2024 Volkswagen Taos SEL
2024 Volkswagen Taos SELCategory: Compact SUV
Paint Color: Pure Gray
Number of Seats: 5
Mileage Covered: 189 miles
Actual Fuel Efficiency: 29.3 miles per gallon
| Consumer Guide Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Space and Coziness | A- |
| Power and Speed | C+ |
| Craftsmanship | B+ |
| Fuel Efficiency | B+ |
| Worth | B |
| Ratings are consolidated from various test-driver assessments. Ratings are relative to other vehicles in the same group. The worth grade is based on the specific trim level evaluated and may not represent the overall thoughts of Consumer Guide on the whole model line-up. | |
| Comfort for Bigger Individuals | |
| Large Individual | A |
| Tall Individual | A- |
| Comfort ratings for larger individuals are applicable only to front seats. “Big” rating is based on a male tester weighing around 350 pounds, “Tall” rating is based on a 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Powertrain | |
| Motor Specifications | 158-horsepower 1.5-liter |
| Engine Kind | Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Gearbox | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
Driving Environment: 65% urban, 35% freeway
Expected Gas Mileage: 24/32/27 (urban, freeway, combined)
Fuel Variety: Regular gasoline
Base Value: $33,515 (excluding $1350 delivery fee)
Additional Features on Test Automobile: Special color ($395)
Total Price of Test Model: $35,260
Key Highlights
The outstanding: Spacious and elegantly furnished interior, fuel-efficient
The decent: Well-balanced ride and handling, luxurious feel
The not very positive: Unresponsive power delivery, unstable infotainment system
The Perspective of Tom Appel
The VW Taos exudes a traditional sense of composure that distinguishes it from its competitors like the Hyundai Kona or Kia Seltos. The upright, refined look of the Taos, paired with its clean, formal metal body, gives Volkswagen’s smallest SUV in the U.S. market an air of restrained dignity uncommon in its segment.
Undoubtedly, the Taos, launched in the U.S. in 2022, appears more upscale than playful, a characteristic that might influence buyers to opt for the Volkswagen rather than seeking a small crossover with a more spirited demeanor elsewhere.
The conservative design of the VW Taos is not an issue for us; despite its formality, it exudes a German quality—in the most positive way possible—and its reserved design might suit youthful, novice drivers seeking early professional and social acceptance.
2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo: Driving Experience
The Taos makes a return for the 2024 model year with minimal changes, and though priced slightly higher than its counterparts like the Kona and Seltos, it maintainsThe beauty of nature may be precisely what numerous shoppers are seeking.
The 2024 Taos lineup rises from the base S trim level (starting at approximately $25,000), moving up to the SE (Priced around $30,000), and culminating with the well-equipped SEL ($35,000). A new addition for 2024 is the SE Black, with a starting price of around $32,000, positioned between the SE and SEL models.
5 Fascinating Facts About the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line Black
All 2024 Taos models are driven by a 158-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Front-wheel drive models pair the engine with a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission, while AWD variants utilize a 7-speed “dual-clutch” automatic. The top-tier SEL is exclusively offered with AWD and the DCT automatic.
Consumer Guide recently experienced a week with the Taos SEL. Including the destination charge and additional Pure Gray paint cost, our test vehicle totaled $35,515. While we appreciate the color, the concept of it being “pure” eludes us.
Similar to all Volkswagen crossovers, the Taos appears roomier inside compared to its exterior size. The front-row seating space is ample, even for larger individuals, and the generous door openings facilitate easy entry and exit from the vehicle. The interior exudes a modern ambiance and is tastefully furnished, albeit not all materials used feel premium; there is a noticeable presence of hard plastic if one scrutinizes closely. Nevertheless, the overall interior emanates elegance.
While most controls are easily accessible and aptly labeled, not everything is seamless concerning Taos’ connectivity. We have previously grappled with VW’s native infotainment system and continue to find it vexing. For instance, this editor’s phone frequently needed re-linking to the vehicle during our test week, extending commute times. Additionally, the information displayed on the Taos touchscreen often lagged behind the content being played via Bluetooth, rendering the screen essentially useless when enjoying music or podcasts.
2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SEL Premium R-Line: Test Drive
Utilizing Apple CarPlay, the system exhibited better performance once a connection was established, although Apple involvement did little in sustaining the car/phone Bluetooth connection consistently between drives. On a positive note, the Beats-brand audio system, standard on the SEL, excels in reproducing mid-century American jazz, a personal favorite of this editor.
On the road, the Taos performs admirably. The compact crossover handles and rides smoothly, and the overall cabin noise levels are notably low, particularly for its class. Interestingly, AWD Taos models feature a more advanced rear-suspension setup, resulting in better feedback in sharp corners and on winding roads, albeit slightly compromising cargo space.
During urban driving, the DCT automatic transmission can feel sluggish, shifting more frequently at low speeds than seems necessary and occasionally displaying harsh shifts when accelerating from a standstill. If you plan to test-drive a Taos, allocate time to evaluate the vehicle’s performance in low-speed traffic; you might find the drivetrain to be overly active for daily commuting duties. Nevertheless, the small turbocharged engine delivers more than ample power for all but the most aggressive passing maneuvers.
Despite potential transmission quirks in traffic, the Taos’ AWD system proves efficient, achieving over 29 mpg in city-oriented driving conditions. Furthermore, the Taos operates smoothly on regular-grade gasoline.
In essence, the Taos is a sophisticated, upscale-feeling compact crossover with a surprisingly spacious and comfortable interior, coupled with impressive fuel efficiency. We are somewhat let down by the inconsistent connectivity and lack of smoothness in slow-speed drivetrain operation, though the latter could be attributed to adding a touch of “character.”
Concerning safety, VW’s comprehensive IQ.Drive suite of driver-assistance technologies is standard across all Taos trim levels. It’s noteworthy that the Taos presents itself well even in lower trim levels; however, we don’t find the price tag of our test car particularly off-putting. While we endorse the midlevel SE model, we understand the allure of the more luxurious environment offered by the SEL.
Canyon, Prius, Trax: 3 Brief Reviews
2024 Volkswagen Taos SEL Gallery
(Tap below for enlarged visuals)
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness: 5 Intriguing Features
Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast Episode 220: New Subaru Forester, So Long Malibu, All About Nikola and Zero-Emissions Trucking
