2023 VW Taos: A Surprisingly Family-Friendly Small SUV

The Volkswagen Taos mid-size crossover can hardly be called a new model. It is actually a redesigned version of the Skoda Karoq. Note that this SUV is slightly lower than the Tiguan among the products of the German brand.

Body and interior

The body of the Volkswagen Taos 2023 can hardly be called unique. It has a similar style to all current models of the German company in this class. Despite its relatively modest dimensions, the crossover has an impressive front section, where the bulky radiator grille attracts special attention. The rest of the exterior details are made in a classic style and do not pretend to be unique. Please note that the special modification JOY! features a vibrant body color: it is available in Energetic Orange or Cappuccino Beige color schemes.

The interior of this compact SUV boasts simplicity and conciseness, as well as high quality materials used. Volkswagen offered motorists a standard set of equipment and technical solutions that are distinguished by reliability and true German quality. Top trim levels will delight the buyer with the IQ.Drive system, which helps the driver control the driving process, automatic IQ.Light headlights, a large 10-inch screen and other useful functionality.

Specifications

Initially Volkswagen Taos was offered in several technical versions:

• with a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated power unit with a capacity of 110 “horses” and a traction torque of 155 N*m. It came with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive;
• with a 1.4-liter 150-horsepower turbo engine (with a thrust of 250 N*m), working in tandem with either an 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, or a 7-speed robotic gearbox and all-wheel drive.
• The last option is the front-wheel drive Volkswagen Taos with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine operating in conjunction with a 6-automatic transmission.

This model has the following dimensions:

• width, height and length - 1841x1602x4417 mm;
• wheelbase - 2638 mm;
• ground clearance - 177 mm.

VW Taos has a relatively small luggage compartment with a volume of 500 liters. The curb weight of the German crossover is 1287 kg.

Handling in the city and off-road

Thanks to its small dimensions and reliable suspension, this SUV has excellent handling in the comfortable conditions of a metropolis. It holds well on the road, is easy to maneuver and has high sensitivity to steering wheel movements. Therefore, this representative of the SUV segment can be safely called an urban crossover.

If we talk about the off-road characteristics of the car, the Volkswagen Taos is ahead of many of its classmates in this indicator. At the same time, there is no need to seriously discuss the possibility of regular off-road trips in this car. Owners of the all-wheel drive modification of Taos, with careful driving, can theoretically drive through difficult sections of the road. However, the lack of downshifts and the average ground clearance of 177 mm do not allow this “German” to overcome real off-road conditions.

Safety

Volkswagen Taos, according to the results of tests by the US Safety Institute, could not receive the Top Safety Pick distinction. The main complaints about the SUV arose during rear impact testing.

In other tests, the crossover showed good results. Experts noted the well-coordinated work of electronic assistants, especially the option to prevent frontal collisions and the system for monitoring pedestrians on the road. Note that in subsequent tests according to the Latin NCAP system, this car showed a high result, receiving a maximum of five stars.

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