Check Out the Exciting 2023 Volkswagen Taos SEL Trim

Named for a city in New Mexico, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos captures the essence of this popular center of skiing and culture in a subcompact SUV. The designers at Volkswagen have designed a vehicle that is equal parts sporty and rugged, two traits that are no strangers to VW vehicles. Like most models in its class, the Taos comes in several different trim levels. Sitting atop that hill is the 2023 Taos SEL, which may be one of its most advanced models to date. The Taos made its debut in 2022; however, this recent pedigree hasn’t stopped the folks at Volkswagen from improving on this relatively new model. For example, Volkswagen has made many of the safety features standard on all trims of the 2023 Taos, including the entry-level Taos S.

Meanwhile, the driver-assistance technology exclusive to the SEL trim has now been added to the Taos SE model as well. But even with these welcome improvements, the Taos SEL remains the one to choose if you are looking for the most features and performance. This is because Volkswagen has truly pulled out all the stops on the SEL trim. This applies to all aspects of the vehicle, including the interior cabin, exterior styling, engine performance, and technology. Let’s take a deeper look at the 2023 Taos SEL and see just what makes it so special.

Unparalleled Performance

Like all 2023 Taos models, the Taos SEL runs on a 1.5L turbocharged engine. This four-cylinder engine features a turbocharger to boost performance, and its 16 valves are arranged in a dual overhead camshaft configuration. As a result, it uses direct fuel injection to deliver 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. However, unlike the S and SE models equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the SEL comes with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. This gives you greater control and responsiveness over the engine while maintaining efficient performance.

The Taos SEL comes with standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive. This gives you exceptional traction when handling your Taos, especially in inclement weather or poor road conditions. There are three driving modes. Normal gives you the best fuel economy, while Sport gives you more aggressive shifting at higher gear speeds. Individual mode allows you to set your own steering and throttle performance. Volkswagen has equipped the Taos SEL with a set of 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped with all-season tires, which are larger than the ones on the S and SE models. As for fuel efficiency, you get an impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy of 28 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway.[a] As for acceleration, the Taos SEL can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.4 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph.

A Refined Interior With Innovative Technology

One of the most impressive aspects of the 2023 Taos SEL is its refined interior. This is in marked contrast to most other subcompact SUVs on the market. The seats sport gorgeous and comfortable leather upholstery, which also wraps around the steering wheel and gear shift knob. The front seats are also heated and ventilated, making them especially pleasant during cold winter mornings and hot summer afternoons. Volkswagen has given the 2023 Taos SEL a trim exclusive power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof. This will allow you to bring the outdoors inside your Taos, even if the weather outside is a little on the cold side.

The Taos SEL has an amazing Climatronic Touch dual-zone automatic climate control system. This features an advanced filtration system to improve cabin air quality and is exclusive to the SEL trim. By providing separate climate controls for the rear seats, it will allow for better distribution of air conditioning and heating between the two rows. This can often be a big problem in compact and subcompact SUVs. Volkswagen has taken a major step toward addressing this problem by adding this innovative feature to the SEL.

While the climate control system may reduce arguments among your passengers, the same cannot be said about the Volkswagen MIB3 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system positioned in the center console. There is both wireless charging and wireless app connectivity for your smartphones, allowing you to stream your favorite playlists and podcasts. In addition, the SEL trim comes with a complimentary 3-month trial of SiriusXM 360L, their all-access programming platform. Perhaps the best part of the MIB3 system on the Taos SEL is the standard BeatsAudio system. This features a 12-channel, 400-watt amplifier to better drive your favorite music through its 8 speakers and subwoofer. Imagine all the wonderful arguments you and your passengers will have over what music to listen to in your Taos SEL. In the end, you all win with this amazing stereo system.

Volkswagen completes the technology package on the SEL with a 10.25-inch digital instrument display called the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. This display will provide you with all the vital information you need in a format that is easy to see and process. There are 21 different viewing options, allowing you to toggle between navigation, car status, phone information, driver assistance features, and driving data. This will keep you well-informed while driving and allow you to keep your eyes on the road.

An Alluring Exterior

While the chassis of the Taos SEL is the same as the other two trims, there are a number of dramatic exterior flourishes that help set this trim apart from the others. It starts with a set of specialized five-spoke hubcaps, giving the Taos a sporty look. The front grille features an integrated light bar that is exclusive to the SEL trim. The grille is offset by a pair of headlights with an Adaptive Front Lighting System. These headlights provide dynamic cornering lights that come in handy when driving at night. The windshield features a set of rain-sensing, variable intermittent front wipers, which are also featured on the SE trim. This wiper system is assisted by heated washer nozzles to give you peace of mind that they won’t freeze up on especially cold days.

An Array of Safety and Driver-Assist Technology

One thing that applies to all trims of the 2023 VW Taos is its set of standard safety features. Each Taos features an automatic post-collision braking system that immediately engages the emergency brakes in the event of a crash, preventing your vehicle from getting involved in a secondary collision. It also has an intelligent crash response system, which shuts off the fuel pump to reduce the risk of fire, unlocks the doors so first responders can reach passengers, and switches on the hazard lights to better help identify the vehicle.

The standard IQ.DRIVE system is a suite of safety and driver-assist features, with important tools like an active blind spot monitor to let you know if there is another vehicle in the lane next to you when you signal to change lanes. It also comes with adaptive cruise control, which can slow down your vehicle if the system detects slower traffic ahead, allowing you to stay at a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. It will then accelerate back to your selected speed once traffic has cleared. Another key feature is the dynamic road sign display that appears on the Digital Cockpit, alerting you to changes in speed limit and other important data.

The IQ.DRIVE system is powered by front and rear radar systems that work with a forward camera and ultrasound sensors that give the Taos SEL a semi-autonomous driving capability. As a result, the Taos SEL represents one of the most advanced subcompact SUVs regarding driver assistance safety features. One driver assistance feature exclusive to the 2023 Taos SEL is the front park distance control. This uses the IQ.DRIVE ultrasonic sensors located in the front and rear bumpers to monitor the field in front of and behind the Taos SEL. This will send out an audible alert when you come too close to another parked vehicle or object when parking your Taos, thus helping prevent a collision.

A Perfect Combination of Technology, Comfort, and Performance

The 2023 Taos SEL represents how Volkswagen has used technology to make driving safer and more enjoyable. Items like IQ.DRIVE, the MIB3 system, BeatsAudio, and 4MOTION all-wheel drive combine to give you a ride unlike any other. We here at Bud Clary Volkswagen invite you to come in today and experience this fantastic SUV up close and personal. In addition to the SEL trim, we offer a vast array of other new and used Taos models, so you can find one that meets your unique driving needs. But for the ultimate in luxury and innovation, we suggest getting behind the wheel of the 2023 Volkswagen Taos SEL and take your driving experience to the next level!

[a] 28 city/36 highway mpg (2023 Taos 1.5L, 8-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.