Small SUV, Huge Appeal: The 2026 Volkswagen Taos
Ever since it first emerged in 2022, the Volkswagen Taos has been turning heads and winning hearts. The subcompact SUV trades on its versatility and represents an exciting new option that has buyers flocking to their trusted Volkswagen dealer near Carpentersville. The debut model won both MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award and an Editors’ Choice nod from Car and Driver, and has kept the streak going in the years since.[a][b]
It’s an impressive list for the newcomer, and one that proves just how well VW has been able to translate its success in the sedan and hatchback segment to the new crossover format. So what has drivers so entranced when it comes to the Taos, and what improvements has Volkswagen made for the new model year? Hop in as we take a lap in the 2026 VW Taos.
Putting a Premium on Performance
The Taos has only been on the market since 2022, but VW has already treated the crossover to a comprehensive refresh that has been a major boon to the subcompact performance credentials. While the 2024 model was no slouch with 158 hp to its name, a little German engineering sees the updated version add almost an extra 20 ponies to the equation. VW treated the Taos’ turbocharged 1.5-liter engine to some important upgrades with the debut of the 2025 version, outfitting the SUV with new piston rings and fuel injectors, a larger intercooler, and a modified turbo housing that allows the four-cylinder mill to produce 174 hp. An additional 16 hp might not be that noticeable in a larger model, but the enhanced engine easily makes itself known in the subcompact Taos.
VW didn’t limit the improvements to the engine itself. The crossover is designed around an FWD powertrain, but the automaker’s acclaimed 4Motion with Active Control AWD system can easily be added to significantly up the Taos’ utility. While the AWD model was previously paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG) that offered crisp, responsive shifts at higher speeds, some drivers found the SUV’s low-speed response to be a bit underwhelming. Never one to rest on its laurels, VW promptly addressed the issue by nixing the DSG in favor of the eight-speed automatic transmission.
The FWD and AWD models also differ in terms of their suspension. The FWD version employs a traditional torsion beam, while the AWD Taos leverages a multilink design that offers improved comfort, handling, and performance, but it’s the Active Control system that marks the biggest selling point for the AWD model. With dedicated settings for Snow, On-Road, Off-Road, and Off-Road Custom, the Taos can easily adjust its steering, transmission, and throttle response, traction control systems, and adaptive cruise control to allow Carpentersville drivers to confidently tackle a wide range of driving conditions. On-Road mode even includes Normal, Sport, Eco, and Individual settings that can provide a drastically different driving experience based on the current application, prioritizing performance, efficiency, and comfort as you see fit.
A High IQ for Safety
The Volkswagen Taos might be small, but it’s big on safety with a well-rounded suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that will lend drivers some priceless peace of mind every time they step behind the wheel. The crossover gets off to a strong start with a generous array of standard safety tech that ranges from blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert, to forward-collision warning to automated emergency braking. Branded as IQ.DRIVE, the Taos model’s ADAS arsenal is powered by a front-facing camera and countless ultrasonic sensors that are spread across the exterior. IQ.DRIVE even includes some decidedly premium ADAS tech like automatic high-beam headlights and a Dynamic Road Sign Display system that detects relevant signage and displays any important data right on the dashboard display.
The Taos also boasts adaptive cruise control, complete with a handy lane-centering feature and stop-and-go capability. Perfect for navigating the traffic jams that are all too common as your commute back home in Carpentersville after a long day at work, the stop-and-go system gives drivers the chance to sit back, relax, and let the Taos handle all of the braking and acceleration duties. It’s all part of the Travel Assist semi-automated driving feature, a “hands-free” system that can handle most driving tasks at speeds of up to 95 mph and use adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to keep the SUV firmly nestled between the lines.
While most automakers tend to focus on safety tech that’s designed to prevent collisions from occurring, VW takes a more holistic approach with a number of features focused on those key moments after a crash. Just take the brand’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking system for example. As soon as the system detects a collision, it automatically applies the brakes in order to reduce the chances of skidding down the road and incurring further damage. VW doubles down on this automotive aftercare with the Intelligent Crash Response system, which automatically unlocks the doors, activates the hazard lights, and shuts off the fuel pump to ensure the best possible outcome for all involved.
Finally, there’s Emergency Assist, which can seamlessly bring the vehicle to a stop if it senses that the driver has become incapacitated in a non-collision scenario. If the driver removes their hands from the wheel and doesn’t respond to a series of visual, audio, and mechanical alerts, Emergency Assist will slowly bring the vehicle to a stop and activate the hazard lights to gain the attention of passing motorists. Automatic Post-Collision Braking, Intelligent Crash Response, and Emergency Assist go a long way toward illustrating the brand’s commitment to creating a more secure ride, and make the Taos an obvious choice for today’s safety-minded drivers.
Modern Design and Materials
The Taos is treated to a few enhancements for 2026, including an improved wireless charging pad and an available eight-speaker premium audio system, but VW has taken a lighter touch following a comprehensive redesign back in 2025. The mid-cycle refresh worked wonders, imbuing the subcompact crossover with bold, modern style both inside and out and giving Carpentersville a great excuse to test drive a 2026 model at Fox Valley Volkswagen Crystal Lake.
The Taos’ fully redesigned front end features a new bumper and grille, accompanied by an available light bar that lends the fascia a futuristic look. A set of standard LED projector headlights complements the SUV’s safety features. VW has even equipped the Taos with an optional Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS), which sees the LED headlights gain an especially novel feature. The AFS allows the LED headlights to turn in time with the steering wheel, better illuminating curvy stretches of road and preventing the Taos from dazzling other drivers. It might sound like a minor upgrade, but it goes a long way toward showcasing the innovative approach to the segment.
VW continues its lighting tricks on the back end, where an illuminated Volkswagen badge allows the Taos to showcase its premium design, and the crossover gains some enticing new wheel designs, including 17-, 18-, and 19-inch offerings. A set of exclusive 18- or 19-inch wheels really set the available SE Black trim apart from the crowd, and are complemented by a black roof and trim, a panoramic sunroof, and the optional light bar.
The Taos’s spacious interior allows the crossover to defy its subcompact designation to provide all of the cargo room you’ll need with up to 65.9 cu.ft. of storage space on offer. That’s a notable improvement over some subcompact rivals, besting the Hyundai Kona at 63.7 cu.ft. and Kia Seltos 62.8 cu.ft. by a clear margin. The interior also offers plenty of room for the whole family with 99.5 cu.ft. of passenger space and, like the exterior, has been significantly updated over the last two years.
A new dashboard is highlighted by a floating eight-inch infotainment display and a touch-based climate control interface to create a tech-forward cabin, but the most noticeable highlight would have to be the ambient lighting system with 10 available color options. The ambient lighting gives drivers the opportunity to craft a one-of-a-kind ride, and the SUV’s available leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a new acoustic dampening treatment gives the Taos a high-end look without the high-end price.
Find Your Taos at Fox Valley Volkswagen Crystal Lake
There’s never been a better time to get behind the wheel of a VW Taos. The subcompact has long been a standout in the crossover segment, but the new-and-improved 2026 is hard to pass up. An upgraded engine produces more power than ever before, and the acclaimed 4Motion AWD system with dedicated Active Control settings gives drivers the ability to confidently tackle any terrain they might encounter. The SUV’s IQ.DRIVE suite of features includes some cutting-edge tech that’s anything but ordinary, given the Taos’ low MSRP, such as the Dynamic Road Sign Display feature and Travel Assist semi-automated driving system.
The brand’s approach to post-crash safety tech sets the automaker apart in the modern market, and the 2025 refresh includes some crucial upgrades like the front light bar and Adaptive Front-Lighting System. When you factor in the Taos’ roomy interior and fresh slate of comfort, convenience, and infotainment tech, it’s not hard to see why the subcompact crossover has earned so much acclaim from drivers and critics alike.
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