2023-2026 Volkswagen Taos 1.5L

Overview

The Volkswagen Taos serves as the entry-level crossover SUV in the brand’s North American lineup, positioned below the Tiguan. Introduced for the 2022 model year, the vehicle utilizes the modular MQB platform, which allows for shared engineering components across the Volkswagen Group. Designed specifically to meet the demands of the North American market, the Taos emphasizes interior space efficiency and fuel economy within a compact footprint.

Manufacturing for the North American market takes place at the Volkswagen de México plant in Puebla. The vehicle features a singular powertrain configuration: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine is a development of the EA211 family, utilizing the Miller cycle to optimize thermal efficiency. For front-wheel-drive models, the engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel-drive versions utilize a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Marketed to compete against established subcompact and compact crossovers, the Taos focuses on providing a familiar Volkswagen driving experience, characterized by a composed chassis and a tech-forward cabin. The model received a mid-cycle update for the 2025 model year, which included exterior styling revisions, an updated dashboard layout, and standard safety technology enhancements. It remains a core component of Volkswagen’s strategy to maintain a presence in the high-volume small SUV segment.

Vehicle Overview
Brand	Volkswagen
Model	Taos
Model Year	2023-2026
Generation	1st Gen
Trim	S, SE, SEL
Body Style	5-door SUV
Vehicle Segment	Subcompact Crossover
Vehicle Class	Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Market	USA
Platform	MQB A1
Assembly Plant	Puebla, Mexico
Country of Origin	Mexico
Production Start	2021
Production End	–
VIN Identifier	3VW
Base MSRP	$23,995
Destination Charge	$1,350
Total MSRP	–
Powertrain
Powertrain Type	ICE
Engine Family	EA211
Engine Name	1.5L TSI
Engine Code	–
Engine Configuration	Inline-4
Displacement	1.5 Liters
Bore x Stroke	74.5 mm x 85.9 mm
Compression Ratio	11.5:1
Aspiration	Turbocharged
Fuel Delivery	Direct Injection
Valve Train	DOHC 4 valves per cylinder
Engine Block Material	Aluminum Alloy
Cylinder Head Material	Aluminum Alloy
Oil Capacity	4.2 Quarts
Oil Specification / Viscosity	VW 508 00 / 0W-20
Horsepower	158 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm
Redline	6,500 rpm
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Transmission	Automatic (S8)
Final Drive Ratio	–
Axle Ratio	–
Fuel Economy
Fuel Type	Regular Gasoline
Recommended Octane	87
EPA City MPG	28
EPA Highway MPG	36
EPA Combined MPG	31
Fuel Economy (L/100 km)	7.6 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)	13.2
Estimated Driving Range	400+ miles
Annual Fuel Cost	$1,500
CO₂ Emissions	285 g/mile
Greenhouse Gas Score	7
Smog Rating	5
Performance
0-30 mph	–
0-60 mph	7.8 seconds
0-100 mph	–
Quarter Mile	16.2 seconds
Top Speed	125 mph
Braking Distance (60-0 mph)	122 ft
Lateral Acceleration	0.82g
Power-to-Weight Ratio	–
Dimensions & Capacities
Length (in)	175.8
Width (Without Mirrors) (in)	72.5
Width (With Mirrors) (in)	82.6
Height (in)	64.4
Wheelbase (in)	105.9
Front Track (in)	62.5
Rear Track (in)	61.7
Ground Clearance (in)	6.7
Curb Weight (lbs)	3,172
GVWR (lbs)	4,365
Towing Capacity (lbs)	–
Payload Capacity (lbs)	1,100
Passenger Volume (cu ft)	99.5
Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft)	27.9
Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft)	60.2
Turning Circle	36.7 ft
Approach Angle	–
Departure Angle	–
Breakover Angle	–
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating	–
NHTSA Frontal Crash	–
NHTSA Side Crash	–
NHTSA Rollover	–
IIHS Award	Top Safety Pick
Small Overlap Front	Good
Moderate Overlap Front	Good
Side Impact	Good
Headlights Rating	Acceptable
Front Crash Prevention	Superior
Technology & Connectivity
Infotainment Display	8.0-inch Touchscreen
Instrument Cluster	Digital Cockpit
Apple CarPlay	Standard
Android Auto	Standard
Navigation System	Available
Audio System	BeatsAudio
Speaker Count	6
Wireless Charging	Available
Wi-Fi Hotspot	Available
OTA Updates	Limited
Digital Key	–
Warranty & Ownership
Basic Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion Warranty	7 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance	3 years / 36,000 miles
Complimentary Maintenance	2 years / 20,000 miles
Specs.Autos Exclusive Data
Engine Assembly Plant	Silao, Mexico
Transmission Supplier	Aisin
Differential Type	Open
Cooling System Capacity	–
Roof Load Capacity (lbs)	165
Safety Recall Count	–
Production Volume	–
Units Sold in USA	–

Consumer Insights & Market Appeal

The Volkswagen Taos is recognized for its class-leading interior space and refined highway manners, making it a strong contender for buyers prioritizing comfort and utility. While generally reliable, prospective owners should monitor the 1.5-liter engine for potential oil consumption and ensure the eight-speed automatic transmission receives timely fluid services to maintain shift quality. In the used market, the Taos maintains solid value due to its modern infotainment interface and standard driver-assistance features. Buyers should verify that all software updates have been applied at a dealership, as early models occasionally experienced minor electronic glitches related to the infotainment system. Overall, it remains a practical choice for those seeking a European-engineered driving feel at a competitive price point.