If you’re looking for something affordable and useful, the Volkswagen Taos compact SUV might be for you.
Despite being smaller and more basic than other VW offerings, this Taos SE still came with a big sunroof that covered the front and rear seats and a useful array of parking sensors.
Still, this compact SUV is all about the basics, which you may or may not like.
For instance, the driving experience is very connected. You really feel the road, which I loved, but my wife simply called “bumpy.” In the same vein, the steering wheel gives nice, firm feedback.
Also basic: This one is front wheel drive, though all-wheel drive is available.
This one does look very sharp in a light gray/blue color, with black wheels and a black roof. And, it moves just fine under the power of a basic, but useful, turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
The interior is nice and to the point, with the seats featuring a stretchy fabric called CloudTex. The inside is also pretty spacious, even though this is indeed VW’s smallest SUV, thanks to its upright profile.
Also, it has a spare tire!
Now, if this is speaking to you, I do have to warn you: VW placed dead last in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, which tracks problems with three-year-old vehicles. Consumer Reports puts VW in 18th place out of 22 brands when it comes to predicted reliability.
Also, the Taos got dinged a bit in one front crash test from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but did well in all other categories.
Still, I am no VW-hater (stay tuned for a review of the dynamite Jetta GLI). I really enjoyed my time with the Taos, which was more than fit for scurrying me and my family about town. Maybe just look into an extended warranty if you want one.
This Volkswagen Taos SE starts at $29,775, after shipping. A base Taos starts at $26,420, after shipping.
