Launched for the 2022 model year, the subcompact Taos is Volkswagen’s smallest SUV. Its lively performance, ample interior room and impressive cargo space have always helped set it apart from its rivals; a 2023 update brought additional improvements. But some notable drawbacks remain, and the 2023 Taos finished next to last in our recent comparison test of six subcompact SUVs.
Related: 2023 Volkswagen Taos Review: Likable in a Class of Lovables
The freshening brought added standard safety features across the lineup, and upper trims got additional driver-assistance and safety tech. For the 2024 model year, all Taos trims get the IQ.Drive safety suite, automatic high-beam headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers and a heated steering wheel standard, but little else has changed, and the Taos still lacks the all-around appeal of formidable competitors like the Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek and Kia Seltos.
Cars.com News Editor Jennifer Geiger recently had a chance to take a closer look at the revised Taos and found that in spite of its faults, there’s more to like than its fifth-place finish would suggest. Tap the link above to read her expert review; for a quicker look, read on for six things we like about the Volkswagen Taos and four things we don’t.
Things We Like
1. Plucky Powertrain
The only engine offered for the Taos is a 158-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers lively acceleration for the class. Our front-wheel-drive test vehicle was good for a 0-60 acceleration time of 8.51 seconds, quicker from a standstill or while underway than most competitors, including the HR-V and Crosstrek.
2. Gas Mileage
Our FWD Taos returned an impressive 34.7 mpg in our 200-mile test loop, edging out all competitors but the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid in our comparison test. Front-drive versions of the 2024 Taos get an EPA-estimated 28/36/31 mpg city/highway/combined, while all-wheel-drive models are rated at 24/32/27 mpg.
3. Ride and Handling
While many subcompact SUVs are either set up to deliver a comfortable ride or responsive handling, the Taos does a commendable job of delivering both. Handling is lively if not athletic, and even though the ride is on the firm side, the Taos is comfortable and has decent isolation from bumps.
4. Roomy Interior
A tall driving position with plenty of room all around makes for a commanding and comfortable driving position, with good visibility forward and back. Rear-seat room is also notably good for a subcompact, and a flip-down center armrest with a cargo pass-through adds versatility. Better still, the Taos earned high marks in our Car Seat Check thanks to plenty of room and easy-to-access Latch anchors.
5. Cargo Space
One area where the Taos excels is in cargo room, something often in short supply with subcompact SUVs. With 17.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat, the Taos edged out all competitors in our comparison test. That’s especially impressive when compared to the 15.5 cubic feet of space we measured with the HR-V and 12.7 cubic feet with the Crosstrek.
6. Safety
The 2023 update brought added safety features that helped keep the Taos competitive, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. For 2024, VW’s IQ.Drive — which includes additional driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure steering assist and lane-centering steering — is standard across trims.
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Things We Don’t Like
1. Troublesome Transmission
While the Taos’ turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers lively acceleration, we’re not fans of either of the available transmissions. FWD variants like our test car get a conventional eight-speed automatic that isn’t very smooth and has shifts that can feel abrupt, particularly at lower speeds — but the eight-speed is still smoother than the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic used in AWD models.
2. Interior Quality
As much as the Taos earns points for interior room, its materials quality and cabin design fall short of many competitors. We noticed lots of cheap-looking plastics, and the overall design is generic and uninteresting. That said, controls are straightforward to use, and the Taos has handy physical knobs for climate and audio functions.
3. Infotainment Issues
The Taos’ infotainment system is more straightforward to use than some others, but its 8-inch screen is small by current standards. Its overall appearance and function seem dated compared to newer systems, as well. Neither as large nor as responsive as class-leading systems, the Taos’ interface at least retains a tuning knob for the radio, which oddly only works for AM and FM bands, not with satellite radio.
4. Value Equation
Model-year 2023 Taos prices started at $25,450 (all prices include destination) and rose to as much as $34,940 for a top-trim SEL with standard AWD — our mid-trim SE came to $30,220 — and pricing has stayed roughly the same for 2024. That makes the Taos neither the cheapest nor the most expensive vehicle in the category, but our test vehicle lacked some equipment that comes with many alternatives, including AWD, automatic climate control and a moonroof.
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