2026 Volkswagen Taos

The 2026 Volkswagen Taos boasts more interior space than expected. This is important because the main reason to buy an SUV is people space/cargo room. In fact, better-than-average space for its segment is a common theme among Volkswagen SUVs like the Tiguan and Atlas. It holds true for the Taos, as well. Moreover, we find the Taos a blast to drive thanks to its German handling dynamics and spirited turbocharged engine.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of subcompact SUVs, including the VW Taos.

Because Volkswagen totally refreshed the Taos for 2025, we aren’t surprised that improvements for 2026 were confined to a wireless App-Connect, a faster wireless phone charging pad, and making the premium audio system standard in the top-of-the-line SEL trim.

The 2026 Volkswagen Taos starts at $27,975. This is for the front-wheel-drive entry-level S trim and includes the factory-to-dealer destination charge. The Taos tops out at $37,375 for the all-wheel-drive SEL.

By far, the SE is the most popular trim, and that enthusiasm is about equally split between front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) models. By the way, all-wheel drive has a $1,700 upcharge on all grades except the SEL, on which it’s standard.

We peg the Taos starting price as a little above midway up the segment’s cost ladder. A few rivals, like the all-wheel-drive Subaru Crosstrek, are more expensive. On the other hand, several are more affordable, like the Nissan Kicks, Toyota Corolla Cross, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, and Chevy Trax and Trailblazer.

Before buying, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know how much you should pay. The VW Taos’ resale value is about average for the segment. Remember, recouping more money when selling or trading in a vehicle can mean more money for your next one.

Our time behind the wheel of almost every Taos we’ve driven has been enjoyable. That includes the current one with its lively turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Every Taos model gets a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission with smooth shifting that maximizes power delivery.

Generally, Volkswagen cars have a knack for feeling a cut above the fray thanks to taut manners and an eagerness that runs beneath the surface. It’s a German thing, extending even to the automaker’s smallest SUV.

During our 160-mile jaunt around the Texas Hill Country in a Taos SEL 4Motion — love the dark blue leather interior, by the way — we were impressed not only with the performance of the power boost in collaboration with the 8-speed transmission but also with the cabin’s quiet. This is no easy feat when rolling over the pebble-like pavement of many of the Hill Country roads.

Well-balanced and composed, the Taos performs with nearly silent efficiency. Even at speed, the Taos had plenty of grunt in reserve for quick sprints around slower vehicles.

Fuel economy

The Taos earns 31 mpg in mixed city/highway driving with front-wheel drive and 28 mpg combined with all-wheel drive. These figures are above average for the class, at least for front-wheel-drive models. If fuel economy ranks high on your priorities, you might want to check out the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, which comes standard with all-wheel drive and earns 42 mpg combined.

The 2026 VW Taos provides a standard 8-inch touchscreen. SE and SEL models get touch-based climate controls (for better or worse). Base Taos S models have two-tone black and gray cloth upholstery, SE models get VW’s CloudTex synthetic leather, and top-line SEL trims get genuine leather upholstery available in either a black/gray combo or a handsome dark blue color.

Though unseen, acoustic dampening excels at reducing the intrusion of outside noise into the cabin. Furthermore, its front seats are wonderfully well bolstered, offering a solid blend of comfort and support.

We applaud this VW for its 2-row/5-passenger cabin that feels more spacious than its exterior dimensions would suggest. This is especially notable in the cargo area, which boasts up to 65.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded in front-drive versions (or 60.2 for those with all-wheel drive). Those figures are right up there with the Hyundai Kona (63.7) and Kia Seltos (62.8).

The Taos has long looked like the proper youngest sibling in the VW SUV family, and that’s fine by us. We like the squared-off, slightly blocky design. In addition to lending boldness on the outside, it’s what helps create all that versatile space within. The S gets 17-inch alloy wheels, while all the SE versions sport 18-inch ones. The SEL wins the wheel contest with 19-inchers.

IQ.Drive
This is the name for VW’s suite of active safety and driver assistance features, and it’s standard for all Taos trim levels. It bundles adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and active blind-spot monitoring.

Cargo capacity
Most people don’t buy a subcompact SUV if copious cargo room is a priority, but we appreciate it when it’s there. In this respect, the Taos is among the best in its class, with up to 65.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

Digital Cockpit
Such all-digital instrument clusters debuted in luxury vehicles from Audi, VW’s corporate cousin, and it’s now standard in a Taos.

Carefree Maintenance Program
All new 2026 Taos models come with two years or 20,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.

4Motion
This is the name for VW’s all-wheel-drive system. While most rivals also offer all-wheel drive, not all have four user-adjustable drive modes, including off-road and off-road custom.

Wireless phone charging
A helpful feature if there ever was one, this is standard in SE and SEL models. Place a compatible phone on the pad, and it begins charging. Even better, Volkswagen is hastening the charging time for 2026.

The 2026 Taos is motivated by a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 174 hp. This is an above-average number of ponies for the segment, with only the Mazda CX-30 delivering notably more. Whether front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, all 2026 Taos models use an 8-speed automatic transmission.

4-year/50,000-mile warranty

New Volkswagen models are covered for four years or 50,000 miles across the board. That’s a little better and a little worse than most competitors, which offer bumper-to-bumper coverage of three years or 36,000 miles and powertrain protection for five years or 60,000 miles. New VWs include two years or 20,000 miles (whichever is first) of complimentary maintenance.

Safety ratings

The 2025 VW Taos received mixed scores in crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and an overall 4-Star (5-Star is highest) score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).