Volkswagen Taos

Volkswagen Taos at a glance

The Taos was created mainly for buyers in the Americas. Its Chinese twin, the Tharu, was previewed in March 2018 and went on sale later that year, and the Taos adapted the same design for North and South America, with production in Mexico and Argentina. Versions for different regions differ in length and wheelbase: the North American Taos is 4,465 mm long with a 2,690 mm wheelbase and 1,841 mm wide. Volkswagen gave the North American model a mid-cycle update for the 2025 model year. More models are in our Volkswagen catalogue, and the larger Volkswagen Touareg sits at the top of the brand's SUV range.

Exterior

The design is simple but not without character, and it clearly borrows from the Atlas, Tiguan and ID.4. The front has a sculpted bonnet, large light units with double daytime running-light strokes, a narrow grille with an LED light bar across the centre and a solid bumper with protective cladding. Nearly vertical orange indicator strips sit at the outer edges of the headlights.

The profile has classic small-SUV proportions, with uncluttered sides, deeply sculpted doors and angular wheel arches. Base versions have 17-inch alloy wheels, and 19-inch wheels are optional. North American buyers could choose from eight body colours. Ground clearance is about 163 mm, so the Taos is at home on good roads rather than rough tracks.

At the rear there are distinctive tail lights, a rectangular tailgate and an effective spoiler. Roof rails run all the way back to the tailgate, and two tailpipe-style trims are decorative only. A silver diffuser stands out against the unpainted plastic of the rear bumper, and unpainted protective cladding runs around the whole body.

Interior and practicality

The cabin is taken from the Tharu, with a different three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and different trim materials. The MIB3 infotainment system offers voice control, smartphone integration, navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot; the largest screen is 8 inches, with a smaller one on base versions. Below it are horizontal air vents with the hazard switch between them and three round climate controls.

The driver has a heated steering wheel and a fully digital Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument display, with eight-way electric adjustment for the driver's seat. A centre armrest separates the front seats, and the tunnel holds cupholders and the gear selector with Volkswagen's usual physical buttons beside it. The cabin is two-tone, more expensive versions have leather upholstery, ambient lighting offers ten colours, a premium audio system with eight speakers is available, and the front seats can be both heated and ventilated.

The rear seat has a fold-down armrest, though the centre passenger's cushion is not very comfortable. Volkswagen claimed more interior space than in the Jetta and even the Tiguan, making the Taos one of the roomiest cars in its class. The rear backrests fold, and the boot offers 796 litres measured to the roof, rising to 1,877 litres with the rear seat folded. There is even a ski hatch.

Engines and transmissions

The 1.4 TSI has a lightweight aluminium block, a turbocharger, direct injection, variable timing on both camshafts and a belt-driven 16-valve head. Depending on engine and drivetrain, the Taos reaches 100 km/h in 7.8 to 9.3 seconds, and the all-wheel-drive version with the DSG has a top speed of 200 km/h. Combined fuel consumption ranges from about 5.9 to 7.5 l/100 km, and the engines run on 95-octane petrol.

The 4Motion system works in the familiar way: a multi-plate clutch, which can be locked, sends up to 50% of the torque to the rear wheels when needed.

Chassis

The Taos uses the MQB modular platform with a transverse engine and a monocoque body built largely from high-strength steel. The front suspension uses MacPherson struts, while the rear depends on the drivetrain: front-wheel-drive versions have a semi-independent twist beam and 4Motion versions an independent four-link rear axle. Rack-and-pinion steering with electric assistance gives good handling. Disc brakes are fitted all round, ventilated at the front, along with ABS, EBD and other electronic aids.

Safety and equipment

Volkswagen offers the Taos with its IQ.Drive package of driver-assistance systems. Depending on the version, it includes:

• adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go;
• automatic emergency braking and forward-collision warning;
• blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert;
• lane-keeping assistance;
• automatic high beam and adaptive headlights;
• a parking assistant, parking sensors and a reversing camera;
• traffic-sign recognition and driver-fatigue monitoring.

Front and side airbags, LED fog lights, voice control and built-in GPS navigation are also available. Better-equipped versions can have 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, full LED lights, ambient lighting, light and rain sensors, the digital instrument display, a larger infotainment screen and parking sensors front and rear.

Strengths and weaknesses

The Taos is not flamboyant, but it is unmistakably a Volkswagen and fits the brand's family style. Its strengths are a comfortable, practical cabin, modern technology, a large boot and the choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Its weaknesses are modest ground clearance and a rear centre seat that is uncomfortable for a third adult. Rivals in the compact SUV class include the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota Corolla Cross.