Review and specifications
2023 Volkswagen Taos
The Volkswagen Taos small SUV slots beneath the Tiguan. The 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, coupled with a dual-clutch automatic transmission on AWD versions delivers uneven acceleration. There is a huge delay initially, followed by a burst of power, which makes it hard to drive smoothly. Front-wheel-drive versions get a conventional transmission and drive more smoothly. Handling is nimble and the ride is firm yet civilized. Shorter than the Tiguan, the Taos still has an enormous rear seat, but cargo space is smaller. Outward visibility is unobstructed. Upscale amenities, such as a digital instrument cluster and a panoramic roof are available. The IQ Drive suite of active safety features is not standard but available on every Taos trim, with FCW, AEB, BSW, and adaptive cruise control.
- Market value
- $18,525
- Fuel
- Conventional
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Seats
- 5
At a glance
Model data
Overview
- Powertrain
- Conventional
- Body style
- 4-door SUV
- Drive type
- AWD
- Transmission
- Sequential, 7-speed
- Category
- Subcompact SUVs
- Generation began
- 2022
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $18,525
- Retail value range
- $16,975 - $21,000
- Original MSRP range
- $24,155 - $34,535
- Trade-in range
- $14,915 - $19,485
Ratings
- Road test score
- 75/100
- Owner satisfaction
- 3/5
- Would buy again
- 44%
- Reliability
- 1/5
Fuel economy
- EPA city
- 25 MPG
- EPA highway
- 32 MPG
- EPA combined
- 28 MPG
- Tested city
- 17 MPG
- Tested highway
- 39 MPG
- Tested overall
- 26 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $1,490
- Cruising range
- 380 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 3.7 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 9.4 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 130 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 53 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 176 in
- Width
- 73 in
- Height
- 65 in
- Wheelbase
- 106 in
- Weight
- 3,530 lb
- Maximum load
- 935 lb
- Towing capacity
- 0 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 5 people
- Front head room
- 5.5 in
- Front leg room
- 42 in
- Rear head room
- 3.5 in
- Rear leg room
- 30 in
- Cargo volume
- 31.5 cu ft
- Luggage
- 2+3+0
Owner feedback
- Comfort
- 3/5
- Driving
- 3/5
- Styling
- 5/5
- Value
- 1/5
Environmental impact
- Air pollution score
- 7/10
- Greenhouse gas score
- 6/10
- SmartWay
- No
Brand context
About Volkswagen
Most Volkswagens are well-built, agile, fun-to-drive cars that feel slightly more premium than their competitors. Its lineup is focused on SUVs, most of which have spacious, comfortable interiors and unexpectedly responsive driving dynamics. Its Golf hatchback, especially in performance trims, is a rare balance of practicality and driving thrills. Most models, including its EVs, have excellent fit and finish. Brand-wide downsides include unintuitive controls and infotainment systems, and below-average reliability for new cars. Reliability for used VWs is average.
Vehicle ID: 25350 First published: November 15, 2022 Updated: December 4, 2025
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.