“We like the way it looks, the gas mileage is very good, it is comfortable, I am proud to own it, my previous experience with this brand was very good.”
2023 Volkswagen Taos: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2023 Volkswagen Taos is a light equipment update rather than a redesign. The biggest change is that forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring are standard on every trim.
About the 2023 Volkswagen Taos
1st generation (2022-2024), second model year before the 2025 update
Volkswagen positions the Taos as its small SUV for daily commuting, errands, and light travel, fitting below the Tiguan while retaining unusually generous passenger and cargo room. Its core strengths are a responsive turbocharged engine, useful cabin space, digital displays, simple smartphone integration, and a choice of efficiency-focused FWD or traction-focused 4MOTION AWD. It distinguishes itself through clean Volkswagen design and car-like road manners in a compact footprint.
The 2023 Taos S is the straightforward everyday version, with a 158-hp turbo engine, digital gauges, smartphone integration, and LED lighting. SE models focus on comfort and technology with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, and a power driver’s seat, while AWD versions add driving modes and hardware suited to slippery or uneven roads. The SEL 4MOTION tops the range with leather seats, navigation, premium audio, adaptive headlights, and a panoramic sunroof.
What changed, by category
Safety
Forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring became standard across the lineup. Blind-spot monitoring became standard on S models, while SE models gained standard adaptive cruise control, lane centering, lane-keeping assistance, Emergency Assist, automatic high beams, and rain-sensing wipers.
Tech and comfort
S models gained a leatherette-wrapped steering wheel. SE models gained a standard heated steering wheel, and the SEL 4MOTION gained a standard panoramic sunroof.
Powertrain and lineup
The front-wheel-drive SEL trim was dropped, leaving the AWD SEL 4MOTION as the top version. The 158-hp 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine carried over without an overhaul.
2023 Volkswagen Taos specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 7-Spd DSG w/Tiptronic | Automatic, 7-Spd DSG w/Tiptronic | Automatic, 7-Spd DSG w/Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 158 hp | 158 hp | 158 hp | 158 hp | 158 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 65.9 cu-ft | 65.9 cu-ft | 60.2 cu-ft | 60.2 cu-ft | 60.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.9 in | 37.9 in | 37.9 in | 37.9 in | 37.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Cruise Control | |||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Privacy Glass | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2023 Volkswagen Taos?
The biggest change is standard forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring on every 2023 Taos trim. This equipment was not standard across the full 2022 lineup.
Is the 2023 Volkswagen Taos a redesign?
No, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos is not a redesign. It is the second model year of the first-generation Taos and mainly receives added standard safety, comfort, and convenience equipment.
What became standard on the 2023 Taos SE?
The 2023 Taos SE gained standard adaptive cruise control, lane centering, lane-keeping assistance, Emergency Assist, automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, and a heated steering wheel. These updates apply to both front-wheel-drive and AWD SE models.
Did the 2023 Volkswagen Taos powertrain change?
No, the 2023 Taos did not receive a powertrain overhaul. It retains a 158-hp 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with an 8-speed automatic in front-wheel-drive models and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic in AWD models.
Is there a front-wheel-drive 2023 Taos SEL?
No, the 2023 Taos SEL is represented only by the AWD SEL 4MOTION. The front-wheel-drive SEL offered for 2022 was dropped for 2023.
2023 Volkswagen Taos Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Volkswagen Taos.
4.2
2023 Volkswagen Taos
(220 reviews)
“I feel I did a lot of research and I am very pleased with my Taos. I love the extras that make driving comfortable and fun.”
“The viewable windows are great. The mirrors beep when the vehicle becomes too close together. Parking is easy.”