The 2023 Volkswagen Taos is a compact SUV with big aspirations. Nearly 10 inches shorter than the VW Tiguan, the Taos looks to challenge the likes of the Hyundai Tucson, Honda HR-V, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and Subaru Crosstrek.
Powering every Taos is a peppy 158-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. Buyers can choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) or VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that ditches the FWD model’s 8-speed automatic in favor of a sportier (but less refined) 7-speed dual-clutch unit.
But perhaps the Taos’ most desirable feature is its heritage. For those who appreciate the German approach to styling, interior comfort, and performance, Volkswagen is the only affordable option in the U.S. market, making the Taos an exceptional value.
Due to the ongoing microchip shortage and supply chain issues, VW may delete features like rear parking sensors and ventilated seats and return a credit. Check with your VW dealer for status updates when placing an order.
2023 Volkswagen Taos S (starting at $24,155)
For 2023, Volkswagen has upped the Taos’ game, adding standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The Taos S already impresses with its safety systems but doesn’t stop there.
Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, power side mirrors, and black roof rails.
The automatic LED headlights have a “Coming home/Leaving home” feature, which activates the headlights after leaving the car or when unlocking the doors with the key fob upon approach.
A look inside the Taos’ cabin reveals a push-button start, a multifunction tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio, cruise, and Bluetooth controls, manual air conditioning, manual height-adjustable front seats, a 60/40-split folding rear seat with armrest, and cloth upholstery.
Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit features an 8-inch display with digital gauges and vehicle information.
The Taos S infotainment setup consists of a 4-speaker system AM/FM/HD Radio and a 6.5-inch color touchscreen. Also included are two USB ports (one for data, one for charging), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a rearview monitor, and VW Car-Net services, including an available Wi-Fi hot spot.
New for 2023 is the option to add VW’s IQ.Drive to the S trim. Building off the already standard driver-assist systems, IQ.Drive adds adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.
Should you attempt to change lanes with a vehicle in the car’s blind spot, the Active Blind Spot Monitor will help steer the Taos back into its lane.
Also included in the package is VW’s Travel Assist semi-autonomous driving assistance. With the adaptive cruise control, Travel Assist keeps the vehicle centered in its lane and can even steer through modest curves. Drivers must always keep their hands on the wheel, hence the semi-autonomous designation.
Finally, IQ.Drive brings further peace of mind with the Emergency Assist system. If the system detects the driver has fallen asleep or is otherwise incapacitated, Emergency Assist will bring the vehicle to a stop in its lane and activate the emergency flashers.
Bundled with the IQ.Drive Package, the Convenience Package adds rain-sensing wipers, a heated steering wheel, and automatic high beam headlights. Customers cannot order this package separately.
Adding 4Motion AWD tacks $2,340 to the Taos S bottom line. The upgrade includes 18-inch alloy wheels, hill-descent control, heated power side mirrors, heated washer nozzles, heated front seats, an independent rear suspension, and an extra 12-volt outlet in the cargo area.
4Motion also brings VW’s Drive Mode Selection settings for Normal, Sport, Eco, and Individual. The Active Control system allows the driver to select modes for specific driving conditions and includes On-Road, Snow, Off-Road, and Off-Road Custom modes.
With the $1,295 destination fee, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos S costs $25,450. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $457. See 2023 Volkswagen Taos S models for sale
2023 Volkswagen Taos S includes:
- Android Auto/Apple CarPlay – Lets occupants connect a smartphone to the car’s infotainment system, granting access to apps for messages, music, and navigation.
- Digital Cockpit – Replaces mechanical gauges with a digital screen. Digital Cockpit allows the driver to customize the view for things like a digital or analog speedometer, a tachometer, and various vehicle information and infotainment settings.
- Automatic emergency braking – In certain low-speed situations, this system detects when a vehicle or person is in danger of causing a collision, slowing or stopping the Taos before an accident can occur.
2023 Volkswagen Taos SE (starting at $28,295)
The SE trim builds off the base S, adding the IQ.Drive Package and Convenience Package as standard features.
Additional upgrades include heated side mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, and silver roof rails.
The SE gets more in the way of comfort and convenience features, including a proximity key fob that allows unlocking the doors by touching the handle. It also gets remote start, cloth and vinyl seat upholstery, an 8-way power driver seat with power lumbar, and heated front seats.
The SE’s infotainment system gets upgraded with an 8-inch touchscreen with voice control, a 6-speaker audio system, SiriusXM 360L, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A wireless charging pad and single rear-seat USB charge port also are standard.
Options for the SE include 18-inch black wheels and a panoramic power sunroof.
With the $1,295 destination fee, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos SE costs $29,590. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $532. See 2023 Volkswagen Taos SE models for sale
2023 Volkswagen Taos SE includes:
- Heated steering wheel – Quickly warms the steering wheel, making it easier to grip after a night sitting in freezing temperatures.
- IQ.Drive – A comprehensive set of cutting-edge driver-assist technologies helps make travel safer and less stressful.
- Wireless charging pad – Allows wireless charging of a compatible device, negating the need for cables or the correct size USB port.
2023 Volkswagen Taos SEL (starting at $34,535)
The SEL is the ultimate Taos. It comes standard with 4Motion AWD, 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels, adaptive projector LED headlights and cornering lights, a panoramic power sunroof, and a front grille lightbar.
Additional driver assists include rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and traffic sign recognition.
Interior upgrades count Vienna leather upholstery, ventilated front sport seats, 10-color ambient interior lighting, and VW’s Digital Cockpit Pro configurable instrument cluster with a 10.25-inch screen.
Dual-zone automatic climate control lets the driver and front passenger create individual climate zones.
The SEL’s infotainment system gains navigation and an 8-speaker BeatsAudio premium sound system with a powered subwoofer.
With the $1,295 destination fee, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos SEL costs $35,830. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $644. See 2023 Volkswagen Taos SEL models for sale
2023 Volkswagen Taos SEL includes:
- Ventilated front seats – Help keep occupants cool and perspiration-free on hot days.
- BeatsAudio – A must-have for music lovers, this upgraded audio system includes a powered amp, eight speakers, and a subwoofer for enhanced bass.
- Adaptive headlights – These upgraded LED lights swivel in the steering direction, helping illuminate dark corners as you enter them.
