Volkswagen Taos
31 MPG The 2026 Volkswagen Taos is EPA-rated at 31 MPG combined (28 city / 36 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 484 gallons, $1548 a year in fuel, or $0.103 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2022–2026 run it averages 31 MPG, essentially flat across 5 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.081 | $806 | $1210 | $1613 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.097 | $968 | $1452 | $1935 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.103 | $1032 | $1548 | $2065 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.113 | $1129 | $1694 | $2258 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.129 | $1290 | $1935 | $2581 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.145 | $1452 | $2177 | $2903 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.161 | $1613 | $2419 | $3226 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 31 MPG | 28 | 36 | $2000 | 287 | 1 |
| 2025 | 31 MPG | 28 | 36 | $2000 | 287 | 1 |
| 2024 | 31 MPG | 28 | 36 | $2000 | 286 | 1 |
| 2023 | 31 MPG | 28 | 36 | $2000 | 286 | 1 |
| 2022 | 31 MPG | 28 | 36 | $2000 | 286 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 74 small sport utility vehicle 2wd models tracked here, the Volkswagen Taos ranks 19 on current figures, against a class average of 34.7 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Nissan Rogue FWD (32), Nissan Rogue FWD SL/Platinum (32), Toyota Corolla Cross (32), Honda CR-V FWD (35), Toyota Highlander Hybrid (36).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 287 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volkswagen Taos get?
The 2026 Volkswagen Taos is rated at 31 MPG combined by the EPA — 28 city and 36 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 31 MPG, ranging from 31 to 31 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volkswagen Taos cost in fuel per year?
At 31 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 484 gallons — roughly $1548 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.103 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $2000.
Has the Volkswagen Taos become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 31 MPG today against 31 in 2022 — essentially flat across 5 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Volkswagen Taos efficient for its class?
It ranks 19 of 74 in the Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD class on current figures, against a class average of 34.7 MPG. That is 3.7 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.