2023 Volkswagen Taos SUV

　　

2023 Volkswagen Taos Review

byAlex NishimotoCorrespondent

　　Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.

　　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 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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$121/mo  for Taos S

　　Taos S

　　S 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $24,155 MSRPS 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 04/23 (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $26,495 MSRPS 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $26,495 MSRPSE 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $28,925 MSRPSE 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 04/23 (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $30,375 MSRPSE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $30,375 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 04/23 (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $34,535 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $34,535 MSRP

　　vs

　　$167/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　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.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar 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

　　zzdcar 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 zzdcar Expert Rating below