Archived model-year dossier
2026 Volkswagen Taos
The 2026 Volkswagen Taos's FuelEconomy.gov record holds 2 EPA certification records across 2 model/option labels (Taos, Taos 4motion), spanning 4-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive drivetrains and Regular fuel type across 1 engine (1.5L 4-cyl SIDI). EPA classifies it under Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD vehicle classes, built on Conventional powertrain technology. Across those configurations, expect combined efficiency of 28–31 MPG/MPGe, an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,000–$2,250/yr. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. The site covers 3 model years of the Volkswagen Taos, 2025 through 2027, and this is the 2026. Every figure on this page belongs to the 2026 model year alone.
Configurations2
Model/option labels2
Combined efficiency28–31 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers10
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2026 Volkswagen Taos: 7 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic | FWD | 174 | 184 | 28 / 36 / 31 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| S 4MOTION | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic | AWD | 174 | 184 | 25 / 33 / 28 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| SE | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic | FWD | 174 | 184 | 28 / 36 / 31 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| SE 4MOTION | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic | AWD | 174 | 184 | 25 / 33 / 28 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| SE Black | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic | FWD | 174 | 184 | 28 / 36 / 31 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| SE Black 4MOTION | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic | AWD | 174 | 184 | 25 / 33 / 28 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| SEL 4MOTION | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic | AWD | 174 | 184 | 25 / 33 / 28 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Payload | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 3,201 lb | 175.8 in | 64.5 in | 105.9 in | 6.5 in | 35.1 ft | 13.2 gal | 40.7 in | 40.1 in | 937 lb | P215/55R17 |
| S 4MOTION | 3,441 lb | 175.8 in | 65.1 in | 105.5 in | 7.6 in | 34.8 ft | 14.5 gal | 40.7 in | 40.1 in | 937 lb | P215/55R18 |
| SE | 3,201 lb | 175.8 in | 64.5 in | 105.9 in | 6.5 in | 35.1 ft | 13.2 gal | 40.7 in | 40.1 in | 937 lb | P215/50R18 |
| SE 4MOTION | 3,441 lb | 175.8 in | 65.1 in | 105.5 in | 7.6 in | 34.8 ft | 14.5 gal | 40.7 in | 40.1 in | 937 lb | P215/55R18 |
| SE Black | 3,201 lb | 175.8 in | 64.5 in | 105.9 in | 6.5 in | 35.1 ft | 13.2 gal | 40.7 in | 40.1 in | 937 lb | P215/50R18 |
| SE Black 4MOTION | 3,441 lb | 175.8 in | 65.1 in | 105.5 in | 7.6 in | 34.8 ft | 14.5 gal | 40.7 in | 40.1 in | 937 lb | P235/45R19 |
| SEL 4MOTION | 3,441 lb | 175.8 in | 65.1 in | 105.5 in | 7.6 in | 34.8 ft | 14.5 gal | 40.7 in | 40.1 in | 937 lb | P235/45R19 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2026 Volkswagen Taos trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | S | S 4MOTION | SE | SE 4MOTION | SE Black | SE Black 4MOTION | SEL 4MOTION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||||||
| Adaptive headlights | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Anti-theft alarm | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-descent control | – | Std | – | Std | – | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear parking sensors | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||||||
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| IPod interface | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | – | – | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Premium audio system | – | – | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Satellite radio | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||||||
| Heated front seats | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated mirrors | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Privacy glass | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | Std | Std | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Opt |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
2 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49467Taos | 1.5L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Regular | 28 | 36 | 31 | N/A |
| 49543Taos 4motion | 1.5L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Regular | 25 | 33 | 28 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
10 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2026 Volkswagen Taos versus the 2025 Volkswagen Taos?
Model year
Against the 2025 Volkswagen Taos: Drive designations added: 4-Wheel Drive. Drive designations no longer listed: All-Wheel Drive. Federal recall campaigns on file went from 2 for the 2025 to 1 for the 2026.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02What is the destination charge on the 2026 Volkswagen Taos?
Pricing
The destination charge on the 2026 Volkswagen Taos is $1,475. MotorTrend lists it, and MotorTrend's MSRP plus this charge matches Kelley Blue Book's national price, which includes destination (FWD S: MotorTrend MSRP $26,500 plus this charge equals Kelley Blue Book's $27,975; the same on 3 trims). Source: MotorTrend and Kelley Blue Book, read 2026-09-25.
Q03What kind of brakes does the 2026 Volkswagen Taos have?
Brakes and suspension
MotorTrend lists the 2026 Volkswagen Taos with four-wheel disc brakes. Source: MotorTrend, read 2026-09-25.
Q04What suspension does the 2026 Volkswagen Taos use?
Brakes and suspension
MotorTrend describes the 2026 Volkswagen Taos's suspension this way. Front: a MacPherson-type strut design. Rear: a torsion-beam design. Source: MotorTrend, read 2026-09-25.
Q05How did the 2026 Volkswagen Taos do in IIHS crash tests?
Safety
IIHS rated the 2026 Volkswagen Taos: Acceptable in the small overlap front test, Marginal in the updated moderate overlap front test, Acceptable in the updated side test. IIHS states the rating applies to 2022-26, 2023-26 and 2025-26 models, based on a test of the 2022 Volkswagen Taos 1.5T SE 4-door 2wd. Grades run Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor. Source: IIHS vehicle ratings, read 2026-09-24.
Source: iihs.org (opens in a new tab)
Q06What warranty does the 2026 Volkswagen Taos S FWD come with?
Specifications
CarBuzz lists the 2026 Volkswagen Taos S FWD with basic coverage of 48 months or 50,000 miles, powertrain coverage of 48 months or 50,000 miles, corrosion coverage of 84 months or 100,000 miles and roadside assistance of 36 months or 36,000 miles.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q07How quickly does the 2026 Volkswagen Taos accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
Specifications
The most recent instrumented 0 to 60 mph tests of this model that 0-60Specs.com lists are of earlier model years than the 2026 Volkswagen Taos: 8.0 seconds for the 2025 Volkswagen Taos SE Black (Car and Driver), 8.2 seconds for the 2025 Volkswagen Taos SE Black (Car and Driver) and 8.9 seconds for the 2025 Volkswagen Taos SEL 4MOTION (Motor Trend).
Source: 0-60Specs.com model-year specification page
Q08What does the 2026 Volkswagen Taos cost across its trims?
Pricing
Kelley Blue Book's national base prices for the 2026 Volkswagen Taos run from $27,975 for the S to $37,375 for the SEL 4MOTION, across 7 trims.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q09What size wheels does the 2026 Volkswagen Taos have?
Wheels and tires
The 2026 Volkswagen Taos's wheel diameter is 17 inches on the S, 18 inches on the S 4MOTION, SE, SE 4MOTION and SE Black and 19 inches on the SE Black 4MOTION and SEL 4MOTION. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2025 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q10How do the 2026 Volkswagen Taos trims differ from one another?
Trims
All 7 trims share the 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) making 174 hp. The S 4MOTION has AWD instead of FWD and heated front seats, heated mirrors and hill-descent control as standard equipment over the S. The SE has FWD instead of AWD and adaptive headlights, an anti-theft alarm, front and rear climate zones and 8 more as standard equipment over the S 4MOTION. The SE 4MOTION has AWD instead of FWD and hill-descent control as standard equipment over the SE. The SE Black has FWD instead of AWD and roof rails as standard equipment over the SE 4MOTION. The SE Black 4MOTION has AWD instead of FWD and hill-descent control as standard equipment over the SE Black. The 2025 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
This model year’s federal safety record
1 federal recall campaign is on file for the 2026 Volkswagen Taos.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Federal filings for the 2026 Volkswagen Taos name fuel system. These are the systems cited in recall documents for this model year specifically, not a survey of every fault owners report, and not a statement that any individual 2026 Volkswagen Taos is affected.
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos carries 2 recall campaigns: 1 more recall than the 2026. Open the 2025 Volkswagen Taos record
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API; NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API.
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2026 Volkswagen Taos.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Volkswagen Taos across model years.
Ownership desk
Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.
Driver assistance and infotainmentBackup camera shows a black, blue or intermittent screenSoon →Towing and traileringElectric trailer brakes are not workingStop driving →Towing and traileringTrailer tire pressure, load and age checksRoutine →Diesel ownershipGasoline was put in a diesel vehicleStop driving →Body, water and noiseWind noise after windshield replacementSoon →Body, water and noiseExhaust smell inside the passenger cabinStop driving →