Which 2026 Volkswagen Taos trim should you buy?
$26,500 to $35,900. What each step up the ladder costs and what becomes standard for the money, cheapest first, from Volkswagen's own press kit — so you can see where the price goes before a dealer walks you up it.
Most standard equipment per dollar: S FWD → SE FWD, +$2,760 for 17 features made standard.
Cheapest all-wheel or four-wheel drive: S AWD at $28,200.
S $28,200
+$1,700 over the S FWD. No added standard equipment listed in the press kit.
MPG comb 31 mpg → 28 mpg · Cargo (2nd row) 27.9 cu-ft → 24.9 cu-ft · Wheels 17 in → 18 in
SE $29,260
+$2,760 over the S FWD.
Standard here, not on the S FWD: 18-inch machined alloy wheels w/ all-season tires, 6-speaker sound system, 8-way power driver seat w/ lumbar support, Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), Auto-dimming interior rearview mirror, CloudTex and cloth seating surfaces, Composition Media MIB3 infotainment w/ 8-inch display, AM/FM/HD Radio, media player, and voice control, Dual-zone, touch control Climatronic climate control, KESSY keyless access with push-button start, Park Distance Control w/ front and rear sensors, Power-adjustable, heated side mirrors, Remote start and alarm, Silver roof rails, SiriusXM w/ 360L and 3 more
Wheels 17 in → 18 in
SE Black $30,960
+$1,700 over the SE FWD.
Standard here, not on the SE FWD: 18-inch black wheels w/ all-season tires, 19-inch black alloy wheels w/ all-season tires, Black roof rails, Illuminated front light-bar, Panoramic sunroof, Volkswagen Car-Net w/ available Wi-Fi
SE $31,510
+$3,310 over the S AWD.
Standard here, not on the S AWD: 18-inch machined alloy wheels w/ all-season tires, 6-speaker sound system, 8-way power driver seat w/ lumbar support, Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), Auto-dimming interior rearview mirror, CloudTex and cloth seating surfaces, Composition Media MIB3 infotainment w/ 8-inch display, AM/FM/HD Radio, media player, and voice control, Dual-zone, touch control Climatronic climate control, KESSY keyless access with push-button start, Park Distance Control w/ front and rear sensors, Power-adjustable, heated side mirrors, Remote start and alarm, Silver roof rails, SiriusXM w/ 360L and 3 more
SE Black $33,210
+$1,700 over the SE AWD.
Standard here, not on the SE AWD: 18-inch black wheels w/ all-season tires, 19-inch black alloy wheels w/ all-season tires, Black roof rails, Illuminated front light-bar, Panoramic sunroof, Volkswagen Car-Net w/ available Wi-Fi
Wheels 18 in → 19 in
SEL $35,900
+$2,690 over the SE Black AWD.
Standard here, not on the SE Black AWD: 10-color ambient interior lighting, 19-inch machined alloy wheels w/ all-season tires, Discover Media MIB3 infotainment w/ 8-inch display w/ navigation, AM/FM/HD Radio, media player, and voice control, Dynamic Road Sign Display, Leather seating surfaces, Premium Sound, Silver roof rails, Ventilated front seats
Each trim is measured against the nearest cheaper trim with the same drivetrain and powertrain, so a step shows equipment rather than the price of all-wheel drive. "Standard here" means the press kit lists it as standard on this trim and not as standard on the one below — it may have been an option there. MSRP excludes destination. Confirm a specific car against its window sticker.
Compare two trims side by side → Back to the 2026 Volkswagen Taos
Common questions about the 2026 Volkswagen Taos trims
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich 2026 Volkswagen Taos trim is the best value?
On standard equipment per dollar, the step from the S FWD to the SE FWD: $2,760 more for 17 features the press kit lists as standard on the SE FWD and not on the S FWD. Whether those features are worth it to you is the real answer — the list is on this page.
How much do the 2026 Volkswagen Taos trims cost?
7 trims, from $26,500 for the S FWD to $35,900 for the SEL AWD. Manufacturer MSRP, excluding destination, options, taxes and dealer fees.
What is the cheapest 2026 Volkswagen Taos with all-wheel drive?
The S AWD, at $28,200 MSRP.