Used 2023 Volkswagen Taos for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2023 Volkswagen Taos cost?

Prices have softened 4.06% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 4,033 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing prices and trims.

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 stands out as Volkswagen’s most affordable crossover, with a higher driving position, available all-wheel drive, a roomy interior for four people, and strong cargo utility. Those strengths make it a practical fit if you want everyday usefulness in a compact footprint.

The trade-offs are clear: the drivetrain is irritating and underpowered, and the infotainment system’s user experience is a drawback. Even so, the Taos adds more standard safety features for 2023, which helps offset some of the value concerns.

39.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there is some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2023 Volkswagen Taos reliable?

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

The Taos is described as practical and useful, with a roomy cabin and everyday versatility that should help it fit well into regular ownership. Volkswagen also adds more standard safety equipment for 2023, which supports its appeal as a well-equipped small SUV.

The powertrain is the main concern for used buyers because it is described as underpowered and inconsistent in response. That means you should pay close attention to how the transmission behaves on a test drive, especially in stop-and-go traffic and during quick merges.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 89.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the vehicle history report carefully and prioritize a thorough test drive, especially if you are considering a higher-mileage example. Focus on how the drivetrain responds at low speeds, how the infotainment system behaves, and whether the cabin and cargo area match the condition you expect from the listing photos.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S, SE, and SEL trims differ meaningfully in equipment. The base S gets the simpler cabin and infotainment setup, while the SEL adds the most upscale look and feel, including larger wheels, more premium interior materials, and a more advanced display setup.
• Powertrain: Every 2023 Taos 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; the drivetrain can feel inconsistent, and the AWD setup is described as less refined.
• Safety package: Front Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on the S. IQ.Drive is standard on the SE and adds Lane Assist, Travel Assist, Emergency Assist, and active blind-spot monitoring. The SEL adds parking sensors with automatic braking and road-sign recognition.
• Infotainment: The S has a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Car-Net connected services. SE and SEL trims upgrade to an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, wireless charging, and an added USB port. The SEL also adds native navigation and a 10.25-inch digital display.
• Fuel efficiency: The test vehicle averaged 26.8 mpg, 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. It makes the most sense if you want the roomy cabin, cargo space, and standard safety basics without paying for the more upscale tech and trim upgrades.
• SE: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds VW’s IQ.Drive suite, the larger 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and more connected convenience. If you want the strongest mix of equipment and price, this is the trim to target.
• SEL: This is the most upscale version, with the 10.25-inch digital display, native navigation, premium audio, and the most polished interior presentation. Choose it if you want the most features and the most premium feel, but it is the least value-focused choice.

The SE is the trim that best balances equipment and price, while the SEL is the most feature-rich. Safety equipment is strongest on the SE and SEL, with the S missing some of the more advanced driver-assistance features.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 39.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 4,033 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.06% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 89.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $20,318, 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 $20,699 sits slightly below last year's $21,576.

That softer pricing suggests the Taos has already moved through some of its early depreciation, which can help future sellers if the market stays steady. If you buy at the right price now, you may have a better chance of limiting your loss when it is time to sell.

The model’s strong utility and roomy cabin should continue to support demand among shoppers who want a practical small SUV. But the drivetrain and infotainment drawbacks may keep resale values from rising as strongly as they would for a more refined rival.

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 crash-test results from both NHTSA and IIHS, but the overall safety picture is imperfect.

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

Front Assist is standard on the S and includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking. The S also gets blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SE adds IQ.Drive with Lane Assist, Travel Assist, Emergency Assist, and active blind-spot monitoring. The SEL adds parking sensors with automatic braking and road-sign recognition.

Travel Assist is a standout because it performs smoothly and accurately in real-world driving. The main caveat is that some of the more advanced safety features are reserved for higher trims, so you should confirm the exact equipment on any used example you are 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:

• 39.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 89.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.06% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2023 adds more standard safety features than the prior year.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $18,118, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $20,699 average.
• It emphasizes space, utility, and fuel efficiency in a practical small-crossover package.

The bottom line: If you want the better-equipped version with more standard safety content and you can find a clean listing at a fair price, the 2023 is the stronger pick. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2022 is the value-oriented alternative to compare closely.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.