2026 Volkswagen Taos SE Black

The Taos is Volkswagen's compact crossover, slotting below the Tiguan and aimed at buyers who want a small SUV with a European feel. It competes with the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, and Subaru Crosstrek, offering a bit more polish than most in this class. The Taos handles crisply and steers with a directness that makes it genuinely enjoyable on back roads. The ride is firm but controlled, a trade-off that keeps body roll in check without punishing passengers on rough pavement. Its boxy shape gives the Taos a roomy cargo area and rear seat for its size, making it a practical daily driver. Stepping up to the SE Black adds 18-inch black wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and blacked-out exterior trim that the SE doesn't offer. The 1.5L I4 makes 174 horsepower and pairs with an eight-speed automatic that shifts smoothly, delivering 31 mpg combined in front-wheel-drive form. The SE Black's standard IQ.DRIVE suite includes Travel Assist, which reduces driver fatigue on long highway stretches.