Used 2023 Volkswagen Taos for Sale nearRaleigh, NC

How much does the 2023 Volkswagen Taos cost?

Prices have softened 4.71% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 3,858 listings available, which suggests a healthy amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2023 Volkswagen Taos a good car?

Yes — the 2023 Volkswagen Taos earns a 5/5 user rating and a 6.3/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Look and feel and Form and function.

It stands out as a small crossover that gives you the higher driving position and utility many SUV shoppers want, while still aiming to stay affordable. The cabin is roomy for four people, and it offers plenty of cargo space, so it fits well if you want everyday practicality in a compact footprint.

The trade-offs are clear: the drivetrain is irritating and underpowered, and the infotainment experience can frustrate you. That makes it a better fit if you value space, style, and utility more than refinement or punchy acceleration.

The market looks selective, with 38.6% of listings priced as good or great deals.

Is the 2023 Volkswagen Taos reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The 2023 Taos is positioned as a practical, affordable small crossover with a roomy cabin and useful everyday versatility. The expert review also notes that Volkswagen added more standard safety features for this model year, which strengthens the overall ownership package.

On the dependability side, the performance notes point to a powertrain that can feel inconsistent, with halting transmission behavior and unpredictable response. Volkswagen also includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for two years or 20,000 miles, which helps early ownership costs.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is living with a drivetrain and infotainment setup that may continue to feel frustrating even if the vehicle is otherwise well kept.

What should I look for when buying a used 2023 Volkswagen Taos?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 87.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a vehicle history report on any candidate and prioritize a thorough test drive, especially if you notice hesitation, abrupt shifts, or inconsistent brake feel. Pay close attention to cabin tech operation, since the infotainment system can be frustrating to use. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on overall condition, electronics, and how smoothly the drivetrain behaves in normal driving.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S, SE, and SEL trims differ meaningfully in appearance, cabin finish, and equipment. The base S is the most basic version, while the SEL adds the most upscale look and feel, including larger wheels, leather seats, and more premium interior detailing.
• Powertrain: Every version uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel-drive models use an eight-speed automatic, while AWD models use a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
• Safety package: Front Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on S. IQ.Drive is standard on SE and adds Lane Assist, Travel Assist, Emergency Assist, and active blind-spot monitoring. Automatic high beams are standard on SE and SEL, while parking sensors with automatic braking and road-sign recognition are reserved for SEL.
• Infotainment: S gets a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and connected services. SE and SEL add an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, an extra USB port, and wireless charging. SEL also adds a 10.25-inch digital display, native navigation, and an eight-speaker Beats Audio system.
• Fuel efficiency: The Taos averaged 26.8 mpg on the test route, and the official combined rating is 28 mpg.

Which 2023 Volkswagen Taos trim should I buy?

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos is offered in 3 trim levels: S, SE, and SEL.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the entry point, and it gives you the core Taos formula at the lowest price. You still get the roomy cabin and practical utility, plus standard Front Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, so it covers the basics well if you want value over extras.
• SE: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the more desirable infotainment setup and the IQ.Drive safety suite. You also get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a stronger standard safety package, making it the sweet spot if you want the most useful upgrades without going all the way to the top trim.
• SEL: This is the most upscale version, with the 10.25-inch digital display, native navigation, Beats Audio, leather seats, and the most complete equipment list. It suits you if you want the most premium Taos experience and are willing to pay for it.

The SEL also gets the most advanced safety and convenience content, including parking sensors with automatic braking and road-sign recognition.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2023 Volkswagen Taos?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market.

• Deal availability: 38.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,858 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.71% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 87.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $20,181, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2023 Volkswagen Taos's resale value?

The current average of $20,181 sits slightly below last year's $21,178.

That softer pricing suggests the Taos has moved into a more buyer-friendly position, which can make it easier for future sellers to attract attention if the vehicle is well maintained. A lower current average also means you may not see the same near-term appreciation pressure that a hotter used model might enjoy.

Even so, the Taos still has practical strengths that support demand, especially its roomy cabin and useful cargo space. If you keep the vehicle in good condition and document maintenance, you should be in a better position when it’s time to sell.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2023 Volkswagen Taos safe?

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos earns decent but imperfect crash-test results from the IIHS and NHTSA.

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Volkswagen made safety a stronger part of the 2023 update by adding more standard driver-assistance equipment. Front Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on S, while SE adds IQ.Drive with Lane Assist, Travel Assist, Emergency Assist, and active blind-spot monitoring. Automatic high beams are standard on SE and SEL, and SEL adds parking sensors with automatic braking plus road-sign recognition.

Travel Assist is a standout feature, and the expert review describes it as smooth, accurate, and refined in real-world use. The main caveat is that some of the more advanced safety and convenience features are not standard on the base trim.

Should I buy a 2023 Volkswagen Taos or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2023 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2023 if:

• 38.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 87.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.71% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2023 adds more standard safety features and equipment than the prior year.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $17,778, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $20,181 average.
• It offers a practical, space-conscious crossover package with strong value appeal.

The bottom line: Choose the 2023 if you want the stronger standard safety content and are comfortable paying a bit more for it. If your priority is the lowest purchase price, the 2022 is the better value path, especially if you can find one in good condition.

How does the 2023 Volkswagen Taos compare to the 2023 Honda HR-V?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2023 Volkswagen Taos:

• Pros: Stylish design, Spacious, Plenty of cargo space.
• Cons: Irritating, underpowered drivetrain, Infotainment system user experience, Questionable value for the money.

2023 Honda HR-V:

• Pros: Standard advanced safety features, Fun to drive, Top trim feels more expensive than it is.
• Cons: No hybrid option, Fairly pedestrian performance.

Our experts score the 2023 Volkswagen Taos 6.3/10 and the 2023 Honda HR-V 8.2/10. The Taos gives you more cargo space and a more distinctive design, but it also brings a more frustrating drivetrain and infotainment setup. The HR-V scores higher overall and is the better pick if you want standard advanced safety features and a more enjoyable driving experience. If you care most about space and style, the Taos still has appeal, but the HR-V looks like the stronger all-around choice.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.