The Taos will offer three trim levels, each available with either front-wheel or 4Motion® all-wheel-drive, all powered by an efficient 1.5-liter turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive models are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while 4Motion models feature a 7-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Designed to slot into the heart of the booming compact SUV market, the Taos features a clean, youthful design tied closely to other Volkswagen SUVs. The standard LED light signature borrows cues from the Atlas Cross Sport, while on SEL models an illuminated LED light bar in the grille reflects the style of the ID.4 electric SUV. Four available wheel choices—from standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels to two 18-inch wheel options (machined or black finish) and 19-inch wheels—along with eight available colors offer owners a variety of ways to demonstrate their personal style.

The Taos is 175.8 inches long—9.3 inches shorter than the Tiguan—with a wheelbase of 105.9 inches; it is 72.5 inches wide and 64.4 inches tall. Passenger space runs a roomy 99.5 cubic feet—just 1.6 cu. ft. less than the two-row Tiguan—with 28.1 cu. ft. of luggage space behind the second-row seats and 66.3 cu. ft. with the second row folded down. In addition to offering generous cargo space, the Taos offers a comfortable ride for all passengers, with 40.1 inches of legroom in the front and 37.9 in the rear.