Volkswagen Taos SUV or 4MOTION, starting at 24,000 $

The Volkswagen Taos is a tidy, city-friendly SUV that punches above its weight with grown-up refinement and smart cabin space. It won’t set your pulse on fire, but it nails the daily grind with easy manners, useful tech, and that subtle Euro vibe that makes grocery runs feel a bit more first-class.

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Taos

Volkswagen Taos

  • Engine Type : Gasoline
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front Wheel, All Wheel
  • Power HP : 158 HP

Design & Presence

The Volkswagen Taos keeps it clean and crisp, with squared-off lines and a mini-Tiguan vibe that looks pricier than it is. At roughly 175.8 inches long and 72.5 inches wide, it strikes a tidy footprint that’s easy to park yet substantial enough to feel secure. The stance is confident without being shouty, helped by short overhangs and tasteful detailing. It’s the sort of shape that will age well, not chase trends.

Interior & Usability

Inside, the Taos focuses on straightforward ergonomics and familiar controls, avoiding the touch-slider gimmicks found elsewhere. Materials are solid for the class, with durable plastics in high-touch areas and a clean dashboard layout, plus available ambient lighting to lift the mood. The optional digital cluster brings crisp graphics, while clear menus and real knobs make daily use painless. Seat comfort is quietly impressive, with good thigh support and wide adjustment.

Space & Everyday Practicality

This is where the Taos overdelivers: rear legroom sits at about 38 inches, so adults fit comfortably behind tall drivers. Cargo space is generous, with up to 27.9 cu ft behind the seats in FWD models (around 25 cu ft in 4MOTION), expanding to over 60 cu ft when folded. The load floor is low and square, making grocery runs and weekend moves easy. Wide-opening doors and clear sightlines simplify child-seat installs and city maneuvering.

Driving & Handling

The 1.5-liter turbo four delivers 158 hp and 184 lb-ft, giving the Taos enough punch for confident merging, with 0–60 mph in roughly eight seconds. FWD versions pair the engine with a smooth 8-speed automatic, while 4MOTION models use a quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch and add a more sophisticated rear suspension. The ride is composed and quiet for the class, soaking up broken pavement without float. Steering is light but accurate, making the Taos easy to place on a back road and stress-free in traffic.

Efficiency & Range

EPA ratings land at 28/36 mpg city/highway for FWD and 24/32 mpg for 4MOTION, strong numbers for a small SUV with real space. With a 13.2-gallon tank in FWD, highway range can approach the high-400-mile mark, while the 14.5-gallon AWD setup still delivers comfortably long stints between stops. In everyday commuting, light throttle and early upshifts keep fuel bills in check. The turbo’s low-end torque helps achieve efficiency without feeling sluggish.

Assistance & Infotainment

Volkswagen’s driver-assist suite—adaptive cruise with lane centering, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking—comes standard on most trims and is available across the lineup. Infotainment starts with a 6.5-inch screen on S models and steps up to an 8-inch unit with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on SE and above, plus an available 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. The interface is quick, and the menus are logical, so it rarely frustrates. Available niceties like a heated steering wheel and remote start further boost daily comfort.

Trims & What to Know

The Taos range includes S and SE with front-wheel drive, their 4MOTION counterparts, and the SEL offered with 4MOTION—all using the same 158-hp turbo engine and automatic gearboxes. FWD models are lighter and thriftier, while 4MOTION brings extra traction and a more refined rear suspension for rough weather or spirited driving. Curb weight spans about 3,181–3,430 lbs, so performance stays consistent across trims. The choices are simple: pick your equipment level, then choose efficiency (FWD) or all-weather confidence (4MOTION).

Who Is It For?

The Volkswagen Taos suits commuters and small families who want big-vehicle space without big-vehicle hassle. It’s an easy fit for those cross-shopping the HR-V, Corolla Cross, Seltos, or Crosstrek, but who prefer a calmer ride and an understated badge. Buyers get adult-friendly back seats, straightforward tech, and strong fuel economy in one tidy package. If the brief is comfort, efficiency, and no-drama driving, the Taos hits the target.

Costs and Consumption

Price
24,000 - 33,500 $
FuelEconomy City
24 - 28 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
32 - 36 MPG
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
13.2 - 14.5 gal

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV, 4MOTION
Seats
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
3,181 - 3,430 lbs
Trunk Volume
-
Length
175.8 in.
Width
72.5 in.
Height
64 in.

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Power HP
158 HP
Torque
184 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
1.5 L
Gears
-

General

Model Year
2024
Brand
Volkswagen
What is the starting MSRP for the Volkswagen Taos?

The Volkswagen Taos starts at 24,000 $.

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