FAST FACTS
2024 Volkswagen Taos
Pros
- Zippy acceleration for a subcompact SUV
- Impressive cargo capacity
- Good fuel economy
- User-friendly dashboard layout
Cons
- Noisier than expected at speed for a VW product
- Dual-clutch "DSG" automatic in the AWD Taos can be finicky compared to the conventional automatic in the front-drive version
What's New for 2024?
Minor feature updates for the 2024 Taos include an SE Black package with various black exterior accents (and blue stitching inside), standard adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist across the lineup and standard dual-zone automatic climate control on SE.
2024 Volkswagen Taos Review

by Josh Sadlier
published Aug 14, 2024 | updated Jan 11, 2025

Which 2024 Volkswagen Taos Should I Buy?
MotorDonkey's proprietary vehicle data identifies every significant version of each model so that you can compare and decide. Ordered by price from low to high, here are the versions of the 2024 Volkswagen Taos that you need to be aware of, along with our expert analysis and recommendations.
1. 2024 Volkswagen Taos 1.5T Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Price: $23,995
- MPG Combined: 31
- Drive Type: Front-wheel drive
- Engine: 1.5-liter inline-4
- Aspiration: Turbocharged
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 158
- Torque: 184 lb-ft
- 0-60: 7.4 sec
- Weight: 3,181 lbs
- Length: 175.8 in
- Towing Capacity: N/A
We're fans of this powertrain in the Jetta, so it's no surprise that it works well in the Taos, too. Acceleration is reasonably quick (though not Jetta-quick), while fuel economy is reasonably impressive (though not Jetta-impressive). Be aware that the front-drive Taos utilizes a less sophisticated torsion-beam rear suspension that's ultimately less supple than the AWD Taos's fully independent multilink rear setup. On the bright side, however, the torsion beam takes up less space, which helps explain why you get more cargo capacity in the front-drive version.
2. 2024 Volkswagen Taos 1.5T All-Wheel Drive
- Base Price: $26,335
- MPG Combined: 28
- Drive Type: All-wheel drive
- Engine: 1.5-liter inline-4
- Aspiration: Turbocharged
- Transmission: 7-speed automated manual
- Horsepower: 158
- Torque: 184 lb-ft
- 0-60: 7.5 sec
- Weight: 3,430 lbs
- Length: 175.8 in
- Towing Capacity: N/A
The Taos with VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is all kinds of different from the base front-drive version, thanks to its more sophisticated independent rear suspension as well as the AWD powertrain. It's quite a bit heavier, for one thing, and it's got an extra 1.2 inches of ground clearance but notably less cargo capacity, and it swaps the base eight-speed automatic for VW's seven-speed DSG automated manual, and the fuel economy takes a significant hit. You're paying substantially more for all of this, of course. The acceleration, at least, stays about the same.
2024 Volkswagen Taos Pricing & Specs
What are the different versions of the 2024 Taos, and how much do they cost? Select a version below or just hit the button to see our full 2024 Taos specs and model data.
2024 Volkswagen Taos Pricing & Specs by Version
Scroll for more ➔
Version | Price | Fuel | MPG | Power | Torque |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 Volkswagen Taos 1.5T Front-Wheel Drive | $23,995 | Gas | 31 | 158 hp | 184 lb-ft |
2024 Volkswagen Taos 1.5T All-Wheel Drive | $26,335 | Gas | 28 | 158 hp | 184 lb-ft |

by Josh Sadlier
Publisher and Donkey-in-Chief
Josh has been reviewing cars professionally since joining Edmunds.com fresh out of grad school in 2008. Prior to founding MotorDonkey, he spent 15 years shaping Edmunds' expert automotive content in various capacities, starting as an associate editor and ultimately serving as a senior editor before wrapping up with a five-year term as the company's first-ever director of content strategy. Josh is a card-carrying member of the Motor Press Guild and a lifelong car nut who has driven, compared and critiqued thousands of cars in his career. Helping people find their perfect car never gets old—seriously!
Latest Reviews
Let's make it official!
Be a good donkey and we'll deliver delicious car news straight to your inbox, spam-free forever.