Used 2023 Volkswagen Taos

The field of subcompact crossover SUVs is multiplying like rabbits, and the Volkswagen Taos is among its freshest arrivals. Introduced as an all-new model just last year, the Taos slots under the Tiguan as Volkswagen’s smallest and most affordable SUV.

The Taos competes with other young bucks like the Kia Seltos, Toyota Corolla Cross, Subaru Crosstrek, and the Honda HR-V, which is totally redesigned for 2023.

Against a backdrop of these worthy rivals — plus several more — The Taos still stands out. For one thing, it has among the most cargo space for its class, a happy irony for a subcompact SUV. It’s also surprisingly fun to drive.

Add in a nice array of tech touches, a host of active safety features, and even the inclusion of 2 years/20,000 miles of complimentary maintenance, and the Taos looks more and more like a compelling choice in this crowded segment.

Its premium-leaning nature, however, is reflected in a starting price of $24,155, among the highest in its class.

“Perky” is one adjective that stands out in our notebook from our most recent test of the Taos. Thank a small-but-willing engine and the driving manners that only come from a vehicle engineered on European roads.

The Taos’ turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder only brings 158 horses to the party, but it makes the most of them. This small VW SUV just feels peppier than many rivals.

Also helping matters, at least for drivers who really care about driving, is the Taos’ transmission. Where some rivals use the oft-maligned continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Taos has actual gears.

Front-wheel-drive (FWD) models employ an 8-speed automatic, while all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants have a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic — a type more common to luxury vehicles. The counter to the fancier setup, however, is less refinement in gear changes. Turbo lag — that brief pause between planting your foot on the accelerator pedal and the vehicle actually accelerating — also makes a cameo appearance.

Even with those nitpicks, the Taos is among the most enjoyable SUVs in its class. Steering feel especially, ahem, feels great and may just encourage you to take the long way home.

The cabin of the Taos dutifully follows the modern VW mandate of sleek and simple. You won’t get lost in a sea of buttons here. Changing the temperature or audio settings, for instance, requires only a short reach and twist of a dial.

We also like that the Taos uses a traditional gear lever to move from park to drive, reverse, etc., rather than buttons or a dial. Sometimes the tried and true remains the easiest.

Base Taos models make do with a 6.5-inch screen, while the upper trims get a more appropriate 8-inch screen. This being 2023, all models include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration. In addition to the larger screen, SE and SEL trims boast wireless app connect and wireless phone charging.

All models come with Digital Cockpit, VW’s term for an all-digital instrument cluster. It’s 8 inches on S and SE models, and a broader 10.25 inches on the SEL.

We found the Taos to have a good seating position with a firm yet comfortable driver’s seat. In back, legroom is good for this class with 37.9 inches, for those counting.

As we’ve mentioned, cargo room is impressive, with front-wheel-drive models earning even bigger numbers: 27.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 65.9 with them folded. All-wheel-drive models have 24.9/60.2 cubic feet — still among the best in this class. We were also pleasantly surprised at how flat the rear seats folded during our larger-than-expected errand outing.

2023 Subcompact SUV Roominess

Do you like the handsome-yet-reserved image of the 3-row VW Atlas? How about the VW Tiguan? If your eyes appreciate those elder brothers, then they’ll like the Taos. In this case, inheriting the family appearance has its privileges.

Yes, there are flashier designs out there, but as with its interior, the Taos’ exterior design plays it simple and safe. And we are just fine with that.

One advantage to the blockier design of the Taos — no raked roof here, thank you very much — is more interior room.

That’s not to say the Taos is without any flash. Take, for instance, the light bar that runs across the front of the top-line SEL models. Or the now-standard 18-inch wheels on 4Motion models. We’re also partial to fun paint colors like Cornflower Blue.

1. Cargo capacity
Most people don’t buy a subcompact SUV if ample cargo room is a priority, but it sure is nice when it’s there. In this respect, the Taos is among the best in its class, with up to 65.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

2. Digital Cockpit
We love when high-end automotive features drip downstream. This user-configurable, all-digital instrument cluster debuted in luxury vehicles from Audi, VW’s cousin. Now it’s standard in a Taos.

3. Carefree Maintenance Program
All new 2023 Taos models come with 2 years or 20,000 miles (whichever is first) of complimentary maintenance.

4. European driving manners
You truly don’t know how good a European car — even one like this that’s made in Mexico — drives until you’ve been in one. Taut, nimble, and precise are just three ways of putting it.

5. 4Motion
This is the name for VW’s all-wheel drive system, and while most rivals also offer AWD, not all have four user-adjustable drive modes — including off-road and off-road custom.

6. Emergency Assist
This system monitors the driver and can bring the Taos to a stop if the system senses he or she is incapacitated. It is optional in S trims and standard in the SE and SEL.

All Taos models use a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Unlike some rivals, there is no upgrade engine or hybrid variant, but you do get a choice of the standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). VW calls the latter 4Motion and is a good choice if you live where it routinely snows. FWD models use a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission, while AWD versions have a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

If you’re prioritizing fuel economy and don’t need the enhanced traction that comes with AWD, turn your attention to a FWD model, which earns up to 36 mpg — very competitive for this class. AWD variants still do quite well at up to 32 mpg. Note that the top-line SEL model is AWD only.

1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
158 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
184 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/36 mpg (FWD), 25/32 mpg (AWD)

Good Safety Scores

The VW Taos gets a “Good” rating from the IIHS in most crashworthiness categories, and it earns a 4-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The Taos is covered by a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. That’s an above-average basic warranty, but a below-average powertrain warranty. It also gets complimentary scheduled maintenance for two years or 20,000 miles.