the 2023 Volkswagen Taos?
- Taos trims have been upgraded with Leatherette & Cloth, Sunroof(s), and Panoramic Sunroof as standard equipment this year.
- The SE trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control, Heated Steering Wheel, and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.
- The S trim now comes with Smart Key and Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.
2023 Volkswagen Taos trims
Curious how Volkswagen Taos trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesS:
- 158-hp, 184-lb-ft of torque 1.5L
- Cruise Control
- Traction Control
- Power Mirrors
- Cloth Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Front Seat Heaters
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- View our Volkswagen Taos S inventory
SE:
- Includes all features available on the S
- Remote Start
- Smart Key
- Power Seats
- Blind Spot Monitor
- 4WD/AWD
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Automated Cruise Control
- Heated Steering Wheel
- View our Volkswagen Taos SE inventory
What We Like
Comfortable seating: The Taos' front seats have a nice, almost sporty shape that offers good lateral support at both the thighs and the back. The seat cushions have a firm yet comfortable feel, and the ventilation function on the SEL trim works very well. The rear seats are a touch on the firm side but at least the seatback is set at a comfortable angle.
Large cargo area: The Taos tops the class in terms of cargo space. The rear seats can fold forward and there's a pass-through in the center in case you need the seats up. Underfloor storage is occupied by a temporary spare as well as a subwoofer that sits in the center of the spare tire.
Good audio and navigation: The punchy Beats sound system may deliver more bass than you want, but it’s easy to adjust. The onboard nav system is a little laggy but has a nice user interface, and the map can be projected onto the center of the driver's gauge cluster. Wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration is standard and steps up to wireless connectivity on the mid-tier SE trim level and above.
What Needs Improvement
Uneven power delivery: The engine has a tendency to surge when accelerating and can be frustrating if you have motion-sensitive passengers. The transmission can also be slow to downshift. For instance, when you want to speed up after slowing for a speed bump, it stays in a higher gear rather than downshifting. This, in effect, makes the engine feel weaker than it actually is.
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Ratings & reliability
Volkswagen Taos features and specs
Curious how Volkswagen Taos trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
S 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Automated Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Front Seat Heaters
- Full Roof Rack
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Smart Key
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.5L
Horsepower
158
Torque (ft-lbs)
184
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
13.2
Wheelbase
105.9"
Overall length
175.8"
Width
72.5"
Height
64.4"
Leg room
F 40.1"/R 37.9"
Head room
F 40.7"/R 39.8"
Front tires
P215/55HR17
Rear tires
P215/55HR17
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2023 Volkswagen Taos FAQ
The 2023 Volkswagen Taos is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- S: 28 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- SE: 28 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- SEL: 25 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
The 2023 Volkswagen Taos has received an average 4.7 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2023 Volkswagen Taos, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2023 Volkswagen Taos Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2023 Volkswagen Taos:
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Heated Mirrors
- Automated Cruise Control
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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