Volkswagen Taos 4motion
28 MPG The 2026 Volkswagen Taos 4motion is EPA-rated at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 33 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 536 gallons, $1714 a year in fuel, or $0.114 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2022–2026 run it averages 27.8 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 | $0.089 | $893 | $1339 | $1786 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.107 | $1071 | $1607 | $2143 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.114 | $1143 | $1714 | $2286 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.125 | $1250 | $1875 | $2500 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.143 | $1429 | $2143 | $2857 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.161 | $1607 | $2411 | $3214 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.179 | $1786 | $2679 | $3571 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 28 MPG | 25 | 33 | $2200 | 318 | 1 |
| 2025 | 28 MPG | 25 | 33 | $2200 | 318 | 1 |
| 2024 | 27 MPG | 24 | 32 | $2300 | 329 | 1 |
| 2023 | 28 MPG | 25 | 32 | $2200 | 322 | 1 |
| 2022 | 28 MPG | 25 | 32 | $2200 | 323 | 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 130 small sport utility vehicle 4wd models tracked here, the Volkswagen Taos 4motion ranks 28 on current figures, against a class average of 29.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Toyota RAV4 AWD (28.5), BMW X3 xDrive30i (29), Subaru Crosstrek AWD (29), Toyota RAV4 AWD LE (30), Lexus NX 300h AWD (31).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 318 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.8 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volkswagen Taos 4motion get?
The 2026 Volkswagen Taos 4motion is rated at 28 MPG combined by the EPA — 25 city and 33 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 27.8 MPG, ranging from 27 to 28 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volkswagen Taos 4motion cost in fuel per year?
At 28 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 536 gallons — roughly $1714 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.114 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $2200.
Has the Volkswagen Taos 4motion become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 28 MPG today against 28 in 2022 — essentially flat across 5 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Volkswagen Taos 4motion efficient for its class?
It ranks 28 of 130 in the Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD class on current figures, against a class average of 29.2 MPG. That is 1.2 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.