Volkswagen Taos S, SE & SEL Trim Levels

Last updated August 4, 2026

Volkswagen Taos

The Volkswagen Taos lineup starts with the S and S 4MOTION, the practical entry trims with turbo power, digital displays, and driver-assistance technology. The SE and SE 4MOTION are the comfort-focused middle choices, while SE Black versions add darker, sport-styled details. The SEL and SEL 4MOTION form the premium end, known for leather, upgraded displays, navigation, and other upscale cabin features. A 4MOTION badge means all-wheel drive.

What each trim is known for

Volkswagen Taos Base Model

Base Model

SS 4MOTION

The Base Model trim level includes S and S 4MOTION; it is the straightforward Taos with the core turbo engine, digital displays, and driver-assistance features.

Best for: Shoppers who want a practical small SUV with modern essentials, with S 4MOTION adding extra traction for rough weather.

Highlights

  • 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine
  • Digital instrument display and touchscreen connectivity
  • IQ.DRIVE driver-assistance suite
  • Front-wheel drive on S or all-wheel drive on S 4MOTION
110 in stock
Volkswagen Taos Mid-Level

Mid-Level

SESE 4MOTIONSE BlackSE Black 4MOTION

The Mid-Level trim level includes SE, SE 4MOTION, SE Black, and SE Black 4MOTION; it is the comfort sweet spot, with Black versions adding a bolder look.

Best for: Daily drivers who value heated seats and convenience features, plus shoppers who want either all-weather traction or distinctive styling.

Highlights

  • Power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats
  • Keyless access with remote start
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Front light bar and sport-styled exterior details on SE Black versions

Adds a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, keyless access with remote start, dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, and parking sensors over the Base Model. SE Black versions also add their own lighting and sport-styled exterior treatment.

163 in stock
Volkswagen Taos Top Tier

Top Tier

SELSEL 4MOTION

The Top Tier trim level includes SEL and SEL 4MOTION; it is the upscale Taos, centered on richer cabin materials, upgraded displays, navigation, and added comfort.

Best for: Shoppers who want a compact Taos with the fullest comfort and technology package rather than the simpler value-focused setup.

Highlights

  • Vienna leather upholstery with ventilated front seats
  • 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro
  • 8-inch touchscreen navigation system
  • Panoramic sunroof

Moves beyond the Mid-Level with leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a larger digital instrument display, built-in navigation, a panoramic sunroof, and premium audio. The Top Tier’s all-wheel-drive setup also includes an independent rear suspension.

21 in stock

Trim comparison

FeatureTop TierMid-LevelBase Model
Includes
SEL, SEL 4MOTION21 in stock
SE, SE 4MOTION, SE Black, SE Black 4MOTION163 in stock
S, S 4MOTION110 in stock
Trim badges in this levelSEL; SEL 4MOTIONSE; SE 4MOTION; SE Black; SE Black 4MOTIONS; S 4MOTION
Drive setupAll-wheel driveFront-wheel drive or all-wheel driveFront-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
Rear suspensionIndependentIndependent with 4MOTION versionsIndependent with S 4MOTION
Cabin comfort focusLeather upholstery and ventilated front seatsHeated front seats, power driver’s seat, dual-zone climateCore equipment; cold-weather features vary by S version
Touchscreen and phone features8-inch screen with built-in navigation8-inch screen; adds wireless phone charging8-inch screen; wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Distinctive design featurePanoramic sunroof and upscale lightingSE Black adds a front light bar and sport-styled trimStraightforward S design with LED projector headlights
Recent-model city/highway fuel economy25 / 33 mpg25–28 / 33–36 mpg, depending on configuration25–28 / 33–36 mpg, depending on configuration

Frequently asked questions

What is the Volkswagen Taos S trim?

The S is the straightforward entry trim. On newer models, it has the 174-horsepower turbo engine, an 8-inch touchscreen, digital gauges, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the IQ.DRIVE safety suite.

What is the Volkswagen Taos SE trim?

The SE is the comfort-focused middle trim. In recent years, it adds a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, keyless access, remote start, dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, and parking sensors.

What is the Volkswagen Taos SE Black trim?

The SE Black is the style-focused version of the middle trim on newer Taos models. It keeps the SE’s everyday comfort features and adds a front light bar, adaptive headlights, and darker sport-styled exterior details.

What is the Volkswagen Taos SEL trim?

The SEL is the most upscale Taos trim. Depending on year, its defining features include leather seating, a larger digital gauge display, built-in navigation, upgraded audio, and added comfort equipment. Newer SEL 4MOTION models also have ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof.

What does the Taos SE add over the S?

The SE adds the conveniences most drivers notice every day. On recent models, that means a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, keyless access, remote start, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, and front and rear parking sensors.

What is the difference between the Taos SE and SE Black?

The SE Black mainly adds visual and lighting upgrades to the SE formula. On newer models, it brings a front light bar, adaptive headlights, and sport-styled exterior trim while retaining the SE’s main comfort and connectivity features.

What is the difference between the Taos SE Black and SEL?

The SE Black emphasizes appearance, while the SEL emphasizes luxury and technology. On newer models, the SE Black has sport-styled exterior details; the SEL 4MOTION adds leather, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, navigation, a larger digital gauge display, and upgraded audio.

What is the difference between Taos S 4MOTION and SE 4MOTION?

Both add all-wheel drive and independent rear suspension, but the SE 4MOTION adds more comfort. On recent models, that includes a power driver’s seat, keyless access, remote start, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, and parking sensors.

Is 4MOTION a separate Taos trim?

No. 4MOTION is Volkswagen’s name for all-wheel drive, and it appears after a trim name to identify the drivetrain. An SE 4MOTION is therefore an SE with all-wheel drive and the related independent rear suspension.

Which Volkswagen Taos trim is the sensible everyday pick?

The SE is the everyday sweet spot for many shoppers. In recent years, it adds useful comfort features over the S without moving to the SEL’s luxury-focused equipment. Key additions include heated seats, remote start, automatic climate control, and parking sensors.

Which Taos trim makes sense for snowy or wet roads?

A 4MOTION version is the better fit when extra foul-weather traction matters. S 4MOTION keeps equipment simple, SE 4MOTION adds more daily comfort, and newer SE Black 4MOTION models combine that traction with bolder styling.

Which Taos trim has the most comfort and technology?

The SEL is the most fully equipped Taos. On newer SEL 4MOTION models, highlights include leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, built-in navigation, a 10.25-inch digital gauge display, premium audio, and standard all-wheel drive.

Which Taos trim should I look for if I want remote start?

Look at the SE or a higher trim in recent model years. The SE, SE 4MOTION, and newer SE Black versions include keyless access and remote start, along with other comfort upgrades over the S.