Volkswagen Taos trim comparison
2024 Volkswagen Taos S vs SEL
The Taos S starts at $23,995 while the SEL is $33,515. That $9,520 gap buys 6 meaningful differences.
The SEL adds AWD instead of FWD. If you deal with winter roads or need traction off-pavement, that could be worth $9,520 by itself. If not, the S saves you the money.
The S is the cleaner fit if FWD already covers the job. The SEL only earns the extra money when AWD is the reason you are shopping up.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The SEL adds about $167/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $10,020 more overall with interest. The real question is whether AWD changes your day-to-day use enough to justify paying above FWD.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when extra traction matters for your weather, roads, or weekend use.
When both feel the same
Same platform and drivetrain options on both trims.
The upgrade math
You are paying $9,520 for 5 measurable differences, which works out to about $1,904 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 6 specification differences, 3 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | S | SEL |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $23,995 | $33,515 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 1.5L I4 Turbo | 1.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 158 hp | 158 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 28 | 24 |
| Highway MPG | 36 | 32 |
| Combined MPG | 31 | 27 |
| Fuel Tank | 13.2 gal | 14.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,400/yr | $1,600/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,181 lbs | 3,430 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 105.9" | 105.5" |
| Length | 175.8" | 175.8" |
| Width | 72.5" | 72.5" |
| Height | 64.4" | 65.1" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 4/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion | 12yr/unlimited | 12yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 Volkswagen Taos S vs SEL Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Volkswagen Taos lineup, the Volkswagen brand hub, the Compact SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 Taos SEL cost than the S?
The SEL starts at $33,515 compared to $23,995 for the S. That is a $9,520 difference, or approximately $167/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Volkswagen Taos S and SEL have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 1.5L I4 Turbo producing 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Does the 2024 Taos S come with AWD?
No. The S comes standard with FWD while the SEL has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
Is the 2024 Taos S or SEL safer?
Both share the same Volkswagen Taos platform with an overall 4-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2024 Volkswagen Taos come with?
All 2024 Volkswagen Taos trims, including both the S and SEL, come with Volkswagen's standard warranty: 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2024 Volkswagen Taos SEL worth $9,520 more than the S?
The $9,520 adds AWD. Worth it if you need the traction. Not worth it if you drive on dry roads year-round.
Which 2024 Volkswagen Taos trim gets better fuel economy, the S or the SEL?
The S is the more efficient of the two at 31 combined MPG, versus 27 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Breaking Down the $9,520 Gap
At $9,520 more, the Taos SEL adds AWD. This is a situational call. If those features are on your must-have list, the upgrade makes sense. If not, the S delivers the same core Taos experience for less.
How the S and SEL Feel Different
AWD on the SEL means better grip in bad weather. If you live somewhere with mild winters, the S's FWD may be fine.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Taos S gets 4 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $201 per year or $1,005 over five years of ownership.
What Both Trims Share
Despite the differences above, the S and SEL share engine, keeping the core Taos experience consistent across trims.
The Short Version
The Taos SEL costs $9,520 more than the S (about $167/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 5 meaningful changes at $1,904 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Volkswagen Taos S
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the S best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Volkswagen Taos SEL
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the SEL when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Volkswagen or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.