1.5T SE 4dr Front-Wheel Drive
2023 Volkswagen Taos

Pros: Huge back seat and cargo area for the segment; strong fuel economy; quality interior; functional roof rails Cons: Bland to drive with numb steering and mushy throttle response; so-so safety scores The growing number of small SUVs we've taken to calling "midcompact" are surprisingly diverse, with each satisfying different niches and providing distinct style. While Volkswagen would probably point to the 2023 VW Taos as a more outdoor adventurey choice thanks to body cladding and functional roof rails, we'd offer instead that it's the most family-friendly midcompact SUV. The back seat is huge, easily besting all of its midcompact rivals and even some compact SUVs in the segment above. We had no problem fitting a rear-facing child seat in it while maintaining plenty of room for a front passenger. The cargo area, meanwhile, is gigantic for a vehicle of its size — we managed to fit six suitcases and a cooler in the back. Only the Ford Bronco Sport could match it in the segment.  At the same time, this is still a small SUV on the outside. That's good for fitting in your garage and parking spaces, for fuel economy (which is excellent by the way), and for ensuring a lower price. At the same time, the Taos doesn't have the same cost-cutting look and feel relative some competitors as well as past made-for-America budget Volkswagens like the Passat and Atlas. You also get more style inside and out than those — this certainly isn't a bland mom-and-dad mobile.  Well, not in terms of design at least. To drive, the Taos is quite boring with steering enveloped in Novocaine and a throttle pedal that reacts to inputs with all the immediacy of a sloth. It's really quite the bummer, because if the Taos had control inputs closer to a GTI or even just an ID.4, it would be a real home run. As it is though, the 2023 Taos is still one of the best choices in its niche-filled segment.  Interior & Technology  |  Passenger & Cargo Space  |  Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive  |  Pricing & Features  |  Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2023? The base model Taos S now comes standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning. Optional on the S and now standard on the SE is the IQ.Drive package that adds lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. The SEL trim gets a standard panoramic sunroof. What's the Taos interior and in-car technology like? The Taos pulls heavily from the Volkswagen parts bin, which is just fine. The same high-quality switchgear and user-friendly touchscreen interfaces you'll find in the Tiguan and Atlas are also found in the lower-priced Taos. VW's Digital Cockpit instrument panel is also standard equipment (8 inches for S and SE, 10 inches for SEL), allowing drivers a wide array of customization options to provide as little or as much information directly in front of you as you …
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