2026 Volkswagen Taos Specs, Engine, Horsepower & MPG
The Volkswagen Taos specs are designed to satisfy drivers across the board. It's small and agile on the outside, yet it offers plenty of interior space for the family. It delivers standard turbo power and brisk acceleration while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency. Whether it's the fact that this small SUV uses regular gasoline or the tight turning circle, exploring the Volkswagen Taos specs reveals a well-balanced package built to do more while costing less.
Below, we explore the VW Taos specs and their meaning; read on to see the details, and visit us at Tom Wood Volkswagen to take a Taos on a test drive and experience these powerful specs in person!
Volkswagen Taos Engine & Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Taos specs begin under the hood with a standard 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which boasts a long history of refinement. Despite its small size, the VW Taos engine delivers a hearty output of 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This same engine can also be found in the VW Jetta sedan, but it makes 158 horsepower there, showing how the Volkswagen Taos horsepower output was specifically calibrated for an SUV.
The VW Taos engine lets this 3,200-pound-plus SUV accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds.1 This performance is supported by one of two drivetrain setups. The standard configuration pairs FWD with an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, the Volkswagen Taos is more capable with the available drivetrain, which brings on 4MOTION AWD and an eight-speed DSG automatic. This dual-clutch system provides seamless gear transitions and improved responsiveness in diverse weather conditions, making it an ideal partner for the SUV's sophisticated all-wheel-drive platform.
Volkswagen Taos MPG, Fuel Type & Range
A benefit of the compact engine size is that the 2026 Volkswagen Taos specs include impressive fuel efficiency without needing complex hybrid systems. Instead, this engine makes remarkable MPGs on its own, delivering an EPA-estimated 28/36/31 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2 with FWD or an EPA-estimated 25/33/28 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)3 with AWD.
Better still, these VW Taos MPG ratings pair with an economical fuel requirement: This turbo SUV only requires regular 87-octane gasoline, saving you even more at the pump. Meanwhile, an FWD Taos holds 13.2 gallons of fuel, while AWD variants feature a 14.5-gallon tank to account for the slightly lower MPGs.
As a result, the new VW Taos has a combined range of 409 miles with FWD4 or 406 miles with AWD.5
Volkswagen Taos Dimensions, Interior Space & Cargo Room
The Taos is a small SUV, but its nimble exterior blends with an intelligently designed interior, providing more room than its stature suggests. Offered with a five-seat interior layout, all of our VW Taos deals include the following exterior dimensions:
- Maximum height: 65.1 inches
- Maximum ground clearance: 7.6 inches
- Overall length: 175.9 inches
- Maximum wheelbase: 105.5 inches
- Width (with/without mirrors): 82.6/72.5 inches
- Turning circle diameter: 35.1 feet
Visit our Volkswagen dealer in Indianapolis, IN, and step inside a new Taos, and you'll also find spaciousness with these Volkswagen Taos specs:
- Headroom (front/rear – without sunroof): 40.7/39.8 inches
- Headroom (front/rear – with sunroof): 39.5/38.8 inches
- Legroom (front/rear): 40.1/37.9 inches
- Shoulder room (front/rear): 56.5/55.2 inches
- Hip room (front/rear): 53.9/45.4 inches
- Passenger volume (with/without sunroof): 96.7/99.5 cubic feet
The Taos is a popular choice for our Volkswagen specials because it offers plenty of cargo room for its class, with 27.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 65.9 cubic feet behind the front seats. However, the Taos is not rated for towing, so a slightly larger and tow-capable Tiguan is the better choice if that's a priority for you.
Experience the 2026 VW Taos Today at Tom Wood Volkswagen
Beyond the Volkswagen Taos specs, you'll be impressed by all the standard and available features inside the new Taos; you'll also love how leasing or financing one comes with the benefit of two years of VW Scheduled Carefree Maintenance.6
To learn more about the new VW Taos, contact us and visit us at Tom Wood Volkswagen to experience the model for yourself with a test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the changes in the 2026 Taos?
The 2026 Taos features small updates like wireless App-Connect now being standard on all trims. The model was comprehensively redesigned last year, so only minor touches were needed to maintain a modern offering. Other 2026 VW Taos changes include enhanced available wireless charging with 15W capability and a new VW premium audio system in higher trims.
Where is the 2026 VW Taos made?
The 2026 VW Taos is made at the Volkswagen de Mexico plant in Puebla, Mexico. The name "Taos" is derived from the town of Taos, New Mexico, befitting its North American market focus.
How much horsepower does a 2026 VW Taos have?
The 2026 VW Taos has 174 horsepower, courtesy of a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This VW Taos horsepower is also joined by 184 pound-feet of torque, delivering an 8.2-second 0-60 mph time,1 up to an EPA-estimated 28/36/31 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),2 and a maximum combined driving range of 409 miles.4
Want To Know More About The VW Taos? Contact Us!
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1This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/volkswagen/taos
228 city/36 highway mpg (2026 Taos 1.5L FWD, 8-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
325 city/33 highway mpg (2026 Taos 1.5L 4MOTION AWD, 8-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
42026 Taos 1.5L FWD EPA estimated total range is 409 miles. Actual mileage and range will vary and depend on several factors including driving habits, accessory use, temperature and topography, load, and vehicle condition. See owner's manual for details.
52026 Taos 1.5L 4MOTION AWD EPA estimated total range is 406 miles. Actual mileage and range will vary and depend on several factors including driving habits, accessory use, temperature and topography, load, and vehicle condition. See owner's manual for details.
6Carefree Coverage available on all new MY26 vehicles. For vehicle eligibility details, visit vw.com/coverage. VW's Carefree Maintenance Program provides 10,000- and 20,000-mile scheduled maintenance services or scheduled maintenance services for two years (whichever occurs first) as stated in the vehicle's maintenance booklet. Does not include tire rotations, or other services or parts not specified in the owner's literature. 3 years/36,000 miles (whichever occurs first) Roadside Assistance provided by a third party. 4 years/50,000 miles (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty. See owner's literature or dealer for warranty, maintenance program, and roadside assistance details, exclusions, and limitations. Car-Net Remote Access services require cellular connectivity, GPS signal, and acceptance of Terms of Service. Not all Car-Net services and features are available on all vehicles. Other Car-Net services require a trial or paid subscription. See additional important information at carnet.vw.com.
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