DecodedCars2023 Volkswagen Taos
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 28 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- 176 in
- Curb weight
- 3,175–3,430 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 33 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Volkswagen Taos is a small SUV offered with a 1.5L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 176 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,430 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (28 city / 36 highway), 13% better than the 2023 small SUV average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 110 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 Taos — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Taos →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 176 in | 72.8 in | 64.6 in | 105.9 in | 61.8 / 60.6 in | 3,430 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 176 in | 72.8 in | 64.6 in | 105.9 in | 61.8 / 60.6 in | 3,175 lb | 59/49 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taos | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 36 / 31 | +13% | $2,150 | 286 |
| Taos 4motion | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 28 | +12% | $2,400 | 322 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Volkswagen Taos SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.7% |
| 2023 Volkswagen Taos SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.4% |
Similar 2023 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Volkswagen Taos (this car) | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Honda CR-V | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2023 Hyundai Tucson | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2023 Mazda CX-5 | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2023 Volkswagen Taos.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2023 Volkswagen Taos is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Volkswagen Taos buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 43 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 33 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electrical System — 25 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 10,185 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Volkswagen Taos. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Taos years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →