With a starting price of $24,155, the Volkswagen Taos is the most affordable European SUV on the market. We like the way it looks, the way it drives, and the way it offers more room for passengers and cargo than many of its subcompact SUV competitors.
And while it’s nice to know you can get a Taos for less than $25,000, it’s also nice to know the Taos is available with a range of appealing feature upgrades. So let’s take a look at the premium end of the price spectrum and see what you get for $36,485.
- 2023 Volkswagen Taos SEL: $34,535
- All-wheel drive and quick-shifting DSG automatic transmission: $1,555
- Premium paint: $395
Higher Tech
Opting for the range-topping Taos SEL trim brings with it a number of convenient tech touches. While every Taos comes with a digital gauge cluster, the one fitted to the SEL is larger and more configurable. Of its three available display modes, our favorite is the one for navigation. This turns the entire 10.25-inch display into a clear and easy-to-use map positioned directly in front of the driver.
Similar to the mid-range SE trim, the SEL benefits from the larger of two available touchscreens (8-inches versus the base model’s 6.5-inch screen), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hot spot.
All-Wheel Drive
Many SUV shoppers will automatically tick the option box for the Taos’ available all-wheel drive (AWD). This provides added grip if the road you’re traveling is slippery with snow, ice, or heavy rain. Adding AWD also upgrades the transmission to an efficient and quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox in place of the smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic found in front-wheel drive (FWD) versions.
IQ.DRIVE
More safety features are always a good thing. With this in mind, the Taos SEL comes standard with the automaker’s IQ.Drive suite of driver assist and safety features. This includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.
It also adds Emergency Assist, a feature that will safely bring the Taos to a gradual and safe stop if onboard sensors detect the driver is unresponsive, possibly asleep, or subject to a medical emergency.
Car-Net
This smartphone app allows a Taos driver to stay connected to their vehicle. Car-Net provides handy information related to vehicle service updates, geo-fencing, and speed limit controls. It can also help find off-street parking close to a destination punched into the navigation controls.
Leather, Sunroof, Heated Seats and More
It’s nice to be coddled and reminded you treated yourself to some automotive indulgences. The Taos SEL comes standard with real leather seating surfaces, panoramic sunroof, heated/ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, an 8-speaker Beats Audio sound system, plus keyless entry and start, to name a few.
More Volkswagen Taos
Read our full review or build and price your own Volkswagen Taos. Once you’re ready to buy, be sure to take a look at the Volkswagen Taos models for sale near you.
