2024 VW Taos Updates & Review

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2024 VW Taos Updates & Review – The Volkswagen SUV that serves as the company’s entry-level offering debuted in 2023 and has rapidly established itself as one of the German automaker’s best-selling models. The Taos receives updated features across the board for the 2024 model year, including every trim level.

As quickly as possible, Volkswagen responded to one of our primary concerns about the Taos by including more active safety measures for the second model year of the Taos. The inside of this compact SUV is rather roomy, and it has materials that are a step above those seen in vehicles in its class in a few key places. Although it had a suspension that is designed for comfort and compliance, the SUV’s acceleration was clunkier than usual since it was equipped with a dual-clutch gearbox. It is tough to suggest the all-wheel-drive model because of its gearbox, and it does not provide the same level of on-road comfort as its front-wheel-drive sister does.

In addition, the price might grow rather high, which is a more significant factor in a market area with a plethora of alternative choices. It’s possible that the front-wheel-drive (FWD) edition of the crossover is the best one. It has snappy acceleration, and the turbo lag is hardly perceptible. Additionally, the standard automatic transmission has smooth upshifts and rapid downshifts.

Updates

Due to the fact that practically everyone drives an SUV these days, subcompact SUVs satisfy a craving for the room, are reasonably priced, and provide a certain feeling of belonging. The Volkswagen Taos, which is one of twenty other vehicles in its class, satisfies an extra, more current market desire for economical fuel efficiency. Every Taos has a frugal, 158-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that allows it to have excellent real-world fuel efficiency. This engine can be found in either the front- or all-wheel drive versions of the Taos.

The 2024 VW Taos does not come equipped with a hitch that can be used for towing, so we recommend upgrading to the bigger Tiguan SUV for that purpose. However, there is a substantial amount of storage space inside the vehicle, even when the back seats are occupied, making it simple to carry groceries. It is a tight battle among the finest in its class, so the Volkswagen Tiguan’s inexpensive starting price and large cockpit make it an enticing alternative amongst others such as the Kia Seltos and the Chevrolet Trailblazer.

During our 200-mile, 75-mph highway fuel-economy test loop, an all-wheel-drive Taos SEL that we tested was able to get an incredible 40 mpg, which was 4 mpg better than its EPA-estimated rating. In comparison to the Volkswagen, the more lavishly outfitted cabin of the Mazda CX-30 seems like a little luxury apartment because of the copious quantities of plastic that are used inside the Taos. This helps keep the price of the Taos low.

The VW crossover with the lowest footprint does not endure a great deal of change for 2024, but it does get a few improvements to the standard equipment. All trim levels of the Volkswagen Passat get standard equipment driver assistance technologies such as frontal collision warning with automated emergency braking and pedestrian monitoring, blind spot monitor, and rear traffic alert. These functions are designed to aid the driver in the event of an accident. On all-wheel-drive vehicles, the basic S trim comes with wheels 18 inches in diameter rather than 17 inches. Last but not least, the SEL trim level now comes standard with a beautiful panoramic sunroof.

Because it offers the most bang for your buck, the SE model, which is in the middle of the range, comes highly recommended. It has wheels that are 18 inches in diameter, blind-spot monitoring, front seats that are heated, a remote starter, and wireless charging as standard equipment. We would recommend spending the additional $1450 to get all-wheel drive, mostly due to the fact that it upgrades the rear suspension from the front-drive variant to a more complex and independent one. The IQ is also our first choice. Drive and SE Convenience options provide additional features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, a heated steering wheel, lane-keeping assist, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

New safety features are now included in the Taos S basic model, including a frontal collision warning system, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection, and rear cross-traffic warning. The IQ.Drive package, which includes lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, was formerly an available option on the S and is now standard on the SE. A panoramic sunroof is included as standard equipment on the SEL model.

To no one’s surprise, the Taos borrows substantially from the Volkswagen parts bin. This is perfectly OK. The Tiguan and the Atlas are more expensive than the Taos, but both have user-friendly touchscreen displays and high-quality switchgear. The Taos is the most affordable of the two. The Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument panel is also standard equipment (8 inches for S and SE, 10 inches for SEL), providing drivers with a broad variety of customization choices to deliver as little or as much information right in front of them as they wish. This panel measures 8 inches for S and SE models, and 10 inches for SEL models. The quality of the materials is equivalent to that of everyone else in the sector with the exception of the almost luxurious Mazda CX-30 and Honda HR-V. You can anticipate lots of harsh plastics, but there will also be a few pieces of painted trim and cushioned leatherette strategically placed to freshen up the joint. Another feature that appeals to us is the use of a two-tone color scheme in each and every trim option.

There are two different kinds of entertainment systems to choose from. The entry-level S model has a touchscreen display of 6.5 inches and a less sophisticated user interface. However, it does have both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both the SE and the SEL now come equipped with a touchscreen measuring 8 inches (see the previous sentence for more information), offering expanded functionality in addition to wireless charging and connection for Apple and Android devices. Both systems are straightforward to see and access, and in contrast to VW’s more recent technology found in the ID.4, GTI, and other cars, they are truly simple to use. How Volkswagen managed to move from this perfectly nice 8-inch touchscreen interface to the nightmare that is the ID.4 is beyond anyone’s ability to fathom.

The 2024 VW Taos is a few of inches longer than comparable mid-compact SUVs such as the Kia Seltos and the Mazda CX-30, but it is still closer in size to those vehicles than compact variants such as the Toyota RAV4. You don’t really notice this additional size when you’re driving, but in spite of some clever interior packing, you definitely sense it when you’re attempting to load the cargo space or squeeze passengers into the rear seats.

The rear seat is one of the most stunning features. We were able to install a large rear-facing Britax Boulevard car seat while still leaving plenty of room for a guest who is 6 feet 3 inches tall in the front seat. That is very uncommon for any compact SUV, much alone in this particular subcategory. In addition to this, it means that the place is truly adult-friendly regardless of who is at the front. The rear doors are, like the front ones, extremely spacious.

Because of the higher load floor, the amount of cargo space decreases from 27.9 cubic feet to 24.9 cubic feet when all-wheel drive is installed. Without all-wheel drive, the available cargo space is 27.9 cubic feet. Our baggage capacity test revealed that, despite having the front-wheel drive, the Taos managed to carry more items than any other vehicle in its class, second only to the Bronco Sport. In point of fact, it had a volume that exceeded that of many subcompact SUVs. In addition, we like that the Taos has higher roof rails, which makes it simpler to transfer aftermarket roof racks from one vehicle to another.

Review

The Volkswagen Taos was just released in the United States a year ago; however, the subcompact crossover has been available for purchase in China since 2018, where it is marketed under the name Tharu.

Recently, a prototype for an improved Tharu was discovered, which most likely hints at changes that would be implemented in the Taos in the United States. Next year should see the entrance of revised versions of both crossovers, which will translate to their arrival in the United States during the 2024 model year.

Based on the prototype, there will be new fascia designs, a new grille, and altered designs for the lighting at both ends of the vehicle. There will also be a new grille. It is probable that the inside may also get some modifications, such as an upgraded information and entertainment system.

At this time, we do not anticipate any changes to occur within Taos’s powertrain area. The crossover is only available with a 1.5-liter turbo-4 engine that is capable of producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. cars with front-wheel drive come standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while cars with all-wheel drive come with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. In China, buyers of the Tharu may choose between turbocharged engines with displacements of 1.2, 1.4, and 2.0 liters as part of a more varied lineup of available powertrains.

At the Volkswagen facility in Pueblo, Mexico, the production of Taos destined for the United States is managed. In the previous year, the automobile achieved a good 31,682 sales total in the United States, and 2022, which will be the vehicle’s first full year on the market, is shaping up to offer an even better result.