How much does the 2023 Volkswagen Taos cost?

Prices have softened 2.55% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 3,990 listings available, which suggests you should have a workable range of choices. If you find a listing below $20,315.45, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2023 Volkswagen Taos a good car?

Yes — the 2023 Volkswagen Taos earns a 5/5 user rating and a 6.33/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Look and feel and Form and function.

It fits your needs well if you want a small SUV with available all-wheel drive, a higher driving position, a roomy interior for four people, and plenty of utility. The trade-offs are clear: the drivetrain is irritating and underpowered, and the infotainment system’s user experience is a weak point.

The market also looks reasonably supportive, with 30.3% of listings marked as good or great deals.

Is the 2023 Volkswagen Taos reliable?

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

The Taos is presented as a practical small SUV with more standard safety features for 2023, and its overall package emphasizes everyday usefulness over flash. Volkswagen also includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for two years or 20,000 miles, whichever comes first.

The main long-term ownership risk for used buyers is the powertrain’s inconsistent behavior, which can make the driving experience feel less polished than you may want over time.

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

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 90.5% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a vehicle history report and prioritize a thorough test drive, especially to check for drivetrain smoothness and infotainment usability. Focus on overall condition, because the Taos’s value proposition depends heavily on whether the cabin, tech, and mechanicals feel well kept.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S, SE, and SEL trims differ meaningfully in equipment. The base S is the most stripped-down version, while the SEL adds the most upscale look and feel, including larger wheels, leather seats, and a more premium cabin presentation.
• Powertrain: Every 2023 Taos uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. FWD models use an eight-speed automatic, while AWD models use a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic; the response can feel inconsistent.
• 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 Car-Net connected services. SE and SEL add an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, an extra USB port, and wireless smartphone charging. SEL adds a 10.25-inch digital display and native navigation.
• Fuel efficiency: The test vehicle averaged 26.8 mpg, and the official EPA rating is 28 mpg in combined driving.

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 value-focused starting point if you want the Taos’s core space, utility, and standard safety equipment without paying for the higher-end tech and comfort upgrades.
• SE: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds IQ.Drive, wireless smartphone integration, wireless charging, and a more complete feature set without jumping all the way to the top trim.
• SEL: Choose this if you want the most upscale Taos experience, including the larger digital display, native navigation, premium audio, and the most premium cabin presentation.

The safety-package upgrade path is important here: IQ.Drive is standard on SE and optional on S, so that trim is the key step up for driver-assistance features.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find decent opportunities.

• Deal availability: 30.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,990 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.55% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 90.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $20,315.45, 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 $21,345 sits slightly below last year's $21,904.

That softer pricing suggests the Taos has already moved through some near-term depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right price. If you shop carefully now, you may reduce the amount of value lost before resale. The model’s broad appeal as a practical small SUV should help keep demand steady, especially for buyers who prioritize space and utility.

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?

It earns decent, but imperfect crash-test results from the NHTSA and IIHS.

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

Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive suite is standard on SE and includes Lane Assist, Travel Assist, Emergency Assist, and active blind-spot monitoring. On S, Front Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are standard, while IQ.Drive is optional. Automatic high beams are standard on SE and SEL, and SEL adds parking sensors with automatic braking plus road-sign recognition.

The main caveat is that the safety story is trim-dependent, so you need to pay attention to which driver-assistance features come standard on the version you’re considering.

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:

• 30.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 90.5% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.55% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds more standard safety features and equipment than the prior year.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $18,880, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $21,345 average.
• It is a practical, affordable crossover with plenty of cargo space.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger safety equipment and are comfortable paying a bit more, the 2023 is the better all-around pick. If your priority is lower upfront cost and you can live with the older model year’s simpler setup, the 2022 is the budget-friendly alternative.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.