The 2023 Volkswagen Taos remains one of the most practical and underrated subcompact SUVs on the market. Positioned below the larger Tiguan in Volkswagen’s lineup, the Taos combines impressive interior space, excellent fuel economy, and a refined driving experience that feels more mature than many of its competitors. While rivals often focus on sporty styling or flashy technology, the Taos takes a different approach by prioritizing comfort, usability, and everyday drivability.
For buyers shopping in the highly competitive subcompact SUV segment, the Taos faces strong competition from models such as the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Toyota Corolla Cross, Honda HR-V, and Chevrolet Trailblazer. Despite the crowded field, Volkswagen’s smallest SUV continues to stand out thanks to its spacious cabin, composed ride quality, and premium European driving character.
Whether you’re commuting daily, taking weekend road trips, or simply looking for a fuel-efficient crossover with plenty of room for passengers and cargo, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos delivers a well-rounded package that deserves serious consideration.
Our Take
The 2023 Volkswagen Taos succeeds because it focuses on the fundamentals. It may not be the quickest, most luxurious, or most technologically advanced SUV in its class, but it excels in the areas that matter most to everyday drivers. The cabin feels surprisingly spacious, fuel economy is among the best in the segment, and the suspension provides a level of comfort that many competitors struggle to match.
What truly separates the Taos from many rivals is its balanced personality. It feels stable and confident on the highway, comfortable around town, and refined enough to make long-distance travel enjoyable. Volkswagen has essentially captured much of what buyers loved about the Golf and translated it into a practical crossover package.
For shoppers who value comfort, efficiency, and real-world usability over flashy gimmicks, the Taos remains one of the smartest choices in the segment.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Spacious rear-seat room for a subcompact SUV
- Excellent fuel economy ratings
- Comfortable ride quality on long trips
- Large cargo area for the class
- Easy-to-use infotainment system
- Available all-wheel drive
- Refined highway manners
Cons
- Dual-clutch transmission can feel hesitant at low speeds on AWD models
- Engine performance is adequate rather than exciting
- Some interior materials feel inexpensive
- Upper trims approach compact SUV pricing
- Driver assistance features are less advanced than some rivals
What’s New for 2023
Volkswagen made only minor changes to the Taos lineup for 2023 following its successful debut the previous year. Most updates focus on improving standard safety equipment and refining the value offered across the trim range.
Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and additional driver-assistance features became more widely available throughout the lineup. Volkswagen also expanded access to its IQ.DRIVE suite of safety technologies, making advanced features easier to obtain without moving to the most expensive trim levels.
The SEL trim continues to serve as the flagship model and now includes a stronger list of standard equipment, while all-wheel-drive variants benefit from larger wheels and a more sophisticated rear suspension setup. Overall, the updates are modest, but they make an already competitive subcompact SUV slightly more attractive.
Exterior Design
The 2023 Volkswagen Taos embraces a clean and functional design philosophy rather than chasing aggressive styling trends. Its upright stance, squared-off proportions, and strong character lines give it a more substantial appearance than many competitors in the subcompact SUV segment.
From the front, the Taos shares some visual DNA with the larger Atlas and Tiguan, featuring a wide grille, sleek headlights, and a confident road presence that helps it look more expensive than its price suggests. The boxier shape is not only attractive but also contributes to the vehicle’s impressive interior space and visibility.
Unlike some rivals that rely on exaggerated styling cues, the Taos feels mature and timeless. It has enough personality to stand out while avoiding design elements that may quickly look dated. Buyers looking for a practical SUV with understated European styling will likely appreciate Volkswagen’s approach.
Driving Experience
One of the Taos’ biggest strengths is how comfortable and composed it feels behind the wheel. Volkswagen has long been known for producing vehicles with balanced driving dynamics, and the Taos continues that tradition despite its affordable positioning within the lineup.
Around town, visibility is excellent and the steering feels light enough for easy maneuvering in traffic and parking lots. On the highway, the Taos settles into a relaxed rhythm, offering impressive stability and confidence even at higher speeds. Road imperfections are absorbed smoothly, helping reduce driver fatigue during longer journeys.
While some competitors attempt to feel sporty at the expense of ride comfort, the Taos prioritizes refinement and predictability. The result is a crossover that feels more mature than many rivals and remains enjoyable to drive every day. Drivers who value comfort and confidence over outright excitement will likely find the Taos particularly appealing.
Performance & Acceleration
Powering the 2023 Volkswagen Taos is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While those numbers may not sound particularly impressive on paper, the engine delivers strong low-end torque that helps the Taos feel responsive during everyday driving.
The turbocharged powertrain works well in city traffic, providing enough acceleration for merging, passing slower vehicles, and handling daily commutes with ease. Front-wheel-drive models use an eight-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel-drive versions receive a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The Taos is not designed to be a performance SUV, but it feels adequately quick for its class. Most buyers will appreciate its smooth power delivery and relaxed character more than outright speed. Competitors like the Mazda CX-30 offer a sportier driving experience, but the Taos focuses on efficiency, refinement, and real-world usability.
Ride Comfort & Cabin Refinement
Comfort is one of the areas where the Taos truly shines. Volkswagen tuned the suspension to prioritize ride quality, resulting in a crossover that feels composed on rough pavement while remaining stable on the highway.
The suspension absorbs bumps and road imperfections with confidence, creating a smooth driving experience that often feels more like a larger compact SUV than a subcompact model. Long-distance travel is particularly enjoyable thanks to the comfortable seating position and well-controlled body movements.
Road and wind noise are generally kept under control, especially at highway speeds. The cabin remains quiet enough for conversations and music without requiring raised voices. While some premium competitors offer even better isolation, the Taos delivers an impressive level of refinement considering its price point.
Drivers looking for a comfortable daily commuter or road-trip companion will likely find the Taos one of the most pleasant vehicles in its segment.
Interior & Luxury Feel
Inside, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos offers a practical and thoughtfully designed cabin that emphasizes functionality over unnecessary complexity. The dashboard layout is straightforward, controls are easy to reach, and visibility is excellent from nearly every seating position.
One of the Taos’ greatest advantages is interior space. Both front and rear passengers enjoy generous legroom, making the cabin feel noticeably larger than many competing subcompact SUVs. Adults can comfortably sit in the rear seats without feeling cramped, a rarity in this segment.
Material quality varies depending on trim level. While some hard plastics are present throughout the cabin, overall fit and finish are solid and give the interior a durable, well-built feel. Higher trims add premium touches that elevate the experience further, including upgraded upholstery, ambient lighting, and additional comfort features.
The overall impression is one of practicality and efficiency rather than luxury. However, the Taos feels mature, spacious, and comfortable enough to satisfy most buyers looking for an affordable family-friendly crossover.
Technology & Infotainment
Volkswagen equips the 2023 Taos with a user-friendly infotainment system that avoids the complexity found in some newer vehicles. The interface is intuitive, responsive, and easy to learn, making everyday operation straightforward for drivers of all experience levels.
Base models come with a touchscreen infotainment display, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims upgrade to a larger touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, HD Radio, and additional convenience features that enhance the ownership experience.
Unlike some recent Volkswagen models that rely heavily on touch-sensitive controls, the Taos retains physical steering-wheel buttons that are easier to use while driving. This simple decision significantly improves usability and reduces distractions. Overall, the infotainment system strikes an excellent balance between modern technology and everyday practicality.
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency remains one of the strongest selling points of the 2023 Volkswagen Taos. The turbocharged 1.5-liter engine delivers impressive EPA estimates that place the Taos among the most efficient non-hybrid SUVs in its class.
Front-wheel-drive models are rated at up to 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, while all-wheel-drive versions still deliver respectable efficiency despite the added traction and capability. These numbers make the Taos an appealing option for commuters and families looking to reduce fuel costs without moving to a hybrid powertrain.
In real-world driving, the Taos consistently rewards drivers with strong fuel economy, especially during highway travel. Its combination of efficiency and long-range cruising ability makes it an excellent companion for daily commuting as well as extended road trips.
Practicality & Cargo Space
Practicality is where the Taos truly separates itself from many competitors. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, Volkswagen has created one of the roomiest cabins in the subcompact SUV segment.
Rear-seat passengers benefit from generous legroom and headroom, making the Taos surprisingly comfortable for adults. Families will appreciate the ease of installing child seats, while taller passengers can travel comfortably without feeling restricted.
Cargo capacity is equally impressive. The rear cargo area provides enough room for groceries, luggage, sports equipment, and everyday family needs. Folding the rear seats significantly expands storage space, allowing the Taos to handle larger items when necessary.
For buyers who need maximum practicality without stepping up to a larger and more expensive compact SUV, the Taos offers one of the best space-to-size ratios in the segment. It successfully combines easy maneuverability with the versatility expected from a modern crossover.
Safety & Driver Assistance
The 2023 Volkswagen Taos comes equipped with a strong collection of safety and driver-assistance technologies designed to make everyday driving easier and more secure. Volkswagen focuses on providing helpful systems that work in the background without feeling overly intrusive.
Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera. Higher trims and available packages add adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies.
The Taos has earned solid crash-test results and provides the level of protection most buyers expect from a modern family crossover. While some competitors offer slightly more advanced semi-autonomous driving features, the Taos delivers a reassuring balance between driver engagement and safety support.
Competitors Worth Considering
The subcompact SUV segment is one of the most competitive markets in the automotive industry, giving buyers plenty of excellent alternatives to consider.
The Mazda CX-30 remains one of the strongest rivals thanks to its upscale interior, engaging handling, and available turbocharged performance. Buyers seeking a sportier driving experience may find the Mazda more appealing.
The Toyota Corolla Cross focuses on reliability, strong resale value, and available hybrid efficiency. It may not be as refined as the Taos on the highway, but it offers excellent long-term ownership appeal.
The Kia Seltos stands out with its generous feature content, attractive pricing, and spacious interior, while the Hyundai Kona offers bold styling and an extensive list of technology features.
For shoppers prioritizing driving comfort, interior space, and fuel economy, however, the Taos remains one of the most balanced choices in the entire segment.
Trim Comparison
Taos S
The entry-level S trim provides excellent value and includes the essential features most buyers need. Standard equipment includes a digital instrument display, smartphone integration, key safety technologies, and Volkswagen’s efficient turbocharged engine. It is the most affordable way to get into a Taos while still enjoying its spacious cabin and impressive fuel economy.
Taos SE
The SE trim represents the sweet spot in the lineup. It adds a larger infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, upgraded interior materials, additional driver-assistance features, and several convenience upgrades that noticeably improve everyday ownership. For most buyers, the SE delivers the best balance of equipment and value.
Taos SEL
At the top of the lineup, the SEL adds premium features such as Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit Pro, upgraded audio system, larger wheels, navigation, and additional luxury touches. It offers the most technology and comfort but also pushes pricing closer to some larger compact SUVs, which may reduce its overall value advantage.
Which Trim Does Cardrav Recommend?
For most buyers, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos SE is the trim to choose. It strikes the best balance between price, technology, comfort, and everyday practicality without pushing the cost into territory occupied by larger compact SUVs.
The SE adds many of the features buyers use every day, including a larger infotainment screen, wireless smartphone connectivity, additional convenience features, and expanded driver-assistance technology. These upgrades make the Taos feel significantly more upscale than the base S trim while maintaining strong overall value.
The SEL is undoubtedly the most luxurious version of the Taos, but its higher price makes it difficult to justify when similarly priced alternatives such as the Tiguan, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5 become realistic options. For that reason, the SE remains the trim that delivers the best ownership experience for the majority of shoppers.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The 2023 Volkswagen Taos succeeds by focusing on what matters most to everyday drivers. It offers impressive passenger space, excellent fuel economy, a comfortable ride, and a mature driving experience that feels more refined than many competitors in the subcompact SUV segment.
While it may not be the most powerful or most luxurious choice in its class, the Taos compensates with a well-rounded personality that makes it easy to live with every day. The spacious cabin, practical cargo area, and efficient turbocharged engine create a package that works exceptionally well for commuters, small families, and anyone looking for a versatile crossover.
Buyers seeking maximum performance may prefer the Mazda CX-30, while those focused on long-term reliability may lean toward the Toyota Corolla Cross. However, for shoppers who want one of the most balanced and comfortable subcompact SUVs available, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos remains an excellent choice and continues to be one of the strongest values in Volkswagen’s lineup.
FAQ
Is the 2023 Volkswagen Taos a good SUV for families?
Yes. The 2023 Volkswagen Taos is one of the most family-friendly options in the subcompact SUV segment. It offers generous rear-seat legroom, excellent visibility, a comfortable ride, and a surprisingly large cargo area for its size. Families who do not need a larger compact SUV will likely find the Taos provides all the practicality required for daily commuting, school runs, grocery trips, and weekend travel.
How does the 2023 Volkswagen Taos compare to the Toyota Corolla Cross?
The Volkswagen Taos and Toyota Corolla Cross appeal to slightly different buyers. The Corolla Cross prioritizes reliability, resale value, and simplicity, while the Taos focuses more on interior space, driving comfort, and highway refinement. Drivers who spend significant time on the road may prefer the Taos, while buyers seeking long-term ownership with minimal concerns may lean toward the Corolla Cross.
Is the 2023 Volkswagen Taos powerful enough for highway driving?
Despite producing only 158 horsepower, the Taos feels more responsive than the numbers suggest thanks to its turbocharged engine and strong low-end torque. Highway merging, passing slower traffic, and maintaining cruising speeds are handled confidently. While performance enthusiasts may prefer more powerful competitors, most drivers will find the Taos perfectly adequate for everyday use.
Is the 2023 Volkswagen Taos worth buying over the larger Tiguan?
For many buyers, yes. The Taos provides excellent passenger room, impressive cargo capacity, and better fuel economy than the Tiguan while maintaining a lower starting price. However, shoppers who regularly carry larger families or need a third row should consider the Tiguan. If maximum efficiency and value are the priorities, the Taos is often the smarter purchase.
What is the best trim level of the 2023 Volkswagen Taos?
The SE trim offers the best overall value in the lineup. It includes many of the comfort, technology, and safety features buyers want without reaching the higher price point of the SEL trim. The SE strikes an excellent balance between affordability and equipment, making it the version most shoppers should choose.
What are the biggest strengths of the 2023 Volkswagen Taos?
The Taos stands out for its spacious interior, comfortable ride quality, excellent fuel economy, and practical cargo area. It also delivers a refined driving experience that feels more mature than many competitors in the segment. These qualities make it one of the most well-rounded subcompact SUVs available.
What are the biggest weaknesses of the 2023 Volkswagen Taos?
The main drawbacks include modest engine performance, some lower-quality interior materials on certain trims, and pricing that can approach larger compact SUVs when fully equipped. Buyers considering a high-end SEL model should also compare similarly priced alternatives such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Volkswagen Tiguan.
