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2025 Buick Enclave vs Honda Pilot2023 Volkswagen Taos: A Great Way to Save Gas
The 2023 Volkswagen Taos offers great fuel economy and a comfortable ride. We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more.
What’s New for the 2023 Volkswagen Taos?
Volkswagen didn’t change a lot for the 2023 model year, but they did give the Taos a few enhancements. Driver assistance features like blind spot monitoring, pedestrian monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert are now standard across all trims.
AWD S models now come with 18-inch wheels while the SEL now comes standard with a panoramic sunroof. Other than that, you can expect it to be styled like the previous model year.
2023 Volkswagen Taos – vw.com | Shop 2023 Volkswagen Taos on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Spacious interior for a subcompact SUV
Excellent fuel economy
Quick and precise handling
Lackluster performance
Noisy interior at highway speeds
Volkswagen’s fuel-saving subcompact entry
2023 Volkswagen Specs
- 158 horsepower from base engine
- 184 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 3 available trims
- 28.0 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- Four-star NHTSA overall safety rating
- 6.5-inch touchscreen display
- Complimentary maintenance covered for 2 years/20,000 miles
2023 Volkswagen Taos Powertrain
The power comes from a 1.5L turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower and 184 lbs.-ft. of torque. The power is handled by either an eight-speed automatic transmission (for FWD models) or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (AWD models).
The suspension type also depends on which configuration you choose. For FWD models, a torsion-beam setup is equipped while AWD models use a multilink suspension. There isn’t really a difference between the performance of either one when it comes down to testing.
The 2023 Volkswagen Taos isn’t particularly thrilling to drive. The engine seems to produce ample power, but the transmission seems like it doesn’t know when to shift. In other words, it wasn’t the most robust driving experience that we’ve ever had.
One thing that did surprise us was the sharp, precise handling that it provided. It takes turns very well at moderate speeds, and there was little to no side play in the steering. It feels very carlike. On top of that, it gives a super smooth ride. While we might have been a little upset at its hesitancy to downshift correctly, we were overjoyed when it came to handling and ride quality.
2023 Volkswagen Taos Fuel Economy & MPG
The 2023 Volkswagen Taos is EPA-rated at 25 MPG city/32 MPG highway for AWD models. In our tests, the Taos accomplished those numbers and then some by putting down a combined mileage of 29.6 MPG. FWD models are rated at 28 MPG city/36 MPG highway. This puts it in the top bracket when it comes to fuel economy, edging out competitors like the Ford Escape.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
There is nothing miraculous about the interior of the 2023 Volkswagen Taos, but it is spacious. The materials consist of a lot of plastic though, and there isn’t that near-luxury feel of other VWs like the Tiguan. Still, the all-digital gauge cluster and commanding driver’s seat position make it comfortable with plenty of space for all passengers.
There’s a 6.5-inch touchscreen that is standard and all controls are easy to navigate and operate. In the back, passengers will enjoy 37.9 inches of legroom. When it comes to cargo space, there are 28 cubic feet behind the rear seats. When you fold them down, you’ll get 66 cubic feet of cargo space.
While it doesn’t offer the space of some competitors, we still feel like it is one of the best new subcompact SUVs on the market.
Entertainment & Technology
The 2023 Volkswagen Taos comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display which can be upgraded to an 8.0-inch screen. This system can also be upgraded with navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, a wireless phone charger, and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio sound system.
A subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot is also included standard. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is also standard.
Safety Features
The 2023 Volkswagen Taos received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It is equipped with driver assistance technology that includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking.
2023 Volkswagen Taos Trims & Pricing
S – $25,450
The base model Taos comes standard with 17-inch wheels (18-inch for AWD models), a digital gauge display, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, four-speaker stereo, LED headlights, 60/40-split folding rear seat, roof rails, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
SE – $30,220
The SE trim includes everything in the S trim plus 18-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, remote engine start, hands-free keyless entry, power-adjustable driver’s seat, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio system, second-row USB ports, tinted rear windows, heated front seats, faux leather seat trim with cloth inserts, and wireless phone charging.
SEL – $35,830
The top-of-the-line Taos trim comes with everything in the SE trim plus 19-inch alloy wheels, standard AWD, adaptive headlights, rain-sensing wipers, illuminated grille, automatic high-beams, panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, leather seats, ambient interior lighting, navigation, larger digital gauge display, and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio sound system.
Warranties
Volkswagen loves to take care of its customers, and this is reflected in many of its warranties. For the 2023 Volkswagen Taos, customers get a limited warranty that covers four years or 50,000 miles. There is a four-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty as well. Best of all, drivers get complimentary scheduled maintenance for two years or 20,000 miles.
What we think
2023 Volkswagen Taos – vw.com | Shop 2023 Volkswagen Taos on Carsforsale.com
The 2023 Volkswagen Taos is a great option for those who are searching the dense marketplace for a subcompact SUV. While it does have a finicky transmission, it does impress with a high-quality ride that few would have any complaints about. It was also spacious enough to meet the daily needs of families. You could even load it up with luggage and be completely comfortable.
The main selling point is the fuel mileage. It ranks toward the top of its class in this category, and isn’t that really what manufacturers are trying to provide us with anyway? There is currently a struggle with vehicles that seems to either sacrifice power for fuel economy or vice versa, but the Taos seems to find the balance quite well. It is decently powered and beats out other subcompact SUVs in fuel economy. That’s the real beauty in this little gem. If you’re shopping for a new Volkswagen Taos, check out the latest new car incentives.
