I just bought the SEL version a month ago. and I love it. Still have not quite figured out all of the possible setting on the dash. There are certainly more options than I will ever use. The bit of jerkyness at start-up bothered me a little at first, but by now it no longer does. This vidoe is one of the more complete reports, it beats reading the manual (well writen as it may be).
Great review. The one thing I would note is that the digital cockpit is actually different in the S and SE models. The SEL has digital cockpit pro, which is confusing as the other VW models that have the digital cockpit are the same as the Pro version on the Taos SEL. Basically, instead of having dual gadgets and customizability, it just has a somewhat configurable display in the center of the cluster.
Nice little SUV, love the full LED exterior lighting though I’m bummed VW went the way of other car makers and didn’t put a 360 camera on the SEL. I guess Nissan still is king when it comes to offering the 360 camera at an affordable price point.
Thank you for talking about the wind noise because I have an atlas cross sport and the wind noise on the driver side window is atrocious! My kia didn't have any wind noise! The 2023 SEL trim only comes in AWD unfortunately
Nice review. Re the AT "jerky" shifting: my 2014 Jetta acts the same way when downshifting at low speed. I'm used to it and it's not an issue its just a sensitive throttle. I find that feathering the throttle with your toes when turning makes all the difference and the throttle responds smoothly.
No, thank god! We had a 2020 Tiguan that leaked like a sieve from the sunroof, resulting in interior headliner and carpet damage. We traded it in on a Taos specifically because the dealer had some available without a sunroof. They had zero Tiguans without a sunroof.
Uhm - question for ya. When you figure out how to roll back UP the windows with the key fob function, PLEASE let us know. What's the point of rolling the windows down with the fob when you can't roll them back up.!?
I think the main reason they do that is so someone can roll them down and let the hot air out of the car when they’re a ways away before getting in it. As an alternative or remote starting it, then assuming it’s easy fir the driver to roll them all up once they’re inside
These videos aren’t just for the here and now. People see my old videos when looking at used cars too…and whenever inventory is better they will be more relevant. People are still buying cars…surprisingly…they’re just paying a lot for them. Manufacturers are still sending press cars around regardless
I am a VW Guy. VW needs to GET RID OF the FAKE exhaust cutouts in the bumper. Makes no sense. Either make the bumper smooth or actually exit the exit exhaust through the bumper cutouts. We all know they are fake. Duh! Which brings me to another point. The Taos has the 4Motion which back in my day(I'm 54) was called the Synchro on the Vanagon and Quantum and even on the Golf(in other countries but not the USA(scratching my head). The 4Motion name is boring. The 4Motion(Synchro) Taos has the 7 speed DSG(dual clutch) transmission which means that VW MUST make a Taos R. And I am not just talking about an "R Line" cosmetic R Taos. I am talking about a full fledged Taos R(or GT version) with a 240hp GTI engine. We deserve to have this in the USA. Heck in Europe the VW provides the Tiguan R line with ACTUAL performance goodies. Why not the USA? Okay okay, enough complaining. I agree that there is plenty of competition for the VW Taos and this is why VW needs to make it stand out. Most sales will be those who are VW nuts already. But if VW does make a Taos R(GT) or an "Off Road" version with some flaring and large/wider suspension the Taos will do VERY nicely in the USA. My personal preference as far as that huge panoramic sunroof is that I prefer to not have it at all. From what I understand having a sunroof makes it so there needs to be additional bracing and in the structure and therefore make it heavier. Also, I cannot imagine the repair costs to something that large in the future and for privacy while driving inside the vehicle I do not like all that light coming into the cabin. VW, please provide an upscale VW SUV with the option of NOT having a sunroof. Also, what happened to fog lights??
I just bought the SEL version a month ago. and I love it. Still have not quite figured out all of the possible setting on the dash. There are certainly more options than I will ever use. The bit of jerkyness at start-up bothered me a little at first, but by now it no longer does. This vidoe is one of the more complete reports, it beats reading the manual (well writen as it may be).
Great review. The one thing I would note is that the digital cockpit is actually different in the S and SE models. The SEL has digital cockpit pro, which is confusing as the other VW models that have the digital cockpit are the same as the Pro version on the Taos SEL. Basically, instead of having dual gadgets and customizability, it just has a somewhat configurable display in the center of the cluster.
Thanks much for the really good review. It's a pretty compelling package.
Nice little SUV, love the full LED exterior lighting though I’m bummed VW went the way of other car makers and didn’t put a 360 camera on the SEL. I guess Nissan still is king when it comes to offering the 360 camera at an affordable price point.
Too bad they’re Nissans otherwise the cars would be good.
Cool!! You went from day to night!! Magical
Thank you for talking about the wind noise because I have an atlas cross sport and the wind noise on the driver side window is atrocious! My kia didn't have any wind noise! The 2023 SEL trim only comes in AWD unfortunately
Ac rear vents are definitely a plus
Nice review. Re the AT "jerky" shifting: my 2014 Jetta acts the same way when downshifting at low speed. I'm used to it and it's not an issue its just a sensitive throttle. I find that feathering the throttle with your toes when turning makes all the difference and the throttle responds smoothly.
My Golf (2019) does the same thing. At one point you just get used to it and drive as is.
If you had to pick, would you choose this over the Mercedes glb 250?
Sadly, vw stopped sales of the awd version, at least for now
I am late here and great review...but ventilated seats are optional on the Taos.
Is the Panoramic Roof standard on ALL trims?!
No, thank god! We had a 2020 Tiguan that leaked like a sieve from the sunroof, resulting in interior headliner and carpet damage. We traded it in on a Taos specifically because the dealer had some available without a sunroof. They had zero Tiguans without a sunroof.
Uhm - question for ya. When you figure out how to roll back UP the windows with the key fob function, PLEASE let us know. What's the point of rolling the windows down with the fob when you can't roll them back up.!?
I think the main reason they do that is so someone can roll them down and let the hot air out of the car when they’re a ways away before getting in it. As an alternative or remote starting it, then assuming it’s easy fir the driver to roll them all up once they’re inside
Why make these videos when there are no cars at dealerships to buy.
These videos aren’t just for the here and now. People see my old videos when looking at used cars too…and whenever inventory is better they will be more relevant. People are still buying cars…surprisingly…they’re just paying a lot for them. Manufacturers are still sending press cars around regardless
Awesome.
I am a VW Guy. VW needs to GET RID OF the FAKE exhaust cutouts in the bumper. Makes no sense. Either make the bumper smooth or actually exit the exit exhaust through the bumper cutouts. We all know they are fake. Duh! Which brings me to another point. The Taos has the 4Motion which back in my day(I'm 54) was called the Synchro on the Vanagon and Quantum and even on the Golf(in other countries but not the USA(scratching my head). The 4Motion name is boring. The 4Motion(Synchro) Taos has the 7 speed DSG(dual clutch) transmission which means that VW MUST make a Taos R. And I am not just talking about an "R Line" cosmetic R Taos. I am talking about a full fledged Taos R(or GT version) with a 240hp GTI engine. We deserve to have this in the USA. Heck in Europe the VW provides the Tiguan R line with ACTUAL performance goodies. Why not the USA? Okay okay, enough complaining. I agree that there is plenty of competition for the VW Taos and this is why VW needs to make it stand out. Most sales will be those who are VW nuts already. But if VW does make a Taos R(GT) or an "Off Road" version with some flaring and large/wider suspension the Taos will do VERY nicely in the USA. My personal preference as far as that huge panoramic sunroof is that I prefer to not have it at all. From what I understand having a sunroof makes it so there needs to be additional bracing and in the structure and therefore make it heavier. Also, I cannot imagine the repair costs to something that large in the future and for privacy while driving inside the vehicle I do not like all that light coming into the cabin. VW, please provide an upscale VW SUV with the option of NOT having a sunroof. Also, what happened to fog lights??
All trims of the Taos are available without the sunroof. I have an SE and it really is a fun drive - a GTI version would be amazing!
Great #color
Wow. 🚙