Volkswagen Taos: As paying consumers made it apparent, they chose crossover SUVs. Except for the sporty GTI and Golf R, the Wolfsburg-based carmaker removed its slow-selling hatchback from the range in response and replaced it with the Taos, a new entry-level SUV for 2022.
Except for small price increases and equipment changes, it is identical to its 2022 debut 2023. The top-trim SEL, SE, and S all have more standard safety features. Higher trim levels include VW’s IQ. The top model consists of a drive-driving aid system and a panoramic roof. 18-inch tires are larger on AWD versions.
The Taos competes with the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, Mazda CX-30, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and many more vehicles in one of the most popular market niches since sliced bread. Choose the mid-range SE or top-tier SEL; based only on price, these models compete with bigger compact SUVs like the Mazda CX-5 and CX-50, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, Chevrolet Equinox, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, and even its larger sister, the Tiguan.
Volkswagen maintained the Taos’ pricing at around $25,000, the same as the Golf it replaces, despite the different sheet metal and larger size. The cost of the standard front-wheel-drive S rises from $23,495 to $24,155 this year. The price increases by $2,340 when 4MOTION all-wheel drive is chosen, including certain extras. Similar changes are also made to other trims, including our intermediate SE tester, which now starts at $28,925 instead of $28,440 since 4MOTION raises the price by $1,450. Last, the top-tier SEL begins at $35,830, up from $32,865 (front-wheel-drive model) and $34,240. It now comes standard with all-wheel drive. The required $1,295 destination charge is not included in any rates.
The Taos, slots below the Tiguan, wins the “People’s SUV” title and is VW’s smallest and most affordable crossover model. The Taos is the Golf’s successor, and it shares the Golf’s five-door design, front-engine layout, and even MQB modular architecture. The parallels, however, mostly stop there. The more oversized Atlas-inspired upright, boxy shape is there, along with increased ground clearance, all-wheel drive as an option, and all of these features.
You can also get terrific small and midsize sedans for this type of money if you’re not entirely convinced about a crossover. So even though the Taos appears to need a lot to stand out from the competition, it succeeds by capturing much of the Golf’s original charm by perfecting the essential elements like fuel economy, usable space, and pleasant driving manners, just in the form of a high-end subcompact crossover SUV.
Performance: Volkswagen Taos
While some competitors take pains to be too sporty, the Taos embraces its humble beginnings and delivers an enjoyable driving experience. Pink slips won’t be awarded to the 1.5-liter, 158-horsepower EA211 turbocharged four-cylinder soon. Even if the upshifts aren’t very rapid, the 184 pound-feet of torque and well-tuned, smooth eight-speed automatic pleasantly impressed us with their enthusiasm to go ahead. It takes just 7 seconds to accelerate from a complete stop to 60 mph, which makes navigating and keeping up with traffic in the NYC metro area simple. It is faster than the Seltos and as quick as the CX-30.
Volkswagen invested more attention in the areas of the chassis and suspension. If you’re in a remote region with winding, mountainous roads, the Taos demonstrates that the Golf’s fun handling isn’t entirely lost either. Because the steering is a little light on feel and over-boosted, it doesn’t seem as connected. However, enthusiasts and commuters won’t be dissatisfied with its superb chassis and supple suspension, which appear to improve as speed rises.
It is the ideal illustration of a vehicle with moderate power that is enjoyable to drive swiftly despite having a higher center of gravity even when it is front-wheel forced and using a torsion beam rear suspension system. The multi-link rear suspension and somewhat longer wheelbase provided by the additional powertrain components on the 4MOTION AWD variants reward with even more finesse. Despite the clumsy seven-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox in town, it provides a comfortable ride.
While the less powerful but substantially faster turbocharged Kia Seltos and Mazda choices (CX-30, CX-5, CX-50) offer to deliver more punch, they lack the Taos’ beautifully adjusted suspension. Speed demons should instead look into the high-performance Hyundai Kona N.
Fuel efficiency: Volkswagen Taos
The Taos’s somewhat class-leading EPA ratings from the previous year are carried over for the two-wheel-drive model at 28 cities, 36 highways, and 31 mpg combined (25, 32, 28 mpg for variations with 4MOTION). In the gas-only class, front- and all-wheel-drive cars perform best on the highway, while city performance is above average. Only the 31 mpg city of the front-wheel-drive Corolla Cross significantly outperforms the Taos. The competition’s city estimates may vary by one or two mpg, but drivers are unlikely to notice a noticeable difference.
Except for a dash through the winding roads of upstate New York, when the trip computer recorded the lowest average of 25.6 mpg, the Taos never seemed to go below 28 mpg on average while being driven erratically throughout our week-long test.
The all-wheel-drive Corolla Cross Hybrid from Toyota is about to arrive, and if fuel economy is necessary, the RAV4 hybrid is also affordable based on price. If you can wait, there are murmurs of a potential Taos plug-in hybrid. However, these are only rumors. Hyundai’s Kona Electric and Chevrolet’s Bolt EUV are also offered at this pricing bracket, but without all-wheel drive if you’re not seeking to burn petrochemicals.
Safety and driver support technology:
Most manufacturers have gone above and beyond to provide driving experiences, prioritizing safety and driver-aid technologies. While the aids are there in the Taos, it seems that VW engineers designed them to operate more covertly in the background to promote the best safety advantage: an alert and engaged driver. Additional proof that the Taos is a driver’s vehicle.
For those who pay more attention to the road, the systems of the competition appear to intervene sooner, which is particularly bothersome. However, all Taos models now have backup cameras, blind-spot warnings, rear-cross traffic alerts, and front collision prevention with pedestrian recognition and automated braking. The IQ/Convenience package, optional on the S but standard on the SE and SEL, adds lane-keep assistance and radar-guided cruise control.
The rear-facing backup camera, like those in many other cars, didn’t operate properly in the rain, but other than that, everything performed as it should. The Highway Drive Assist (HDA) technologies offered by Kia and Hyundai are much more appealing regarding their radar-guided cruise control. But once again, the Taos is a vehicle that needs your input, power, and attention. In all IIHS testing, the Taos maintains a “good” rating, except for the passenger-side small overlap and head restraint tests, which got “acceptable” results in 2022. The Taos’ study of its ability to prevent vehicle-pedestrian collisions yielded a “basic” result. The Taos received an overall rating of four out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Comfort and Space
The Taos’s capacity to gobble up kilometers without exertion indicates Germany’s strong esteem for designing automobiles for the Autobahn. A characteristic of German cars is that specific seats feel stiffer than others. Although entry-level vehicles, they hit the perfect combination of support and comfort.
The Taos seems roomier than VW’s stated 40.1 inches of front and 37.9 inches of rear legroom because it mirrors the proportions of its boxy sibling. It won’t be difficult for four or even five people to fit in reasonably comfortably. Compared to the 36.3 inches on the CX-30, there is more room to spread out, while the Seltos’ 38 inches is somewhat more restrictive.
The Taos has a luxurious feel because of its low noise, vibration, harshness levels, and robust Germanic thunks when closed doors. However, given the price of Taos, some of the panels in the back parts seem a little too cheap. Choice materials are an advantage for the Mazda CX-30. However, Taos isn’t the wrong location in general.
Infotainment:Volkswagen Taos
The essential S comes with an AM/FM, Bluetooth, USB-connected Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone connection AM/FM touchscreen-based MIB infotainment system as standard equipment. The SE and SEL add an 8-inch screen, HD Radio, and wireless smartphone app connection. The top-tier Beats Audio system is added to the SEL.
Except for sporadic upgrades, VW’s MIB system has remained mostly unaltered. However, the Taos system has a snappy touchscreen, high-definition visuals, and a short loading time, making it simple to use and navigate. Our intermediate SE’s sound system delighted us more than enough, even without the Beats Audio.
Thankfully, the Taos’ steering wheel controls are physical and tactile, unlike some other VWs’ problematic touch-sensitive steering controls. Hallelujah! The 8-inch cluster info display in the S and SE is our only minor criticism. It seems a little ordinary, especially with its shoddy-looking infill panels. Volkswagen’s 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro, offered on the SEL, is unquestionably superior.
Storage & Cargo Space:
The Taos successfully maintains the Golf’s reputation for dependability and hauling power. When compared to its immediate subcompact competitors, the rear baggage capacity is class-leading and rivals that of some bigger small SUVs. For example, the load capacity of 27.9 cubic feet falls slightly short of that of the departing tiny Kia Sportage. It is impressive for a vehicle that is 9.3 inches less in length overall than the Tiguan.
Due to the shorter floor, the cargo volume decreases to 24.9 cubic feet when all-wheel drive is added. However, when the 60/40 split back seat is folded, the volume increases to 65.9 cubic feet for the front-drive model and 60.2 for the 4MOTION. The Taos shouldn’t have trouble transporting their overnighter bags and can easily tote up to five persons.
There is, however, a mid-level Tiguan for around the same price if you want a larger VW CUV.
Design:Volkswagen Taos
You’ll fall in love with the Taos if you like the tiny Tiguan and the midsize Atlas SUV since they have similar visual traits but are smaller. Due to unequal shrinking, several small SUVs in the competition seem ugly, angular, and puny.
But compared to many blob-like crossovers, the Taos seems more solid and SUV-like from the driver’s seat because of its boxy dimensions. We particularly like the exterior’s “Cornflower Blue” shade, which strikes the ideal mix between classy and premium aesthetics without being too stylized. It offers far more curbside substance and road presence without trying than many of its rivals.
The Volkswagen Taos 2023: Is It Worth It?
The Taos seems refreshingly simplistic, reminding us of the primary pleasures of driving in a world where fuel economy, safety, and driver-aid technology have taken priority over other traits. Evidence shows that enjoyment can still come from superbly balanced robust bones without excess or sacrificing basics. It has class-leading spaciousness, outstanding fuel economy, competitive safety tech, and top-notch entertaining driving characteristics.
Few vehicles in their class engage the driver on such a fundamental level without attempting to do so too much or too little while maintaining a level-headed and rational balance. Additionally, those looking for the most significant drivers’ automobiles will like the Taos’ backseat approach to driving assistance technology. The Taos is worthwhile for that alone if you value the trip just as much as the goal and prefer to be in charge rather than having many safety systems tell you how to drive.
The intermediate front-wheel-drive SE, with a sticker price of $30,220 (destination included), is our pick for the sweet spot. For anybody seeking a good, functional, and exceptional subcompact crossover SUV that is well-balanced on all counts, this automobile is the perfect amount of vehicle. Though we are a little baffled by the Taos’ cost, considering that if one wants a bigger and more luxurious car, the Tiguan could be obtained for not much more money.
How Much Will Insurance for a Volkswagen Taos Cost?
TheTaos should be comparable to most of its competitors regarding insurance prices. An average yearly premium for a 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record starts at just under $1,900; however, this moderate covers all 50 states. An annual cost of somewhat more than $2,000 may be incurred by a Toyota Corolla Cross owner, compared to a starting price of $1,775 for the Mazda CX-30 and $1,750 for the Kia Seltos.
Verdict
The 2023 Volkswagen Taos is a fantastic entry-level subcompact crossover that puts more of an emphasis on usability and the basic pleasures of driving than it does on extravagance or technology. It replaces the famous Golf hatchback and carries many of its amiable driving traits, plenty of interior room, and some of the highest fuel efficiency in the category. It’s puzzling that it isn’t substantially less expensive despite being the VW Tiguan’s younger sibling. But suppose you don’t need the extra room. In that case, the Taos concentrates on making the necessities ideal, and its backseat-focused technology is one of the finest for drivers who value the trip as much as the final destination.
