2023 Volkswagen Taos

Price Range: $24,155 - $34,535 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

Volkswagen Taos SE 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

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Volkswagen's smallest SUV is a big deal. The Taos packs plenty of modern tech and safety features into a tidy package. It also has excellent passenger and cargo space. The transmission makes lazy or awkward gear shifts at times, but that's pretty much the vehicle's only weakness. Overall this is one of the most well-rounded and family-friendly offerings in the class.

Pricing

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$23,830

5 Colors
3 Trims
5 Packages

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4 Offers Near Columbus, OH

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*Starting MSRP of $23,995 for a 2024 Volkswagen Taos S 1.5L TSI® with 8-speed automatic transmission. Price excludes transportation, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

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2023 Volkswagen Taos Review

byAlex Nishimoto^{Correspondent
Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007 and has written more than 2,500 car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Alex is a correspondent for Edmunds and has also written for MotorTrend, Automobile, Hot Rod, Super Street, CNET, PRI Magazine, AutoWise and other publications. When he’s not writing about cars, he’s wrenching on his E30-generation BMW 325is, which he’s owned since college and plans to restore one day.}

Pros

Sharp handling and smooth driving character
Comfortable interior that's easy to get in and out of
Big cargo area for a little SUV
Impressive technology features

Cons

Transmission can be frustratingly slow to downshift
Noticeable road and engine noise at highway speeds

What's new

Forward collision mitigation and blind-spot warning now come standard
Full IQ.Drive suite now standard on SE and above
SEL comes standard with panoramic sunroof
Part of the first Taos generation introduced for 2022

Overview

Though it was a few years late to the party, Volkswagen finally entered the extra-small SUV game when it launched the Volkswagen Taos in 2022. Slotting below VW's Tiguan in size and price, the subcompact Taos offers attractive styling, handy available tech features and a surprisingly spacious interior.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 Volkswagen Taos S 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$144/mo

$189/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Because it only launched last year, the Taos enters 2023 with minimal changes. Two previously optional driver assist features for the base S trim — automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warning — have been made standard across the board. Other changes include the addition of a panoramic sunroof on the SEL and the SE gaining adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance as standard.

A 158-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine motivates the Taos and helps it stand out as one of the quicker options in the class. That's surprising as it's also one of the biggest, offering an impressive amount of space for passengers and cargo. Overall, the Taos is a well-rounded SUV with a compelling blend of convenience, utility and value. Check out our Expert Rating below to see how the small VW compares to competitors such as the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Great

8.1

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the Taos drive? We were surprised to find the Taos, one of the larger SUVs in this diminutive class, is also one of the quickest. Credit goes to a fairly high-strung turbocharged four-cylinder engine that whooshes and hisses its way to 60 mph in a respectable 7.8 seconds. That speed, however, is only really achievable if you use the Taos' launch control, which we imagine few owners will. Launch control is a feature typically reserved for sports cars, so naturally it's a bit out of place here. We were equally surprised by how stable and confident the Taos felt under hard panic braking, yet it cruises easily to a smooth stop in less hectic situations.

The Taos handles around corners quite impressively as well, with well-controlled body roll and accurate steering. In fact, the Taos scores high marks in every driving aspect except what's possibly the most important for this class: drivability. The combination of that high-strung engine and moderately unresponsive seven-speed transmission makes for a jerky affair. Power surges and gear shifts can often feel delayed or clunky, making it difficult to enjoy driving at slow stop-and-go speeds.

Comfort

8.0/10

How comfortable is the Taos? When it comes to cabin comfort, the Taos does it pretty well. The front seats have a sporty shape and offer surprisingly good support despite not having all the range of adjustments we would've liked. The climate control is easy to use and effective at distributing air flow to the entire cabin. We especially love the powerful ventilated front seats, which worked wonders on some warmer days.

The Taos suspension leans a little firm and doesn't isolate bumps in the road as well as some other cars we tested, but it's also not so harsh that we'd have second thoughts recommending it for that reason. We also experienced a fair amount of ambient noise, which isn't uncommon for this class.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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2023 Volkswagen Taos pricing

in Columbus, OH

Edmunds suggests you pay

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2024 Taos
$23,995*Starting MSRP
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*Starting MSRP of $23,995 for a 2024 Volkswagen Taos S 1.5L TSI® with 8-speed automatic transmission. Price excludes transportation, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

Build & Price

Interior

8.5/10

How’s the interior? The interior is one of the best in the class, from the ease in which you can step in and out of the large door openings to the generous passenger space. The Taos almost feels like a class size up compared to its competition. Outward visibility is excellent thanks to square windows and good mirror coverage, and we had no issue reaching any of the controls from the driver's seat.

Some of Volkswagen's newest infotainment systems have been flops. Thankfully the Taos keeps things a bit simpler, limiting the touch-sensitive buttons. This approach makes a huge difference in usability. Touch controls can be great when they work, but most can't compare to good ole physical buttons and knobs when you want to minimize distraction.

Technology

8.5/10

How’s the tech? Thankfully, some of the latest VW touch-sensitive controls did not make it to the Taos. What did make it is a punchy Beats sound system that delivers more bass than what we found comfortable for daily use (in a good way). Our higher trim model also had an onboard nav system that was a tad laggy but had a nice user interface. We really like that you can display the map in the center of the driver's gauge cluster as well.

Our vehicle had a total of three USB-C ports to plug devices in, plus a wireless charger and a 12-volt outlet. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration via USB is standard and steps up to wireless connectivity on the midtier SE model and above. Most of the Taos' advanced driver aids work well, though in our testing we found that the adaptive cruise control system got tripped up at lower speeds by the clunky-shifting transmission.

Storage

8.5/10

How’s the storage? The shape and size of the Taos mean it's able to maximize interior space. With 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, the Taos is class-leading. The rear seats have a center pass-through and the usual 60/40 split, and they fold down mostly flat, leaving about a 2-inch level change from the cargo floor. The release levers are on the seats but are close enough to reach if you're standing at the rear hatch.

Storage options in the passenger section of the cabin are pretty good. The front door pockets are generously sized, cupholders have an anti-tip design to keep your drinks upright, and the squarish cubby under the center armrest has some depth to it to make up for its shorter length.

Because the Taos is on the larger side of the segment, there's more space for car seats. But it's the small touches we noticed too, including sleeker-looking car seat anchor covers and well-positioned top tether anchors for easy access. This is definitely one of the more family-friendly options in the class.

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The Taos equipped with all-wheel drive gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined (25 city/32 highway), essentially matching its biggest competitors. We averaged 29.6 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation loop, which is a great result and proof that the estimate is achievable. Our only concern is that if you're prone to asking for a lot of acceleration, fuel efficiency won't be nearly as good with such a high-strung engine.

Value

7.5/10

Is the Taos a good value? Value is ultimately in the eye of the beholder, but as far as we're concerned, the Taos seems fairly priced for what you get. Its entry-level price is quite competitive, but there are a lot of attractive features we'd want in the upper trim levels. Our top-trim SEL test car came in at just under $35K, which is definitely on the pricier end of this SUV class, but it also provides one of the most well-rounded packages. If you look closely, you'll definitely find some cheap-feeling aspects to the Taos interior, but Volkswagen spent money in the areas that are touched more frequently.

VW's warranties are typical for this segment, with four years/50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage and seven years/100,000 miles of rust-through coverage. On the plus side, VW offers free scheduled maintenance for two years/20,000 miles and roadside assistance for three years/36,000 miles.

Wildcard

8.0/10

When it came to styling the Taos, VW didn't bother reinventing the wheel. It looks very much like a scaled-down Atlas, which is to say clean and kind of rugged. There are bolder designs out there that some may find more attractive, but we bet the Taos' looks will be more appealing to the masses.

The same holds true for the driving experience. Some SUVs in this class are more fun to drive on curvy roads and less finicky at slower speeds, but the Taos offers a decent experience overall. And you simply can't argue with the interior accommodations. In a segment in which passenger and cargo space is in short supply, the Taos seems to have an abundance.

Which Taos does Edmunds recommend?

We think the midgrade SE trim offers the most value. You get all the driver aids from the S trim's IQ.Drive package as standard, plus useful extras such as hands-free keyless entry, heated front seats, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Volkswagen Taos models

Volkswagen offers the 2023 Taos in S, SE and SEL trim levels, and each uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (158 horsepower, 184 lb-ft of torque). Versions with front-wheel drive feature an eight-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive Taos employs a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic as well as a more sophisticated rear suspension for more refined handling around turns. Feature highlights include:

S
Standard equipment for the most affordable Taos S includes:

17-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
Roof rails
60/40-split folding back seat
Digital instrumentation display
6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Connected services including onboard Wi-Fi
Four-speaker stereo
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)

Volkswagen offers an affordable IQ.Drive package for the S trim. It contains:

Active blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot and can add steering assistance to discourage a lane change)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go (maintains a driver-set distance between the Taos and the car in front, can bring the Volkswagen to a full stop and resume travel)
Emergency assistance (identifies an unresponsive driver and brings the Taos to a safe stop with the hazard lights flashing)

SE
The Taos SE includes all IQ.Drive driver aids as standard equipment, along with:

18-inch alloy wheels
Tinted rear windows
Heated side mirrors
Hands-free keyless entry
Remote engine start
Faux leather seat trim with cloth inserts
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Heated front seats
8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Second-row USB ports
Six-speaker stereo
Wireless smartphone charging

SEL
Step up to the top-trim Taos SEL and you'll get the following equipment:

Standard all-wheel drive
19-inch alloy wheels
Illuminated grille bar
Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
Automatic high-beam headlights
Rain-sensing wipers
Panoramic sunroof
Ambient interior lighting
Heated steering wheel
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Leather seats
Heated and ventilated front seats
Larger digital instrument display
Navigation system
Eight-speaker premium sound system
Rear parking sensors

Volkswagen Taos Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.0

29 reviews

5(66%)

4(10%)

3(0%)

2(3%)

1(21%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

1000 miles and already in the service department

Sheri Russell, 01/02/2023

2023 Volkswagen Taos SE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

I purchased my new 2023 Taos on Christmas eve. Drove it off the lot with 10 miles on it. 1 week later within the first 5 miles of my morning drive the dash lit up like a Christmas tree, it slowed its self down and I had to call a tow truck. VW was refusing to give me a loaner car in the meantime until I made a few phone calls. They said they have to replace the fuel pump.

Jetta SUV

GED, 04/02/2023

2023 Volkswagen Taos S 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

As satisfied Jetta owners over the years we weren't all that surprised with our Taos since it's an SUV built around a Jetta engine. We get the same great 40+ mpg on the highway with decent acceleration and handling for its class. We just got back from a 2500 mile road trip grateful for the comfort it provided both driver and passenger! Road view is excellent with minimal blind spots. …

I love my baby Atlas!

Scott A, 11/22/2022

2023 Volkswagen Taos SE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

I think the Edmunds reviewer did a great job describing what the Taos is. I love the handling, space, tech, fuel economy and looks. I have the AWD version and have averaged 29 mpg to date. The transmission is lazy with a bias for fuel economy, but I'm used to the DSG from my Golf GTI, so I know how to take over and get the most out of the engine. I just really love the car and am …

Great value for the price and fuel efficient!

Marcelo Rodriguez , 12/22/2023

2023 Volkswagen Taos S 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

So far I'm very happy with the car. Comfortable even for a 6'5" 300 lbs driver, tons of space, the mpg efficiency is even better than advertised as I get almost 40 mpg on highway and about 34 mpg in the city. It has everything you need in terms of safety features, brakes are great and it stops on a dime, it has great stability, maneuverability, and reacts quickly. Wishing more out of a …

See all 29 reviews of the Volkswagen Taos

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2023 Volkswagen Taos video

These Are the Best SUVs of 2022-2023 | 2022-2023 Top SUVs | The SUVs We'd Buy in Each Class

NOTE: This video is about the 2022 Volkswagen Taos, but since the 2023 Volkswagen Taos is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.

In the market for a brand-new SUV? Whether you're looking for small and affordable or large and in charge, Edmunds has you covered with our list of best-in-class SUVs for the 2022-2023 model year. From Honda to Mercedes to Volkswagen, our comprehensive list encompasses everything from…

2023 Volkswagen Taos Features Specs

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$24,155
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	31 MPG
Cost to Drive	$144/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	27.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Compare the Volkswagen Taos

Compare selected vehiclesSee full list of X-Small SUVs rankings

Volkswagen Taos vs. Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 may be small, but it's anything but entry-level. As Mazda has done with other models in its lineup, it gave the CX-30 an upscale interior that looks and feels like it belongs in a higher class of vehicle. Also like other Mazdas, the CX-30 is nimble and fun to drive. However, it's not as spacious as the Taos and it's priced slightly higher.

Compare Volkswagen Taos & Mazda CX-30 features

Volkswagen Taos vs. Chevrolet Trailblazer

The Taos is our favorite extra-small SUV, but the Chevy Trailblazer is a close second. Like the Taos, the Trailblazer is a handsome little sport ute with a surprisingly roomy cabin. The Trailblazer offers two engine options, and both may leave you wanting for power. Even the upgraded turbocharged 1.3-liter is sluggish, taking 9.4 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in our testing. But in just about every other area, the Trailblazer is a solid choice.

Compare Volkswagen Taos & Chevrolet Trailblazer features

Volkswagen Taos vs. Kia Seltos

With its lower starting price, the Kia Seltos is positioned as a value player in its segment. For the same amount you'd pay for a base Taos, you could get into a Seltos S model with all-wheel drive and a few other features that cost extra on the VW. The Seltos also has better warranty coverage, with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. The Taos, however, is quicker and gets better fuel economy.

Compare Volkswagen Taos & Kia Seltos features

Build Your Volkswagen Taos

At a Glance:

5 Colors
3 Trims
5 Packages
$23,995*starting MSRP

Build & Pricevw.com

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Taos safety features:

Automatic Post-Collision Braking: Brings the Taos to a stop as soon as possible after a collision to prevent a secondary impact.
Travel Assist: Hands-on semi-automated driving assistance that combines the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems.
Emergency Assist: With Travel Assist active, identifies an unresponsive driver and brings the Taos to a safe stop with the hazard lights flashing.

NHTSA Overall Rating 4 out of 5 stars

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	4 / 5
Driver	4 / 5
Passenger	4 / 5
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	5 / 5
Back Seat	5 / 5
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	17.4%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test	Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test	Acceptable
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated	Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original	Good
Side Impact Test – Updated	Not Tested
Roof Strength Test	Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Acceptable

FAQ

Is the Volkswagen Taos a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 Taos both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.1 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 Taos gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 29 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the Taos ranges from 24.9 to 27.9 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Volkswagen Taos. Learn more

What's new in the 2023 Volkswagen Taos?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Volkswagen Taos:

Forward collision mitigation and blind-spot warning now come standard
Full IQ.Drive suite now standard on SE and above
SEL comes standard with panoramic sunroof
Part of the first Taos generation introduced for 2022

Learn more

Is the Volkswagen Taos reliable?

To determine whether the Volkswagen Taos is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Taos. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Taos's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2023 Volkswagen Taos a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Volkswagen Taos is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 Taos and gave it a 8.1 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 Taos gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 29 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 Taos is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2023 Volkswagen Taos?

The least-expensive 2023 Volkswagen Taos is the 2023 Volkswagen Taos S 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $24,155.

Other versions include:

S 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $24,155
S 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 04/23 (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $26,495
S 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $26,495
SE 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $28,925
SE 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 04/23 (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $30,375
SE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $30,375
SEL 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $34,535
SEL 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 04/23 (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $34,535

Learn more

What are the different models of Volkswagen Taos?

If you're interested in the Volkswagen Taos, the next question is, which Taos model is right for you? Taos variants include S 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A), S 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 04/23 (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), S 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), and SE 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of Taos models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2023 Volkswagen Taos

Pricing

2023 Volkswagen Taos Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Volkswagen Taos S 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.

Performance

Comfort

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2023 Volkswagen Taos pricing

Edmunds suggests you pay

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Taos does Edmunds recommend?

Volkswagen Taos models

Volkswagen Taos Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

1000 miles and already in the service department

Jetta SUV

I love my baby Atlas!

Great value for the price and fuel efficient!

2023 Volkswagen Taos video

These Are the Best SUVs of 2022-2023 | 2022-2023 Top SUVs | The SUVs We'd Buy in Each Class

2023 Volkswagen Taos Features Specs

Compare the Volkswagen Taos

Volkswagen Taos vs. Mazda CX-30

Volkswagen Taos vs. Chevrolet Trailblazer

Volkswagen Taos vs. Kia Seltos

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Taos safety features:

NHTSA Overall Rating 4 out of 5 stars

IIHS Rating

2023 Volkswagen Taos First Impressions

FAQ

Is the Volkswagen Taos a good car?

What's new in the 2023 Volkswagen Taos?

Is the Volkswagen Taos reliable?

Is the 2023 Volkswagen Taos a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2023 Volkswagen Taos?

What are the different models of Volkswagen Taos?

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 Volkswagen Taos S 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Save as much as $2,167 with Edmunds ^{Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.}