This week I am back behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Taos, this time the 2026 Taos SE forward-wheel drive variant. Heavily refreshed in 2025, it arrives for 2026 with only minor tweaks which include a faster charging pad.
Exterior
I'm a fan of the Taos's Monument Gray exterior though it looks more icy blue to me. Its 18-inch machined alloy wheels give it the polished look of a luxury SUV but look mismatched with the chunky silver grill accents.
The front end sends a mixed message as well as the top half is refined with sleek LED headlights as well as adaptive front lighting, while the grille and lower facia puts on a bolder front. The SE does not get the full front light bar you get on the top trim SEL. A modern tail end adds to its already refined exterior looks with connected LED taillights and illuminated VW badge.
The SE sports silver roof rails and body-colored heated side mirrors.
Powertrain
Under the hood a 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine delivers 174-horses and 184 pound-foot of torque. My front-wheel drive model is mated to a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine is equipped with start/stop technology which tends to be more noticeable in VW's than other brands I've reviewed. You can however disable it.
Interior
The Taos' unexpectedly roomy interior underwent a major upgrade in terms of materials when it was heavily refreshed in 2025. It's a much nicer cabin and its two-tone Black Cloud Tex leatherette upholstery is well done. You can tell a lot of thought went into the design of the multi-textured heated front seats in terms of comfort, support and materials used. A leather-wrapped steering wheel features bold silver accents and matte black controls, but no paddle shifters.
Bright, easy-to-read technology includes a 10.25-inch fully configurable digital cockpit and an 8-inch multimedia screen that runs VW's Composition Media infotainment system with Voice Control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless App-Connect is now standard across the lineup.
On the center stack, SE models benefit from haptic touch dual zone climate. A leather-wrapped and glossy black accented gear shifter is the centerpiece of the outdated slim center console, which did not get updated in 2025. (To see VW's more modern console check out my 2026 Tiguan review.) Other standard SE features include a six-speaker sound system, three USB-C ports and new-for-2026 wireless charging.
The 60/40 split second-row is roomy with nice headroom. Seats are on the flatter side and beware a high center hump. While there is heavy use of plastic on rear door panels, VW gives the SE soft touch seat backs. Cargo space impresses.
Note, a sunroof is optional on the SE and standard on the SEL.
Standard Features
Standard SE features add full KESSY keyless access, remote start, dual-zone climate control with touch control, an 8-way power driver seat with lumbar, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, heated washer nozzles, and privacy glass.
Safety
VW's fantastic IQ.DRIVE semi-autonomous system is standard on all trims. It includes Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance); Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring); Active Blind Spot Monitor; Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Go; Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System); and Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency). Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. The Taos is also equipped with Automatic Post-Collision Braking System.
Options and What You'll Pay
My tester's only option is the Monument Gray paint hue for $455 bringing the total MSRP to just over $29,000. For comparison, the SE FWD substantially less than the larger, more powerful 2026 Tiguan Turbo I recently reviewed that rang in at $45,015 - but that also yields a more upscale interior with wood trim.
The value proposition changes a bit if you decide to add all-wheel drive and step up to the SEL, which runs $37, 375. It puts you a lot closer to the appealing Tiguan Turbo.
Ride and Drive
The Taos was surprisingly enjoyable to drive given I am not terribly fond of looser steering. But driving dynamics and handling were pleasing, even if I wished for more horsepower. A nice suspension lends itself to a comfortable ride and visibility is great thanks to the ride height.
Verdict
The 2026 VW Taos is an overall great compact SUV in its segment and the SE is well-equipped for the price so I consider it a good value.
2026 VW Taos SE
- What I liked most: Looks, front seat design and materials, interior quality.
- What I would change: Still waiting for that center console refresh.
- MSRP: Base price $29,260; as equipped $31,190 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: 28 MPG city/36 MPG highway/31 MPG Highway.
- Official Color: Monument Gray.
- Odometer reading when tested: 398 miles.
- Weight: 3,181 pounds
- Spare Tire: Temporary.
- Length-Width-Height: 175.9” long/72.5” wide/64.5” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gallons with filler on the passenger side.
- Towing Capacity: N/A.
- 2026 Taos SE in a few words: An appealing and stylish small SUV that is well-priced in the segment.
- Final Assembly Location: Puebla, Mexico.
- Warranty: 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper, two years or 20,000 miles of free maintenance, and roadside assistance for three years.
- Manufacturer’s website: www.VW.com
Visit CarPro.com for more photos.
Click On Right Arrow To Scroll
.jpg?width=150&name=jerry-headshot.jpg%20(1).jpg)