Volkswagen Taos SUV 2021: Review, Specs, And More

Nov 18, 2025 by Alex Braham 50 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Volkswagen Taos SUV 2021. If you're in the market for a compact SUV that's big on features and easy on the wallet, the Taos might just be your perfect match. Let's get started!

Overview of the Volkswagen Taos SUV 2021

The Volkswagen Taos entered the scene as a fresh face in the compact SUV segment, aiming to blend the practicality of a larger SUV with the agility of a smaller car. For the 2021 model year, Volkswagen introduced this vehicle to cater to buyers seeking something more spacious than a subcompact SUV but without the bulk of a mid-size option. The Taos distinguishes itself with a well-rounded package that includes a fuel-efficient engine, a comfortable interior, and a host of available technology features. It's designed to appeal to a broad audience, from young professionals to small families, who need a versatile vehicle for daily commutes and weekend adventures.

One of the key highlights of the 2021 Taos is its smart packaging. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Taos offers a surprisingly roomy interior, with ample space for both passengers and cargo. This makes it an excellent choice for those who frequently carry passengers or need to haul gear. The design language is consistent with Volkswagen's contemporary styling, featuring clean lines and a modern aesthetic that gives it a sophisticated look. The Taos also comes with a range of driver-assistance features, enhancing safety and convenience for drivers. These include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, which are often found in higher-end vehicles. Overall, the Volkswagen Taos 2021 is a compelling option in the crowded compact SUV market, offering a blend of value, practicality, and style that sets it apart from the competition. Its introduction marked a strategic move by Volkswagen to capture a growing segment of consumers looking for versatile and efficient vehicles.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's talk key features and specs! The Volkswagen Taos 2021 packs a punch with its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Fuel efficiency is impressive, boasting up to 36 MPG on the highway. Inside, you'll find a modern cabin with available features like a digital cockpit, panoramic sunroof, and advanced safety tech such as adaptive cruise control and lane assist. It's a sweet deal!

Delving into the specifics, the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is a standout feature, providing a good balance of power and efficiency. This engine is designed to offer responsive performance in various driving conditions, whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway. The fuel efficiency figures are particularly attractive, making the Taos an economical choice for daily commuting and long road trips. The engine is paired with either an eight-speed automatic transmission in the front-wheel-drive configuration or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in the all-wheel-drive version, offering smooth and precise gear changes.

Inside the cabin, the Volkswagen Taos 2021 impresses with its contemporary design and thoughtful features. The available digital cockpit replaces traditional analog gauges with a customizable digital display, providing drivers with essential information in a clear and easy-to-read format. The panoramic sunroof adds an airy and open feel to the interior, enhancing the overall driving experience. In terms of safety technology, the Taos offers a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. Adaptive cruise control helps maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, while lane assist helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane. Other available features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking, all of which contribute to a safer and more confident driving experience. The combination of these features makes the Taos a well-equipped and technologically advanced compact SUV.

Interior and Comfort

When it comes to interior and comfort, the Taos shines. The cabin is surprisingly spacious for a compact SUV, offering ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making long drives a breeze. Plus, the available panoramic sunroof adds a touch of luxury and openness to the interior. It's a cozy ride, for sure!

The interior design of the Volkswagen Taos 2021 prioritizes both functionality and aesthetics, creating a comfortable and inviting space for drivers and passengers alike. The use of high-quality materials throughout the cabin gives it a premium feel, while the ergonomic layout of controls and displays ensures ease of use. The seats are designed with support and comfort in mind, featuring adequate cushioning and bolstering to keep occupants comfortable on long journeys. The availability of features such as heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel further enhances the sense of luxury.

One of the standout aspects of the Taos's interior is its spaciousness. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Taos offers generous headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats. This makes it a practical choice for families or anyone who frequently carries passengers. The rear seats can also be folded down to create a larger cargo area, providing ample space for luggage, groceries, or other items. The panoramic sunroof is another highlight, allowing natural light to flood the cabin and creating an airy and open atmosphere. This feature is particularly appealing on sunny days and can make the interior feel even more spacious. Overall, the interior of the Volkswagen Taos 2021 is well-designed, comfortable, and practical, making it a pleasant place to spend time on the road. The attention to detail and the availability of premium features contribute to a sense of quality and refinement that sets it apart from other compact SUVs in its class.

Technology and Connectivity

Tech and connectivity are on point in the Taos. You get a user-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The available digital cockpit displays essential driving information in a clear and customizable format. Plus, there are plenty of USB ports to keep your devices charged up. Stay connected, folks!

The Volkswagen Taos 2021 is equipped with a range of technology features designed to keep drivers and passengers connected, entertained, and informed. The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, with a touchscreen display that provides access to various functions such as navigation, audio, and smartphone integration. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come standard, allowing users to seamlessly connect their smartphones and access their favorite apps, music, and contacts. The system also supports voice commands, enabling drivers to control various functions without taking their hands off the wheel.

The available digital cockpit is a standout feature, replacing traditional analog gauges with a customizable digital display. This display can be configured to show a variety of information, such as speed, fuel economy, navigation directions, and more. The digital cockpit is not only visually appealing but also highly functional, providing drivers with essential information in a clear and easy-to-read format. In addition to the infotainment system and digital cockpit, the Taos offers a range of other technology features, such as USB ports, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. These features enhance the overall driving experience and make the Taos a technologically advanced compact SUV. The combination of user-friendly technology and seamless connectivity makes the Taos a great choice for those who value staying connected on the road.

Safety Features

Safety first, right? The Volkswagen Taos 2021 comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Available features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist add an extra layer of protection. Drive with confidence, knowing you're well-protected.

The Volkswagen Taos 2021 prioritizes safety with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features designed to protect occupants and prevent accidents. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, which can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid impact. Blind-spot monitoring alerts drivers to the presence of vehicles in their blind spots, while rear cross-traffic alert warns of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space. These features work together to enhance driver awareness and reduce the risk of accidents.

In addition to the standard safety features, the Taos offers a range of available advanced safety technologies. Adaptive cruise control helps maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, while lane-keeping assist helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane. These features can reduce driver fatigue and make long drives more comfortable and safe. The Taos also offers features such as parking sensors and a rearview camera, which make it easier to maneuver in tight spaces and park safely. Overall, the Volkswagen Taos 2021 is well-equipped with safety features, providing drivers and passengers with peace of mind on the road. The combination of standard and available safety technologies makes the Taos a safe and reliable choice in the compact SUV segment. Volkswagen's commitment to safety is evident in the Taos's design and engineering, making it a vehicle that you can trust to protect you and your loved ones.

Trims and Pricing

Let's break down the trims and pricing. The Volkswagen Taos 2021 is available in three trims: S, SE, and SEL. The base S trim starts at an affordable price point and offers a solid set of features. The SE trim adds more comfort and tech features, while the top-of-the-line SEL trim includes all the bells and whistles. There's a Taos for every budget!

The Volkswagen Taos 2021 offers a range of trims to cater to different budgets and preferences. The base S trim is the most affordable option and comes standard with a variety of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a suite of safety features. This trim is a great choice for those who are looking for a well-equipped compact SUV at an affordable price point. The SE trim builds upon the S trim by adding more comfort and convenience features, such as heated front seats, a larger touchscreen display, and a panoramic sunroof. This trim is a good option for those who want a few more luxury features without breaking the bank.

The top-of-the-line SEL trim includes all the bells and whistles, such as a digital cockpit, leather upholstery, and a premium audio system. This trim is the most expensive option but offers the most comprehensive set of features. Regardless of which trim you choose, the Volkswagen Taos 2021 offers excellent value for money. With its affordable price point, fuel-efficient engine, and spacious interior, the Taos is a great choice for those who are looking for a versatile and practical compact SUV. The availability of different trims ensures that there is a Taos for every budget and preference.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's get real with the pros and cons. On the pro side, the Taos offers a spacious interior, fuel-efficient engine, and a user-friendly infotainment system. On the con side, some may find the base engine a bit underpowered, and the interior materials aren't quite as premium as some competitors. Weigh it all out and see if it fits your needs!

Pros:

Spacious Interior: The Volkswagen Taos 2021 offers a surprisingly spacious interior for a compact SUV, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. This makes it a practical choice for families or anyone who frequently carries passengers.
Fuel-Efficient Engine: The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine delivers impressive fuel efficiency, making the Taos an economical choice for daily commuting and long road trips.
User-Friendly Infotainment System: The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, with a touchscreen display that provides access to various functions such as navigation, audio, and smartphone integration.

Cons:

Base Engine Can Feel Underpowered: Some drivers may find the base engine a bit underpowered, especially when fully loaded with passengers or cargo.
Interior Materials Not as Premium as Some Competitors: While the interior is well-designed and functional, the materials used are not quite as premium as some competitors in the compact SUV segment.

Overall, the Volkswagen Taos 2021 is a well-rounded compact SUV that offers a lot of value for the money. Its spacious interior, fuel-efficient engine, and user-friendly infotainment system make it a great choice for those who are looking for a practical and affordable vehicle. However, some drivers may find the base engine a bit underpowered, and the interior materials are not quite as premium as some competitors.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – the Volkswagen Taos SUV 2021 in a nutshell! It's a fantastic option for anyone seeking a compact SUV with a spacious interior, fuel-efficient engine, and a host of modern features. While it may have a few minor drawbacks, its overall value and versatility make it a top contender in its class. Happy driving, folks!

In conclusion, the Volkswagen Taos 2021 stands out as a compelling option in the competitive compact SUV market. Its strengths lie in its well-designed interior, fuel-efficient engine, and user-friendly technology. The spaciousness of the cabin is particularly noteworthy, offering comfortable seating and ample cargo space for everyday needs. The fuel-efficient engine makes it an economical choice for daily commutes and long journeys, while the intuitive infotainment system keeps drivers connected and entertained on the road.

While the Taos may not be the most luxurious or powerful SUV in its class, it offers a balanced and practical package that appeals to a wide range of buyers. Its affordable price point and comprehensive list of features make it a great value for money. Whether you're a young professional, a small family, or anyone in between, the Volkswagen Taos 2021 is worth considering if you're in the market for a compact SUV. Its blend of versatility, efficiency, and style make it a standout choice in its segment. Volkswagen has successfully created a vehicle that meets the needs of modern drivers, offering a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience without compromising on practicality or affordability. The Taos is a testament to Volkswagen's commitment to providing high-quality vehicles that are accessible to a broad audience.