Volkswagen has some dandy SUVs in their line and the 2024 Taos is one of them. It’s not only their smallest SUV, but also their least expensive. It’s actually related to VW’s top-selling Tiguan SUV. Added to this, Taos is sporty and down-right handsome. Actually, it takes on the look of VW’s popular midsize Atlas SUV that we’re seeing a lot of on area roadways.
Taos is offered in S, SE and SEL trim. It’s also available in FWD or AWD (4Motion) that is preferred for us here in the Snowbelt. We were privileged to test the top SEL trim with 4Motion AWD.
Taos’ exterior follows all the other VW SUVs with snappy, sculpted design plus large air vents on either side of the front bumper. The rear has some cladding below the bumper and Ovid type shaped tailpipe extensions. All that adds to a sporty look.
Taos’ interior is also appealing with two-tone heated/ventilated Vienna leather front seats that have just the right amount of lateral support. The dash includes a vivid 10.25-inch configurable touchscreen display and an all-digital gauge cluster with a driver information display between the tack and speedometer. The touchscreen serves a host of features and functions including navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity, climate, rearview camera and lots more. The only feature missing on the rearview camera is an overhead (360 degree) view like the Atlas has. And a flat-bottom, heated steering wheel adds a racy touch to the interior.
HVAC controls are a combination of large rotary dials and an array of horizontal push buttons for easy operation. When selecting a mode, it can be displayed on the touchscreen. Below these controls is a wireless phone charging pad and a burly dog-leg shaped gear selector that controls the standard 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.
Sharing the console is the dual mode selector switch for Eco, Normal, Sport and Custom modes by pressing the center mode switch. Rotate it for Snow, Normal, Offroad and Offroad Custom modes.
The back seat, with a low 18.5-inch step-in, has good legroom and ample headroom for two or a third passenger with short legs. Ingress/egress is easy thanks to wide opening doors. The seats though are a tad on the firm side.
The only feature we were not keen on was the nylon shade for the sunroof as it’s translucent and still allows some sun rays in that make the interior warm on a hot day. A solid shade would be better.
Back in the cargo area and with the rear seatbacks upright, there’s 27.9 cubic feet that measures 32.5 inches deep, 44 wide and 31.75 high. Flip the backs and cargo loading depth extends to 63 inches. The cargo underfloor houses a space saving spare tire around which are hard foam bins for small item storage. And the cargo area has a low 28-inch lift-over for easy loading.
Taos SEL was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that generates 158-hp and 184 lb/ft of torque for EPA mileage estimates of 24 city, 32-highway mpg with auto engine start/stop technology. So powered, Taos was quick and responsive acceleration wise. And even more so in Sport mode. There’s certainly no want for power.
And as a car fit for the Autobahn, Taos’ handling was exceptional, especially around corners. And with AWD, it keeps the car planted without missing a beat. Plus, it’s stable throughout all driving maneuvers. And it does so ever so quietly. On smooth roads Taos rides smoothly on Goodyear 19-inch tires that are 8.5 inches wide. On bumpy roads and with its shorter wheelbase, the ride can get a little bumpy and jumpy. But nothing that the suspension can’t handle. Taos also parks easily because of the shorter wheelbase along with a tight turning radius.
Taos SEL came standard with VWs IQ/Drive features that include auto driving assist, adaptive cruise control w/stop & go feature, lane keep assist, emergency assist, forward collision warning w/emergency braking, pedestrian monitoring, blind spot monitor and rear traffic assist. Additional features include remote engine start, Beats audio and much more.
With all these Taos carried a base price of $33,515 with the only added charges were for black painted alloy wheels ($395) and delivery ($1,360) that took the bottom line to $38,260.
To its credit, Taos received good government safety ratings of four out of five stars for an overall score, four for driver/passenger frontal crash, five for front/rear seat side crash and four for rollover.
If you’re in the market for a compelling and capable compact SUV, check out the Taos – it’ll serve you well in all weather conditions.
