In the diverse market of midcompact SUVs, the 2023 VW Taos stands out as a family-friendly option. While Volkswagen promotes its outdoor adventure features like body cladding and functional roof rails, the Taos excels in providing a spacious back seat and cargo area.
It surpasses its rivals in the midcompact segment and even competes with some compact SUVs in terms of space. The back seat comfortably accommodates a rear-facing child seat while leaving ample room for a front passenger. The cargo area is exceptionally large for a vehicle of its size, capable of holding six suitcases and a cooler. Only the Ford Bronco Sport matches its storage capacity in the segment.
Despite its generous interior space, the Taos remains compact on the outside, making it easy to park, fuel-efficient, and affordable. Unlike previous budget Volkswagens, it does not compromise on quality, offering a stylish design both inside and out.
However, when it comes to driving experience, the Taos falls short with unresponsive steering and a sluggish throttle. If it adopted control inputs similar to the GTI or the ID.4, it would be an outstanding choice. Nevertheless, the 2023 Taos remains one of the top contenders in its competitive segment.
Interior & Technology
The base model Taos S now includes standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The IQ.Drive package, which includes lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, is optional on the S trim and standard on the SE trim. The SEL trim receives a standard panoramic sunroof.
Drawing on components from Volkswagen’s parts bin, the Taos offers high-quality switchgear and user-friendly touchscreen interfaces, similar to those found in the Tiguan and Atlas models. The standard VW Digital Cockpit instrument panel allows for customizable displays with varying levels of information. The interior materials are of good quality, although the presence of hard plastics is noticeable. There are two infotainment systems available, with the base S trim featuring a 6.5-inch touchscreen and the SE and SEL trims equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless charging and enhanced functionality available on the higher trims.
Passenger & Cargo Space
Compared to other midcompact SUVs like the Kia Seltos and Mazda CX-30, the 2023 VW Taos is slightly longer, providing additional space for passengers and cargo. The back seat is particularly impressive, accommodating a rear-facing car seat with ease while still offering ample legroom for a tall front passenger. The spacious back doors contribute to the overall convenience. The cargo area varies slightly depending on whether the vehicle has all-wheel drive, with 27.9 cubic feet available without it and 24.9 cubic feet with it. The Taos outperforms most competitors in terms of cargo space and is even more voluminous than some compact SUVs. Additionally, the raised roof rails make it easy to install aftermarket roof racks.
Performance & Fuel Economy
The 2023 VW Taos offers a single engine option, a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive comes standard, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel drive is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual. The fuel economy is impressive, with the front-wheel drive model achieving 28 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 31 mpg combined.
The all-wheel drive model is slightly less fuel-efficient but still remains one of the most efficient in its class, with ratings of 25 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. The Taos offers a range of over 400 miles, ensuring long trips without frequent refueling.
Driving Dynamics
When it comes to seat of the pants feel, both front-wheel and all-wheel drive models of the Taos perform similarly, prioritizing comfort over sportiness. The well-controlled suspension handles bumps effectively, providing a smooth ride even over rough surfaces. The chassis maintains stability during spirited driving on twisty roads, although the steering lacks feedback and feels disconnected.
The all-wheel drive model offers different drive modes, including a Sport mode that improves steering feedback. However, if a more engaging driving experience is desired, other options like the Kia Seltos and Mazda CX-30 are better choices. The throttle response is also subpar, with noticeable turbo lag and transmissions that are not quick to downshift.
Overall, the driving experience resembles that of a regular sedan rather than a sporty vehicle.
Conclusion
Pros: The segment offers a huge back seat and cargo area, strong fuel economy, quality interior, and functional roof rails.
Cons: The driving experience is bland, with numb steering and mushy throttle response. Safety scores are average.
Discover more from Volkswagen Cambodia here