The redesigned Volkswagen Taos has been getting quite a lot of positive media attention for more than its striking good looks. With a starting price of $27,975, the Taos is a great crossover for all ages and driving levels. In a new test-drive review from J.D. Power, author Perry Stern found the Taos quite charming and perfect for a road trip from Michigan to Indiana.
What’s Under the Hood
Powering the smaller Volkswagen is a 1.5-liter turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder engine that develops 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smart, quick-shifting 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Trim Levels and Fuel Economy
The Taos is available in four trim levels: S, SE, SE Black, and SEL. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all trim levels can be optioned with the much-loved 4Motion all-wheel drive system. Thanks to the brilliant 8-speed transmission and aerodynamic styling, every Taos is very efficient, with the EPA estimating that front-wheel-drive models achieve 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, while 4Motion Taos models achieve 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
What J.D. Power Had to Say
“Getting up to freeway speed is not much of a problem, and the Taos easily cruises at 70 mph ... the cabin remains quiet unless you are blasting music on the premium audio system. The suspension did a nice job of keeping the ride smooth on Michigan's bumpy interstates, and overall, it delivered an enjoyable ride during my road trip to Indiana.”
Great Lightning Comes Standard
Regardless of the trim level you choose, every Taos comes standard with LED projector headlights and LED taillights, as well as an illuminated VW badge in the middle of the rear hatch. Buyers can opt for a light bar on the grille surround, adding an upscale, modern design element. Buyers can also option an Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), and roof rails are standard on all models.
Volkswagen Added Features While Keeping the Price Low
While the Taos is a small and reasonably priced crossover, owners will appreciate that Volkswagen did not pinch pennies when it came to adding a luxurious fit and finish that lets you know you didn’t buy just any crossover. Each Taos features contrasting accent stitching and a standard 8-inch infotainment touchscreen that appears to float. The S trim gets an 8.0-inch Digital Cockpit gauge cluster display, while SE and SEL models get Digital Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch display. The SE and SEL models also get standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
No Shortage of Ways to Charge
To ensure everyone can keep their devices fully charged, Volkswagen added multiple 45-watt USB-C ports that will not only charge modern phones and tablets but also supply plenty of power to most laptops while in use. SE and SEL models also receive a Qi-compatible (pronounced like chee) wireless charging pad in the center console.
A Larger Than Expected Cabin
When it comes to space, the Taos has plenty. All-wheel-drive models offer 24.9 cubic feet of cargo space, while FWD models offer 27.9. If you fold down the rear seats, you’ll have a total of 60.2 cu.ft. of space in AWD models and 65.9 in FWD models, making it one of the largest crossovers in its class.
The Taos Has Incredible Standard Safety Features
Also standard on the 2026 Taos is IQ.Drive, the Volkswagen brand’s advanced suite of safety equipment that includes Forward Collision Warning, Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Centering Assistance, Lane Keeping Assistance, Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go, Post-Collision Braking System, Travel Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Warning.
In Conclusion
In the end, J.D. Power found the Taos to be a nice option for buyers who want a crossover but still want a vehicle with car-like reflexes and performance, saying, “... the Taos is enjoyable to drive, with good handling and a smooth ride, making it a great option for road trips or daily chores.”
Team Gillman Volkswagen Has the Right Model for You
Don’t just read about how car journalists think the 2026 Volkswagen Taos is a great vehicle. Come down to Team Gillman Volkswagen to experience it for yourself with the help of one of their knowledgeable salespeople.
Why Choose Gillman Volkswagen
There has never been a better time to consider a new Volkswagen. Team Gillman Volkswagen of Kingwood takes great pride in offering customers the best prices on new and used vehicles. Our excellent sales staff can assist you in finding the perfect car, while our finance department will make sure you get the best rate possible. And when it’s time to service your vehicle, our service department will take care of it as if it were their own.
If you have any dents, scratches, windshield, or paint repair needs, the Team Gillman Collision Center and Body Shop will take the best care of you and offers a lifetime warranty on all body and paint work.
We look forward to serving you soon!