By: Uday Mohan
October 28, 2025
I didn’t expect to like the 2026 Volkswagen Taos as much as I did. It’s the entry-level SUV in VW’s lineup, the kind of vehicle you’d assume was built for people who think driving is just a way to get from A to B. But after a week behind the wheel, I’m convinced this thing was designed by someone who actually enjoys driving, and maybe even has a mischievous streak. It’s got just enough attitude to make you raise an eyebrow, and just enough refinement to keep that eyebrow from furrowing.
Let’s start with the face. The new front fascia is… well, it’s bold. Some might say it looks like it’s trying too hard, and I wouldn’t argue. But I also wouldn’t complain. It’s got presence, and in a sea of anonymous crossovers, that counts for something. The LED projector headlights are now standard, and the IQ.Light system that swivels with your steering input is a party trick I never got tired of. It’s like the car’s winking at you every time you take a corner. The rear light bar and illuminated VW badge are slick, though I do wish they’d lit up the front logo too. It feels like a missed opportunity to go full Tron.
Inside, the Highline trim is where the Taos really starts flexing. The seats are well-bolstered and wrapped in leather that feels more Audi than entry-level VW. Piano black finishes on the dash and center console add a touch of class, though they attract fingerprints like a crime scene. The redesigned dash is clean and modern, and the semi-floating infotainment screen looks like it was lifted straight out of a concept car. It’s intuitive, responsive, and doesn’t make you dig through menus just to turn on the heated seats.
I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s one of the best setups I’ve seen in this segment. The Digital Cockpit Pro offers up to four views, including a full-screen map that turns your instrument panel into a navigation command center. It’s customizable, crisp, and genuinely useful. You can swap widgets, check vehicle status, and even monitor off-road metrics like wheel angle and elevation if you’re feeling adventurous. Yes, the Taos has a dedicated off-road mode. No, I didn’t expect it to be this good.
Under the hood, the revised 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine now makes 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque. It’s not going to win any performance comparisons, but it’s peppy enough to make merging and passing feel confident. The eight-speed automatic transmission replaces the old seven-speed DSG. It’s smoother, smarter, and doesn’t get flustered in stop-and-go traffic. Sport mode sharpens the throttle and steering just enough to make you feel like you’re driving something sportier than a compact SUV, while Individual mode lets you fine-tune the experience to your liking.
Ride quality is where things get interesting. The AWD model gets a multilink rear suspension, and it shows. The Taos feels planted, composed, and surprisingly agile for its size. It’s not an autocross carver, but it doesn’t wallow or pitch like some of its competitors. Steering is light yet precise, and the brakes are strong without being grabby. Acoustic dampening keeps the cabin quiet, and the overall refinement is impressive, especially considering this is supposed to be the “budget” VW SUV.
Tech-wise, the Taos is loaded. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, fast-charging USB-C ports, SiriusXM, and a Wi-Fi hotspot that actually works. The Car-Net system lets you remote start, lock or unlock, and even locate your vehicle from your phone. There’s also a full suite of safety features under the IQ.DRIVE umbrella, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and emergency assist. It’s like having a co-pilot who’s always watching your back.
Of course, it’s not perfect. The backup camera is still one of the worst I’ve seen this year, grainy, laggy, and about as helpful as a foggy mirror. And while the interior materials are generally excellent, some of the lower-trim plastics feel a bit cheap. But these are nitpicks, not deal-breakers, more like small cracks in what’s otherwise a well-polished package.
In the end, the 2026 Taos is a reminder that entry-level doesn’t have to mean boring. It’s stylish, smart, and surprisingly fun to drive. It’s the kind of vehicle that makes you rethink what you actually need in an SUV. And if you’re someone who appreciates a little flair with your functionality, the Taos might just be your perfect match. I came in skeptical, left impressed, and maybe, just maybe, a little smitten.
Vehicle Specs:
Segment: Small SUV
Engine: 1.5-liter EA211 turbocharged four-cylinder TSI® engine
Gearbox: 8-Speed Automatic
Horsepower: 174 Horsepower
Torque: 184 lb-ft. of torque
Fuel Economy (Hwy/City/Mix): 6.5L/100 / 8.5L/100 / 7.7L/100
Economy Observed (Mixed): 7.6L/100
Price as tested: $39,995