Is anyone talking about the 2023 Volkswagen Taos? Since you arrived on this page, that’s exactly what we’re about to do. Rather than the simple cursory review of this German subcompact crossover, we’ll show you some of what makes the VW Taos an excellent choice when considering a subcompact crossover.

What are the 2023 Volkswagen Taos configurations?

Before we get into the reasons to drive this subcompact crossover SUV, you should know three trim levels are offered. The VW Taos comes in S, SE, and SEL models. All three use a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos specs show this SUV is offered in FWD models that use a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission, while the AWD versions employ a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Fuel economy numbers for the VW Taos reach 28 city/36 hwy mpg for FWD models, while AWD versions offer 25 city/32 hwy mpg.

Here are the six reasons the VW Taos could be the right subcompact crossover SUV to drive.

1. The 2023 Volkswagen Taos offers top-level cargo room

No one should expect subcompact SUVs to offer large quantities of cargo space, but the VW Taos has enough room to be near the top of the class. With the rear seats folded, this SUV delivers 65.9 cubic feet of cargo room.

2. Volkswagen includes a complimentary maintenance program

All new 2023 VW Taos models come with two years or 20,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. This ensures you get started the right way with your new subcompact SUV.

3. The optional 4Motion AWD system is impressive

The VW Taos offers 4Motion AWD at all trim levels, and this system has four adjustable driving modes, including off-road and off-road custom. Most subcompact crossover SUVs don’t offer an AWD system, which puts this little Volkswagen ahead of the pack.

4. Volkswagen puts your safety first in the 2023 Taos SUV

This small and active subcompact SUV includes Emergency Assist, a system to monitor the driver and bring the VW Taos to a stop if the system senses an incapacitated driver. This system is optional for the base S model and standard on the SE and SEL trims.

5. VW took a page out of the Audi playbook for the Taos

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos includes the Digital Cockpit feature, which comes from the Audi luxury brand. Both brands are part of the Volkswagen Group, which makes sharing tech possible. This system is a user-configurable, all-digital instrument cluster.

6. No other subcompact crossover offers European driving manners

Do you want to drive something different from the American, Japanese, and Korean subcompact crossovers? If so, the VW Taos is the only German entry into the mainstream market. This makes the 2023 Volkswagen Taos unique, offering the benefits of European driving manners.

Is the VW Taos bigger than the Tiguan?

No, the Taos is the smallest crossover in the Volkswagen lineup. Only five people fit inside the small Taos, while the Tiguan offers seating for seven passengers in a midsize SUV.

How much does the VW Taos cost?

The new 2023 Volkswagen Taos has an affordable starting price of $24,155 for the base S model. Move to the SE trim, and you’ll pay at least $28,925, while the top-line SEL trim begins at $34,535. Adding AWD to the S trim increases the price by $2,350 and $1,450 for the SE trim. The SEL model comes with standard 4Motion AWD included.

Is the Volkswagen Taos a reliable SUV?

If you’re looking for a reason to avoid the VW Taos, it would be the reliability scores. This SUV sits at the bottom of the class for Consumer Reports for the 2022 version. The 2023 model could climb up the market and become more reliable, but it hasn’t been tested yet.

Should you drive the 2023 Volkswagen Taos?

We’ve given you six great reasons to enjoy this German subcompact crossover SUV and only one not to choose the VW Taos, which makes this a vehicle you’ll want to drive.

Next, check out some great small trucks for camping, or learn more about the 2023 Volkswagen Taos in the video below: