31 MPG combined is a solid figure for the 2022 Volkswagen Taos 1.5L 4-cyl. It aligns with what this compact SUV needs to be: economical transportation for people who need more cargo space and passenger volume than a hatchback can offer. The Taos isn’t trying to be sporty or luxurious; it’s fulfilling a need for practical, efficient transport. In that context, 31 MPG is a selling point.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2022 Volkswagen Taos 1.5L 4-cyl at 28 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. The city figure is perhaps more relevant for the typical Taos buyer, who likely lives in a suburban or urban environment and uses the vehicle for commuting, errands, and hauling gear for weekend activities. The 28 MPG in city driving suggests that the Taos won’t drain their wallets during the daily grind.

The 36 MPG highway figure is also commendable. It makes the Taos a reasonable choice for longer road trips, where its slightly larger cargo area (compared to subcompact crossovers) comes in handy. The eight-speed automatic transmission helps achieve these figures by keeping the engine in its optimal range for both power and efficiency. Volkswagen has programmed the transmission to shift so it’s not hunting for gears unnecessarily. It holds gears long enough to provide adequate response, but not so long that it wastes fuel. The front-wheel drive version achieves these figures; opting for all-wheel drive will reduce the mileage slightly.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Volkswagen Taos 1.5L 4-cyl at $1,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Of course, your actual fuel costs will vary based on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and the price of fuel in your area. However, the $1,400 figure provides a benchmark when comparing the Taos to other vehicles in its class. It gives potential buyers a concrete number to consider when budgeting for vehicle ownership costs.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, it’s important to understand that real-world fuel economy can vary. Factors such as driving style, traffic conditions, and even tire pressure can influence your actual MPG. If you accelerate aggressively, expect to see lower fuel economy than the EPA estimates. Similarly, stop-and-go traffic will also negatively impact fuel economy.

Conversely, gentle acceleration, consistent speeds, and properly inflated tires will help you achieve or even exceed the EPA estimates. Some drivers see figures close to 40 MPG on longer highway trips, suggesting the EPA’s 36 MPG highway estimate may even be conservative in certain conditions. Before committing to a purchase, consider visiting FuelEconomyHub.com to see TAOS MPG across all years.

How it compares

The compact SUV segment is fiercely competitive, and fuel economy is a key consideration for many buyers. The Honda HR-V, for example, achieves around 28 MPG combined, putting it slightly behind the Taos. The Mazda CX-5, while lauded for its driving dynamics, typically gets around 26 MPG combined, sacrificing some efficiency for a more engaging driving experience.

Meanwhile, the Subaru Crosstrek, popular for its standard all-wheel drive, gets about 29 MPG combined in its automatic transmission version. This is an important consideration for buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency and want an SUV that won’t break the bank at the pump. For those looking for all Volkswagen fuel economy data, the Taos holds its own. The Taos’s 31 MPG combined makes it a strong contender for buyers who prioritize a balance of space, practicality, and fuel economy.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Taos, being a relatively lightweight vehicle with a small-displacement engine, responds well to gentle driving habits. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking, and try to maintain a consistent speed, especially on the highway. This will help the engine operate in its most efficient range.

Tire pressure plays a critical role in fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and ensure it is inflated to the recommended level, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb or in your owner’s manual. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in your Taos. The heavier the vehicle, the more fuel it consumes. Remove any items you don’t need, such as sports equipment or tools, from the cargo area.

The eight-speed automatic is programmed to upshift early and keep the engine at low RPMs. While this might feel sluggish at times, resist the urge to manually downshift frequently. Letting the transmission do its job will result in the best fuel economy.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy, especially on relatively flat roads with minimal traffic. However, avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain, as the transmission may downshift frequently, negating any potential fuel savings.