Volkswagen came out with the subcompact Taos as an all-new vehicle for the 2022 model year. With the Taos still being a relatively new vehicle in the class, we expect the 2023 model to arrive as a carryover model. The 2023 Volkswagen Taos is rumored to arrive with some updated new paint colors and some updated technology, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
Beyond some new exterior colors, we expect the design of the 2023 Volkswagen Taos to remain close to the current model. On the outside, the current Taos plays it conservatively. The front end has rectangular headlights, the grille creates a natural separation to the front fascia, and there’s a modest amount of chrome for some pizzaz. The rear end of the Taos is even more conventional with simple taillights, body cladding on the majority of the bumper, and clean badges.
As a carryover model, the 2023 Taos should have the same interior design as the current SUV that’s on sale. The Taos has a split dashboard design that separates the infotainment system from the HVAC controls. The infotainment display is slightly angled toward the driver for ease of use, while the subcompact SUV has simple controls. Muted styling and a large number of black plastics give the Taos a restrained interior design.
The current Taos comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, a few USB ports, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, four audio speakers, and an HD Radio. An eight-inch touchscreen is optional, as are navigation, eight audio speakers, a wireless charging pad, satellite radio, and extra USB ports. Volkswagen could fit the 2023 Taos with updated tech features, like a larger touchscreen and an updated infotainment system, but this hasn’t been confirmed.
Every Taos comes standard with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The motor is rated at 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The engine comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and routes power to the front wheels. All-wheel drive is optional and brings a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. We don’t expect to see any changes to the SUV’s powertrain for the 2023 model year.
The only standard safety feature the current Taos comes with is a rearview camera. Volkswagen offers the subcompact SUV with adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition as optional.
