2023 Volkswagen Taos

With the 2023 Taos, you can choose the S, SE, or SEL trim level. The curved upper grille has the VW symbol in the middle, and it pairs with a slightly smaller lower grille. Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, all-season tires, tinted glass, black roof rails, puddle lights, and power-folding side mirrors. The SEL features an LED light bar across the grille. You can add heated windshield washer nozzles, 18- or 19-inch wheels, heated side mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power panoramic sunroof with tilting and sliding capabilities, and silver roof rails. Cornering headlights that turn when you turn the steering wheel and adjust their brightness automatically for better visibility are available as well. You can choose Deep Black Pearl, Dusk Blue Metallic, Platinum Gray Metallic, Pyrite Silver Metallic, Kings Red Metallic, Pure White, Pure Gray, or Cornflower Blue exterior colors.

The turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine gives 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel-drive models have an eight-speed automatic transmission. With the SEL, you'll get a dual-clutch, seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

This compact SUV has excellent acceleration and maneuverable power steering. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and it gets 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. With the all-wheel drive, the Taos can go 25 mpg in traffic and 32 mpg on larger roads. It has On-Road, Snow, Off-Road, and Custom Off-Road driving modes.

Standard features include two 12-volt power outlets, Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a four-speaker audio system, and Android Auto. You'll also get voice recognition, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, phone, cruise, and audio controls for the leatherette-wrapped steering wheel, and an 8-inch driver information center. With the rear seats folded, the Taos has 65.9 cubic feet of cargo space. You can select an eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar settings, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and heated and cooled leather seats. Keyless entry, SiriusXM satellite radio, remote start, an 8-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, navigation, and a 10.25-inch driver information center are optional. You can also choose wireless charging, a six-speaker sound system, and an eight-speaker Beats Audio sound system with an amplifier and a subwoofer.

The 2023 VW Taos has a range of advanced safety features. You'll get a rearview camera and a security system with an engine immobilizer. After an accident that causes airbag deployment, the Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) will unlock the doors, activate the hazard lights, and turn off the fuel pump. You'll get 20,000 miles or two years of free scheduled maintenance, 36,000 miles or three years of roadside assistance, and a limited warranty that covers 50,000 miles or four years. You can add rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision mitigation, blind spot monitoring, parking assistance, and lane-keeping assistance.