The Volkswagen Taos is the SUV for people who don’t need a ton of SUV. Compared to other SUVs in the Volkswagen stable, such as the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, the VW Taos is smaller in scale but still retains all the hallmarks of the classic SUV experience.
Considering it’s a sub-compact, drivers can expect lighter curb weight with a much nimbler driving style. The VW Taos almost maneuvers like a sedan.
That light curb weight also comes in handy when it comes to fuel economy. The VW Taos finally solves the gas mileage problem that most SUVs can’t overcome. It provides a generous 28 miles per gallon in the city and a whopping 36 miles per gallon on the highway.
If you’re looking for an SUV that won’t bleed your budget at the pump, then look no further than the VW Taos.
With a starting MSRP of $24,155, this makes the Volkswagen Taos the least expensive SUV in the VW stable
However, drivers who want to get the most out of the VW Taos are encouraged to look into the SEL trim level, which starts at $34,535. It’s definitely one to keep an eye out for if you’re shopping for new cars for sale in Houston.
What exactly is the difference between the entry level trim and the SEL trim? Let’s break this down.
VW Taos SEL Main Features and Specs
The first main difference between these two vehicle trims is the engine. The entry level version of the VW Taos runs on a 1.5T TSI 8-speed automatic whereas the SEL trim is outfitted with a 4MOTION® 1.5T TSI 7-speed DSG.
The second big difference is that the entry level Taos is front-wheel drive while the SEL trim comes with all-wheel drive, which means the SEL delivers a more traditional SUV experience. Whichever trim you go with, the Taos provides drivers with 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
What’s really impressive about the Taos is the feature package that VW engineers outfitted it with. The following are the main features included with the SEL trim that are not included on the entry level trim. They include:
- 19” alloy wheels with all-season tires (entry level trim comes with 17” wheels)
- Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) w/ dynamic cornering lights
- Heated washer nozzles
- Heated, foldable, power adjustable side mirrors
- Integrated light bar in front grille
- Power tilting & sliding panoramic sunroof
- Rain-sensing, variable intermittent front wipers
- Silver roof rails
- 8-way power adjustable driver seat with lumbar, 6-way manually adjustable passenger seat
- Ambient interior lighting
- Auto-dimming interior rearview mirror
- Climatronic® Touch dual-zone automatic climate control w/ advanced air filter
- Heated front seats
- Illuminated, carpeted cargo area w/ 12V power port
- Leather seating surfaces
- Leather-wrapped gearshift knob
- Leatherette-wrapped, heated multi-function steering wheel
- Ventilated front seats
- Anti-theft alarm system w/ engine immobilizer
- 8″ touchscreen navigation & AM/FM/HD Radio (entry level trim comes with 6.5” touchscreen)
- App-Connect® smartphone integration (for compatible devices) via wireless & USB
- BeatsAudio®
- Dynamic Road Sign Display
- Keyless access with push-button start
- Light Assist (High Beam Control for headlights)
- Park Distance Control (front)
- Remote engine start
- SiriusXM® (3-month trial subscription; requires acceptance of Terms)
- Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro: 10.25″ configurable digital instrument display (entry level trim comes with 8” non-configurable version)
- Wireless charging (for compatible devices)
As you can see by this extensive list, you’re getting a lot more for your money when you go with the VW Taos SEL trim level. Although the entry level trim level is a perfectly suitable SUV that touts affordability, the comprehensive feature offering elevates the Taos to a luxury vehicle. The premium-level sound system, interior, and technology make it worth the extra ten grand.
However, VW has never been one to skimp when it comes to safety features, regardless of trim level. The following is the core offering of safety features that come standard for all trim levels of the 2024 Volkswagen Taos.
- Travel Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Active Blind Spot Monitor
- Rear Traffic Alert
- Front Assist
- Emergency Assist
- Lane Assist
- Safety Cage
- Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS)
- Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Six stability enhancing systems
Where to Find the Volkswagen Taos SEL
Considering that the Volkswagen Taos is one of the most popular SUVs from VW, finding one near you to test drive shouldn’t be difficult. You can either search the phrase “Volkswagen dealership near me” or “Volkswagen Taos near me.” Either one of those should return a listing for the closest VW Taos for sale in your direct vicinity. Make sure to check that the one you’re looking at is the SEL trim to ensure you get the upgraded feature package.
