Can confirm, the superior GTI/R inspired bolsters of the VW Taos held me firmly in the driver seat while my wife and her third boyfriend suffered even more lateral Gs in the back. The reason we were thrashing this Nurburgring tested VWAG SUV was because the police were chasing us on the Illinois togue for unpaid tolls. Luckily I spotted a Whole Foods and made a strategic play to pull into their parking lot. You wouldn't believe it but it was like that scene out of Baby Driver where he goes into an underpass with the other red cars and the police lost us amongst the sea of monochromatic SUVs.
Bought this vehicle , picked it up 6 days ago and saw this recent updated video. Im coming from a Jeep Cherokee V6 and Ive been happy with this purchase immediately. I got the Comfortline and I have to say, even though it is conservative, the finishes and drive are great compared to Seltos-HRV-Trailblazer-Kona-CX30. Other brands may have more of a wow-factor but this feels like more like a luxury car than any other competitor that I sat in. Interior has a high quality finish, seats are comfortable, love the large pano-roof that other competitors dont have and the space inside is LARGE! I like that the tech is much more muted compared to Kia and Hyundai, I feel as if theres just too much going on with the screens. There is plenty of space in the backseats and fits multiple golf sets in the trunk without putting the seats down. The ride feels way more refined and fuel economy is wildly good. I was in the market for two weeks and the Kona was the closest competitor I considered but it was also 3k more than what I got this for. HRV was 5k more, Seltos was about the same price and the availability of HRV-Corrolla Cross-CX30 is awful here in Toronto. Happy shopping, VERY happy with this purchase!
Just test drove the Taos and pretty happy it was the mid trim awd comfort line? Black out but I also love the highline trim seats. Very nice drive and fit and finish. How's your mpgs? My commute will be 125km round trip mostly highway is where this car would live.
What I love about you guys is that you give an honest review that is both informative and hilarious. Some channels go too hard on comedy, some get to tech-focused and boring, but you guys have struck a perfect balance. Your chemistry is what keeps me coming back. Thanks for the great content!
That's mostly because its a "left over model" which they haven't gotten around to updating yet. That where all the cuts came and every individual physical control was made electronic and jammed in the infotainment display.
We got a Taos SEL 4Motion to replace our Jetta. I freaking hate that I like it. It’s simple, has a fair amount of tech for the class, decent on gas, I actually like the DSG and it doesn’t have to be jerky at low speeds as you adapt to its habits over time, decent power for the segment, and let’s not forget the AWD model has launch control 😂 We got ours in Cornflower Blue so it doesn’t get lost in the parking lot. And for the class, it has enormous back seat legroom.
@@Calwinn No complaints thus far. It’s genuinely made me rethink a compact SUV. I don’t hate the idea anymore 😂 The 2025 refresh of the Taos is nice, and being that VW nixed the DSG I’m guessing the refreshed Taos will have more appeal overall.
i bought a 2023 vw taos s fwd last summer for $23k plus ttl. absolute base model is best way to roll a german car. the taos is a lifted jetta wagon. 1.5 turbo and 8sp auto trans are a smooth, quick combination. zero turbo lag. highway passing power. 40mpg at 70mph level cruising. perfect car for me.
I have a 2022 Taos that I love, but the turbo lag is heavy on mine. Maybe it's just a year thing. It takes a nap for a second when I hit the gas pedal. Not a big deal at all, but it's definitely noticeable.
I'm German and always find it interesting what VW is selling around the world, ofc those are basically all the same platform anyway but there are many models we have never heard of here
europe and US get a lot of similar vehicles with different names, but what you guys get a lot of is different drive trains. its amazing how big those differences can be on some models
Hey Ian, in your honor during Lent, I’ll chant: Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea Nissan maxima culpa. (Ah yes, being an altar boy in the early 1960’s was valuable teaching me dead foreign languages like Latin! 😂)
@@baronvonjo1929These are more unremarkable because they’re higher off the ground and worse to drive. Given that we’re pretty much all car enthusiasts here (maybe my assumption is wrong), I’m sure we would default to car lower to ground than higher. I would rather be in a Camry than a RAV4, for example.
Excellent review and very much on point. I've driven a 4Motion version on a few occasions and fully agree with your comments. I also agree that VW describing this as a Golf replacement for North America is a depressing statement. While unpopular in the US where everything apparently needs to be huge, the Golf was popular here in Canada and is sorely missed for sure.
This really isn't that much longer than a Golf though. People just don't really like hatchbacks too much. They like longer more impractical sedans like many countries globally.
I could forgive VW their weird model replacement strategy and annoying interior design with touch buttons for everything if they were reliable like they used to be back in the 90's. I mean my pop's back in the EU still keeps his B3 Passat 1.9 TDI estate. That thing has like 890k miles on it without any major issues over the years. And we've been all over Europe in it. Plus I guess it's his nostalgia of it being his first brand new car he bought. But I remember after the Passat B6 (late 00's) which was dog sh*t reliability wise he went to the Japanese and never looked back. Drives a Lexus now...
@@TermlessHGW Currently sitting at 270k miles on my MK7 VW GTI no issues other than routine maintenance, so not sure how much more reliable you need? Yes I had to change out the water pump/housing at 150k miles, shocks/struts and engine mounts, but that is all routine maintenance. If you stay away from those stupid 10k mile oil change intervals and do the proper maintenance, the Golf anyway, actually hold up pretty well.
Another main competitor is the Crosstrek. I have a 2019 Crosstrek and a 2022 FWD Taos. The Taos (my ride) has enough power to get out of its own way; the wife's Crosstrek does not. The only thing the Crosstrek does better is ride. The Taos is more quiet, gets better mileage, has lighter but less wooden steering and easier entry/exit/driving position AND rear-seat vents. Try to find that in another subcompact. Plus I've owned three GTIs and a B6 Passat so I have a VW affinity.
You did the right thing. My Audi A4 and my wife's Jetta Wolfsburg both ended up having several thousand dollars in repairs around 65-80k miles. We got rid of them both and bought a CX-5 and have piled the miles onto it doing nothing than tires, wipers, and oil.
@@good-tn9sr the absolute two biggest differences is that the Audi door closing felt like you were closing a tank door, and the AWD just felt like you could go through anything. I gooned my way through 8in of snow with the Audi just because I could. BUT, at the end of the day, I am a Dad and a husband. I have two small kids under 5 and our combined income is a bit over 100k/yr. The truth is the Euros are just massive depreciating assets. They aren't investments. If you don't care about money (wish I could say I don't) then you can lease one or buy it and get rid of it in 3-5 years. I'm a "keep it 10 years" kind of guy. I save my car payment money and put it aside as soon as I pay a vehicle off. We're going to keep my wife's CX-5 and I'll likely go Lexus IS moving forward. My daughter is 4 and I honestly could be buying her first car for her when you buy a Lexus/Toyota product. Getting over the "prestige" of a badge was one of the best revelations that happened to me. Reliability is luxury.
As someone who has owned (albeit briefly) a 2017 Golf Wagon 4mo and a 2023 Taos SEl 4mo, I think that’s when the faults of the Taos really start showing. It’s a fine car, compared to everything else in its class it’s by far the best. However, when you’re not looking at it on paper there are some small things that really made me scratch my head. I hit my head on the headrest several times trying to crawl in first gear, then it sometimes got into a death lurch where you’d slam your head back, let off, try to crawl again and do it again like it was a bucking bronco. There’s no grab handle on the drivers side, and the dash was a creaky rattly mess after a thousand miles. The rattles of the dash and drone of the engine gave me horrible headaches and I felt nauseous driving it. Compared to my Golf, it felt like a big step backwards in build quality and performance. I don’t care for all the tech or extra backseat legroom, so at the end of the day I took a $2k loss dumping the lease 6 months in. If VW just brought the MK8 Alltrack over , I’d have probably still been driving that car gladly.
@@japanwatchconnection The no one bought them argument is kinda marketing bs on their part. They sold like hotcakes in the northeast. It was both the introduction of the new Tiguan, which was much more useable than the old one, and the fact that the mk7 was at the end of its run, that led to its demise. VW didn't have the money to invest in importing the mk8 wagon because of their debt as a result of dieselgate, and because they wanted to sell a NA only car (the Taos). It allows them to sell a cheaper car with a higher markup, so in their eyes its a win-win. There's only a high demand for crossovers because that's all companies want to sell. So, of course people will buy what's available. Not everyone wants a sedan or a crossover. Now, if they brought the mk8 Alltrack back over I bet they'd sell every single one. Like how Audi brought the A6 Allroad and it's doing well, Volvo with their wagons, etc. There just aren't any cheap options for wagons anymore except for the Outback, which sells insanely well. Rant over. TLDR; VW wants USA only cars to save money, lost what made their brand special, wagons still have demand.
I test drove the US base model (S) in both the FWD and the AWD / DSG versions. My wife and I also noticed the engine drone. Wife actually got a headache when I pushed the FWD over 70 mph. This was a surprise. Some reviews have said "noisy," but no one said "engine drone." Other than the droning, I like the Taos. But the it's probably a no-go, if the wife will get a headache every time we drive on the highway.
If VW marketed the Taos as an off road vehicle, then that's on them. I have a hard time understanding why anyone would buy this car to go off road in on a regular basis. It's more of a car suitable for some snowy Midwest winters. Could it help you off road a bit to get to a hiking trailhead? Sure. I wouldn't have purchased this car with the idea of using it in that way on a regular basis though. You may have just overestimated what this car is made to do. It's really more of a family car that is meant to drive on pavement, but has moderate capabilities when not on pavement. IE driving through snow, some dirt, etc.
@lf234 I never took the car off roading nor did I intend to. I live in an area with majority dirt roads, but even that was too much for the car to handle. Why sell a crossover that doesn’t work off the pavement ? I replaced the brand new Taos with a 2016 Outback and got everything I do on a day to day basis the used Subaru is better. The only thing the Taos has going for it is a real transmission, and a turbo, and mildly better handling dynamics. But if VW wanted a small car that handled well, the Golf was just that. I don’t see why everything needs to be a crossover these days.
@@halfgeek1394As an Alltrack owner, I’m happy to hear that no, they actually didn’t kill it off due to poor sales because it is an incredible car! The best car I’ve ever owned. You’re spot on, they would keep selling like hotcakes if VW had the gumption to keep selling them.
This, like the HRV and Corolla Cross, is a great vehicle for someone who doesn't care about the driving experience. I like to call them "my wife" cars. It gives you all the daily amenities you want for putting around town with basically no fuss. If you have a problem with this car, no problem, go buy a Golf R or a Hellcat or a lambo. But my wife would love driving this around.
And this is the perfect description of Taos, HRV, and Corolla Cross. They are cars for people who don’t care for a great driving experience, they just want space, good fuel economy and they wanna sit a little higher but not too high . Usually this is a car for a single person with a dog, or small family, single parent home, or someone with a mobile business of sorts. I’d go with a Porsche MACAN if it was my money
i test-compared my vw taos to the toyota corolla cross and honda hrv. vw consistently makes cars for drivers. toyota and honda make wheeled appliances for owners. nissan, kia and hyundai make conveyances for people buying the cheapest possible monthly payment.
The thing is, your GTI has a DQ250 Wet Clutch 6-Speed. This Taos has the shitty DQ200 Dry-Clutch 7-Speed. On higher HP Cars there is a new DQ381 which is wet with 7-Speeds which is actually really nice. I drive a Passat TDI with a DQ250 and i experience similar things.
@@tomd-k830 The review already stated its not worth the $32k. yet things like a wet clutch are things you don't see which justifies the higher price. The independent suspension is another. When you compare cars based on price don't forget to consider those things that are underneath the car (out of sight) as well as those things you can see. A DCC or torque converter, is more robust than a CVT.
Sold my 2015 e-Golf SEL with 35k miles on it and replaced it with the 2024 TAOS SE FWD in Cornflower Blue. No regrets, at 65 and 6'5" tall, the TAOS is very, very easy to get in and out of, whereas being somewhat older, getting in and out of the e-Golf after 8.5 years of ownership, was getting more difficult on my knees. The cornflower Blue model is EASY as the dickens to find your car in the parking lot. Easier ways to find it is to get an IKON GPS tracking device and the app, so your car shows up on the app, on your phone. Although you might not want to be tracked 24/7. Build quality in the SE with sliding sunroof is almost equal in quality of build to my 2015 Passat TDI SEL. The 2024 version is super loaded with blind spot notice, lane centering feature and anti tailgaiting feature in cruise control mode. Best feature is the incredible MPG you can achieve, if your drive the front wheel drive version modestly. i've already had several 44 to 46 mpg tankfuls on two lane highway driving. Bought mine in Oklahoma City, they had the best price around, nationwide, when I bought mine.
I had a rental Taos just recently, a base model FWD with 5k miles. I felt right at home, as I daily an A4. The interior was good, apart from a disturbing rattle in the dash/center console area. Otherwise, I too noticed the odd powertrain response and it sometimes got me into trouble pulling onto a busy road. This was only remedied by putting the car in manual mode. Boy did it love to one wheel peel too. The only other downside was an odd front to back rocking motion in the entire vehicle at low speeds while off and on the brakes. Its as if there was a tuning conflict or a small dead zone between front and rear dampers.
I have a 23 Taos as my rental due to my Corolla Cross being hit. I usually don't like VW but this car is actually really nice. LOVE the huge pano roof that can open up, back seats have tons of room and the trunk as well. The ACC doesn't ping pong me when driving either.
We have a 2024 Taos SE fwd with the 8 speed automatic and its truly been a great vehicle , i test drove the dual clutch and i like the regular 8 speed its perfectly matched to the engine. Im 6"3 and have tons of room. It handles great and has plenty of get up and go. Seats are comfortable and the SE was 26,800 instead of 34K.
I was thinking about how a car reviewer could have regrets twice. I’m talking about xc90 and then the x7. Then I realized I would do the same if I sat in nicer cars on the regular. You can’t “just buy a minivan and be done with it” if you’ve seen the good stuff.
@@MrKoolkrik I mean the X7 was a really good car, and as far as I know it is great reliable allrounder. Not sure what you’d want to replace it with. I do understand car reviewers want some variation though.
I just turned 70 and when me and my 30 year old trophy wife were making out in the back of the Taos, I nearly died from those G-Forces. LITERALLY! Whew! Thank goodness she gets a bit tired beforehand after making out with her boyfriend, otherwise she’d kill me.
I may just be easy to please when it comes to cars, but I love my 2022 Taos S (base model) AWD. I bought it new, and it really couldn't be a more perfect car for me. It's weirdly roomy inside for being a compact SUV, gives me plenty of room to "haul" stuff with the seats down, and gets solid gas mileage. Personally, I think it looks super nice, too. Inside and out. I think people are a little bit too knit picky. The only thing that I've found so far that I wish they would change is purely cosmetic. The dash has this shiny, glossy black plastic that has some scratches on it already from (ironically enough) cleaning the inside. Aside from that, I love my Taos! To each their own.
I have an AWD Mk7.5 Golf wagon. I had a Taos service loaner for a few days. The Taos is step down from the Golf- it's a floaty, boring econobox. The best parts of the Golf are the interior, the practicality and the fact that it's still a car and relatively fun to drive/sporty. It's a shame the US market doesn't get any more VW wagons and this is considered the "replacement"
@@deviouslaw probably coming from a person who never owned one, but once got a ride in one from a friend of a friend. Golf are not floaty at all unless your talking about a MK1 from the 70's🙄
The US market wants SUVs, trucks, crossovers, BIGGER vehicles. Just look at the parking lot of your grocery store in every suburb in the US, big gas guzzling and more thirsty vehicles. Copy and paste, gotta keep up with the Jones’. No one wants a wagon or a hatchback, let’s be real. Car enthusiasts themselves opt out of it. I’ve seen it. Once they get married, the enthusiast sports car / sedan turns into a family SUV.
@@Stantonv yep, you need to have stable platform and reasonable comfort to keep control of the situation when you making love in your car, savagegeese trademark really
The FWD drive taos is stiff on the highway. And try to find proper all season tires for a 215 50r18 wheel size that no manufacturer makes tires for. Never again. The full independent suspension on my new crosstrek makes for a comfy commute.
👍🏻👍🏻 For some reason I feel I should mention that I watched the entire episode. I don't want anyone to get depressed and possibly have an episode of his own.
Got 2022 SE from Enterprise as a 4 day rental, (44K miles). I really liked it. I get to drive many cars due to my job traveling around to different cities. This is the first one that I would actually buy. I loved the gas mileage. Interior was perfect. I think that is a reflection of how it will wear over time.
they are fleet cars. Any fleet car will be at the bottom of those lists because companies buy them and do minimal maintenance and sell once the warranty is up.
VW gets a lot of flack for reliability issues but most of that is really just bad maintenance on part of the owner, changing the oil at half the factory interval is a wise decision.
@@gilboman Owned 3 VWs and they've been by far the best cars I've owned. I do all of my own maintenance and repairs. Worst car I've owned by far is a Mazda 3. Engine was shot by 100,000 miles burning a quart every 800 miles. Most Japanese cars are extremely reliable for about 100,000-150,000 miles and then they die. Lucky I kept my 347,000-mile VW or I would've been screwed when that Mazda died. Everyone I know with a Japanese 4-cylinder has oil-burning issues. Toyotas, Hondas, Subarus, Mazdas, and Nissans all chug oil in their 4-cylinder cars.
Wish we got the Seat wagons here. They are a stretched version of the Golf with tons of rear leg room. This is a rebadged Seat SUV. Also, this does look nice in the Cornflower Blue / Porsche Shark Blue.
We drove the front wheel drive Comfortline version as a rental for a week in eastern Ontario and Quebec and it was mostly good. The brakes were a little bothersome at first, but I easily got past its' quirks. I really appreciated the dash and controls layout since it pretty much mirrors the Golf that we drive daily. I did find myself on a fast freeway at one point where some drivers were flagrantly speeding well beyond the limit, but I didn't want to (or need to) keep up. I would seriously consider the Taos, but I would drive the four wheel version first before deciding. One other point about the cabin. My 5'2" wife found the passenger seat too low and we bought a cushion to raise her position since there was no adjustment provided.
I remember asking the VW salesman to place a factory order for a golf rand the dude actually said “ the golf is great but I think a Taos will fit you”. Thanks VW
6:56 only just noticed the full length moon roof on this. Its ironic how commodity cars today feature things that would be considered luxury features on higher end cars not too long ago.
I got the blackout grey version and its nice. I took midterm but I did notice a slightly better interior finish on the top trim. I live on the highway. I'm actually 125km per day and 96% of that is highway and it's been really good so far. 700km a tank and it's been pretty consistent, maybe a little more. No problems with passing power and efficiency.
Rented a diesel manual Golf in Italy over Christmas. Thought the dashboard would fall into my lap over bumps. Happiest part of the trip was returning the car at the airport.
Got a base taos as a loaner while GTI got serviced. The turbo spool very fast. 0 lag. For partial throttle car is quick feels light. Pretty quiet. Infotainment is straight forward. Physical button on steering wheel. For commuting why would anyone get a twin turbo I6 or V8 just to go 45mph. This is enough
with the DSG, put it in manual mode and no more confusion, and is a lot of fun that way, and it will upshift after red lining. But after a while I think the DSG learns your driving habits too.
I've had a '22 Taos for just about 2 years now... and while I'm used to it, the lag time between pressing the gas pedal to the car moving is still brutal. I still have moments where the car will do something unpredictable.
I look at a Plymouth Reliant with more excitement. I mean imagine buying this so you think you are getting something more upscale and unique, when it is worse and less interesting than literally all of the competition.
I think I’ll describe horizontal pumping forces as Lateral G’s in my future conversations. I wonder if Money Penny can use that in a line to James Bond?
Very Realistic approach by buying her base model and using the money to upgrade the headboard after the week.. No wonder why I like your channel after 10 years watching reviews from various car reviewers..
I survived the recalls from 2022, fuel line connectors, fuel filter under rear seat replacement, etc., etc. but the electrical gremlins got me to trade mine in last week. Door handles that stop locking, SOS alarm lights, too much for a 3 year old car.
I have a 22’ Taos 4Motion. The interior in the S is significantly cheaper feeling/looking than your typical VW pre 2021. But the exterior is very cute and cloud like. I like mine! The drive experience is a big rough due to the jerky transmission, but I learned to adapt. I always drive on sport mode and when sitting in heavy traffic, i ride in Eco mode.
It looks to be perfectly functional as a compact CUV, but I can’t shake the feeling that more than a few of its direct competitors might be more useful, more economical, more enjoyable, or some combination thereof. Alas, that seems to be the case for a lot of VW’s current lineup in the American market. :-/
@ no issues 5 months in. Don’t worry about the bad reviews. The 2022 Taos had some issues with head gaskets leaking antifreeze in the engine. The warranty covered it anyway. It came from just one plant and the issue has been resolved for the 2023 models and later. Honda just had a massive recall. Toyota has recalls almost every year for the last 15 years. So all major brands have issues. Yes I am absolutely loving it. 6000kms already.
@@newreflectionsproductionslet us know if your rear brakes go out in the next year or so, just got a 24 Highline (SEL) has only 400km on it. Hope it doesn’t have all these issues that I’ve seen. So far the only 2 things that I’ve had go wrong was the infotainment screen freezing, I had to turn off my phone to unfreeze the screen because I think it was an issue with CarPlay. Second I had the SOS triangle light come on for a few minutes one time but hasn’t happened since
@@wolfpacindahouse1 I will let you know but I am close to 7000kms at the moment with zero issues. Your Infotainment screen freezing is nothing to worry about. As for the brakes no issues so far. A co-worker of mine has the 2023 Taos 4 motion, he has 29000kms and no issues with the rear (or front) brakes. My triangular light came on yesterday during heavy snow with the message that my front car proximity warning system was not working. On the front grill, where the VW Symbol is, was covered with snow and ice (that is where the radar sensor is), I cleaned it and the problem is fixed. I don’t really have any worries, these are great vehicles. Let me know if you have any more issues.
@TRB-yg4ph It was an untold (though based on their history a strongly-implied) joke meant to make fun of a certain type of person. I don't think baldie is dating teenagers, he is making fun of folks who do.
I keep being amazed what a car handling memory you have. Or also notes-assisted? How you can remember how a years old car handles compared to one tested now, that is puzzling. Really optimized memory because it's your profession?
My biggesr issue with this thing is that the enjoyable version is vw tiguan money. Its so expensive for what it is and other competitors exist that dont penalize you with a crappy rear end unless you step up to awd
For $34k, the Corolla Cross Hybrid might make better sense. It remedies some of the anemic ‘issues’ from the non hybrid version. Currently saw it starting at $29k, haven’t visited the dealer so don’t know about availability or actual out the door price after dealer imaginary fees and markups.
I like a more refined looking car. I'm testing one on 12/6. I tried a Mazda CX 5, I believe and it's like they tried to be the most high tech out there to the point that it was annoying. My sister lived for VW, I've always been a Jeepster, which I will be trading a 2020 Grand Cherokee. Just too big for what I need. This looks like a fun car, but wish you would have reviewed the sound system. I'm 60, but still crank it when I'm driving. 😆
Actually the new trax is nice AF, I would definitely cross shop it with this. Review it please. It’s not about speed with the trax, it’s about how useful it is for someone just trying to do life.
I bought an early '22 SE FWD in Cornflower Blue brand new and have been very pleased with the way this drives on an everyday basis 35k miles later, it literally does everything and for the price it's hard to beat. I'm thinking it must have been the tires on your previous tester that made it a less than good drive because mine handles everything I throw at it. High speed clover exit ramps can be done at 50-55 before the tires let go and understeer sets in, heck I don't even have to turn the cruise off on some of the highway interchanges. I find it to be quite good fun around town also, the 0-40 is quite impressive typically leaving everyone behind, along with its immaturity of tire stealing launches. Mine has the Grey interior cloud tex and it's a very interesting materials mixed with the vibrant blue it is quite a hansom car, which is why I didn't go for the drab colors. Comparing this to the other brands only a Mazda has legs to stand on, but they ride much firmer, heavier steering, and less practicality for the same price and that can be compromising for some but this is a better highway car. The others were just too slow for me besides a Hyundai product with the 1.6t which was a risk I wasn't willing to take considering I am a higher mileage driver. Also some of the features you'd expect to be standard or even available on the higher trims of other brands were not like lumbar, remote start, no cvt, multi way seats not 4 way only, etc. Also the Drivers Assist aka IQ drive is dialed in completely, and actually works while not ping ponging you around on the highway, it automatically changes the distance the faster you drive if its set at 90 it start hitting the brakes earlier verses the other brands that will just let you fly up on them. I'll keep it for the next 5-7 years like I do all of my cars, unless my situation changes requiring something larger I'll probably go Atlas or an Audi.
It seems to me that a good alternative to this, particularly the FWD variant, is the Honda Civic hatchback. Good interior, reasonable price, good space, better fuel economy, likely more reliable, standard independent rear, and optional turbo.
THAT INTERIOR! Dammit VeeDub, put that in the new Golfs! I loved the Mk7 so much I purchased 2 GTI's brand new. And would've purchased a Mk8 Golf R if it had this interior. But they didn't and ruined what could've been the perfect singular car. So I bought a Genesis G70 instead, which is excellent, but I do miss hatchback practicality.
We tested the 2024 Taos. We ended up buying the 24 Tiguan. The Taos is nice but we found it a bit coarse riding. And the Tiguan has more space. Thanks for the review.
@@scottgabbard662 😂 They definitely do not jibe with everyone. I like them, for the most part. My only issue is people not knowing the general rules of how they operate, which mucks up the flow.
One thing that's kinda funny about the AWD models is that since they use VWs DSG, like all their other models with their dual clutch - the Taos with it's lil 1.5t gets launch mode lmao. Haven't gotten to the driving impressions yet but I'm really hoping they launch this thing during their test drive 😅
I wouldn’t get the DCT if you do a lot of stop and go commuting. I have a MK7.5 GTI with the more refined DQ381 (over the older DQ250) and shifting feels like crap when you’re stop and go. I have 30k miles on my car and I’m terrified that the unit will fail. When you’re going from a near stop and lurching between 1st-3rd shifting is unpredictable for the unit it often shifts harshly.
When every company's design team wants to make the most nauseating overstyled crossover imaginable, kudos to Volkswagen for giving customers a quite, mainstream option. They don't over due it with distracting gimmicks or overstyled aggressive exteriors. They give you a nice subtle vehicle that is easy to get used to for the long haul. It's conservative styling means that it will look good for a long time. New cars these days are in a race to create the most sporty exterior, with the most aggressive lines, but I like that the Taos brings back that simplicity that is lacking today
this has been my favorite car so far. panoramic sun roof and 40+ mpg on the highway is all I wanted plus a good price. definitely not a race car though 😂
The Taos one ups the others in this class with real space. But at the price and considering its size it’s worth giving the Mazda CX-5 a look for those that want space but not the Tiguan/CR-V/Rav4 sized box.
@kristopherbell7158 I bought one the same time as my GT4. Base model, no options. It was basically the cheapest car available back then, when dealers barely had cars on the lot in 21.
Can confirm, the superior GTI/R inspired bolsters of the VW Taos held me firmly in the driver seat while my wife and her third boyfriend suffered even more lateral Gs in the back. The reason we were thrashing this Nurburgring tested VWAG SUV was because the police were chasing us on the Illinois togue for unpaid tolls. Luckily I spotted a Whole Foods and made a strategic play to pull into their parking lot. You wouldn't believe it but it was like that scene out of Baby Driver where he goes into an underpass with the other red cars and the police lost us amongst the sea of monochromatic SUVs.
💀💀💀
Hawt
I think I saw this on the news
this comment made my week, bravo good sir, bravo
Nice
My heart rate went down leaning about the Taos.
Finally a car reviewer that points out the potential quality of lovemaking in the back seat.
Bought this vehicle , picked it up 6 days ago and saw this recent updated video. Im coming from a Jeep Cherokee V6 and Ive been happy with this purchase immediately. I got the Comfortline and I have to say, even though it is conservative, the finishes and drive are great compared to Seltos-HRV-Trailblazer-Kona-CX30. Other brands may have more of a wow-factor but this feels like more like a luxury car than any other competitor that I sat in.
Interior has a high quality finish, seats are comfortable, love the large pano-roof that other competitors dont have and the space inside is LARGE! I like that the tech is much more muted compared to Kia and Hyundai, I feel as if theres just too much going on with the screens. There is plenty of space in the backseats and fits multiple golf sets in the trunk without putting the seats down. The ride feels way more refined and fuel economy is wildly good.
I was in the market for two weeks and the Kona was the closest competitor I considered but it was also 3k more than what I got this for. HRV was 5k more, Seltos was about the same price and the availability of HRV-Corrolla Cross-CX30 is awful here in Toronto. Happy shopping, VERY happy with this purchase!
Just test drove the Taos and pretty happy it was the mid trim awd comfort line? Black out but I also love the highline trim seats. Very nice drive and fit and finish. How's your mpgs? My commute will be 125km round trip mostly highway is where this car would live.
@@SyrupCanuckhow are you finding the Taos?
@ never bought one as I'm not sure it was the right fit for me. Have to see how the redesign is.
What I love about you guys is that you give an honest review that is both informative and hilarious. Some channels go too hard on comedy, some get to tech-focused and boring, but you guys have struck a perfect balance. Your chemistry is what keeps me coming back. Thanks for the great content!
The VW Taos' interior is a prime example of "if it isn't broken don't fix it." Another great review from Savage Geese.
That's mostly because its a "left over model" which they haven't gotten around to updating yet. That where all the cuts came and every individual physical control was made electronic and jammed in the infotainment display.
@@krane15not true it's simple like it is cause its a budget car
@@SnowySnailsthey just refreshed the Taos and got rid of physical HVAC cotnrols
@@Blank00 yup it’s cheaper
Lmao " we went headboard shopping "
Wise investment advice from Mark, VW TAOS FWD, benefits
Creepy. Way to go on the doesn’t fuck Christian gold digger, tho
lmao
We got a Taos SEL 4Motion to replace our Jetta. I freaking hate that I like it. It’s simple, has a fair amount of tech for the class, decent on gas, I actually like the DSG and it doesn’t have to be jerky at low speeds as you adapt to its habits over time, decent power for the segment, and let’s not forget the AWD model has launch control 😂 We got ours in Cornflower Blue so it doesn’t get lost in the parking lot. And for the class, it has enormous back seat legroom.
My wife was insistent on the Taos so I leased her one. I have the Atlas Cross Sport. Does your wife drive the Taos?
How are you finding the Taos these days? Any issues?
@@2004cyrus The Taos is primarily my husband’s vehicle, but I drive it more than he does because anytime we go somewhere together I drive.
@@Calwinn No complaints thus far. It’s genuinely made me rethink a compact SUV. I don’t hate the idea anymore 😂 The 2025 refresh of the Taos is nice, and being that VW nixed the DSG I’m guessing the refreshed Taos will have more appeal overall.
@@davidc-l9174 that’s awesome. Do you find the DSG to be abrupt like these reviewers are saying?
This car is like a cloudy day.
i bought a 2023 vw taos s fwd last summer for $23k plus ttl. absolute base model is best way to roll a german car. the taos is a lifted jetta wagon. 1.5 turbo and 8sp auto trans are a smooth, quick combination. zero turbo lag. highway passing power. 40mpg at 70mph level cruising. perfect car for me.
Sorry to hear that.
i drove a previous model year taos and the throttle response (2-4 seconds) was so bad it was a safety hazard
@@turboshottho was it awd with dsg tranny? if so a dog.
@@turboshottho was it the awd version with dsg transmission? a real dog this…
I have a 2022 Taos that I love, but the turbo lag is heavy on mine. Maybe it's just a year thing. It takes a nap for a second when I hit the gas pedal. Not a big deal at all, but it's definitely noticeable.
I'm German and always find it interesting what VW is selling around the world, ofc those are basically all the same platform anyway but there are many models we have never heard of here
This is the tiguan in germany. The USA tiguan is the tiguan allspace in germany
europe and US get a lot of similar vehicles with different names, but what you guys get a lot of is different drive trains. its amazing how big those differences can be on some models
german built are 100 time better then north american
@@zukacs both made in mexico so really theyd be the same
@@touringmagazine5935i want a T-Roc R convertible
Another uninteresting SUV. sigh I'll watch it 13 times for Lent.
My name is lent you don’t have to do that
Most sedans are pretty unremarkable as well. This really isn't that much more interesting than a Jetta.
VWs are just such a bore.
Hey Ian, in your honor during Lent, I’ll chant: Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea Nissan maxima culpa.
(Ah yes, being an altar boy in the early 1960’s was valuable teaching me dead foreign languages like Latin! 😂)
Is there an interesting cuv?
@@baronvonjo1929These are more unremarkable because they’re higher off the ground and worse to drive. Given that we’re pretty much all car enthusiasts here (maybe my assumption is wrong), I’m sure we would default to car lower to ground than higher. I would rather be in a Camry than a RAV4, for example.
Excellent review and very much on point. I've driven a 4Motion version on a few occasions and fully agree with your comments. I also agree that VW describing this as a Golf replacement for North America is a depressing statement. While unpopular in the US where everything apparently needs to be huge, the Golf was popular here in Canada and is sorely missed for sure.
This really isn't that much longer than a Golf though. People just don't really like hatchbacks too much. They like longer more impractical sedans like many countries globally.
I could forgive VW their weird model replacement strategy and annoying interior design with touch buttons for everything if they were reliable like they used to be back in the 90's.
I mean my pop's back in the EU still keeps his B3 Passat 1.9 TDI estate. That thing has like 890k miles on it without any major issues over the years. And we've been all over Europe in it. Plus I guess it's his nostalgia of it being his first brand new car he bought. But I remember after the Passat B6 (late 00's) which was dog sh*t reliability wise he went to the Japanese and never looked back. Drives a Lexus now...
@japanwatchconnection Very true, but not in the same price range as the Golf.
@@TermlessHGW Currently sitting at 270k miles on my MK7 VW GTI no issues other than routine maintenance, so not sure how much more reliable you need? Yes I had to change out the water pump/housing at 150k miles, shocks/struts and engine mounts, but that is all routine maintenance. If you stay away from those stupid 10k mile oil change intervals and do the proper maintenance, the Golf anyway, actually hold up pretty well.
@@eppyz How many miles you do for an oil change? Every 6k?
Another main competitor is the Crosstrek. I have a 2019 Crosstrek and a 2022 FWD Taos. The Taos (my ride) has enough power to get out of its own way; the wife's Crosstrek does not. The only thing the Crosstrek does better is ride. The Taos is more quiet, gets better mileage, has lighter but less wooden steering and easier entry/exit/driving position AND rear-seat vents. Try to find that in another subcompact. Plus I've owned three GTIs and a B6 Passat so I have a VW affinity.
Tested the taos and tiguan, went with the mazda cx-50. No regrets.
Mazda has better quality and a little unfair comparison as Mazda is a premium brand
You did the right thing. My Audi A4 and my wife's Jetta Wolfsburg both ended up having several thousand dollars in repairs around 65-80k miles. We got rid of them both and bought a CX-5 and have piled the miles onto it doing nothing than tires, wipers, and oil.
@@markc9949 how much better was the quality on the A4 to your Mazda right now? Is it noticeable?
@@good-tn9sr the absolute two biggest differences is that the Audi door closing felt like you were closing a tank door, and the AWD just felt like you could go through anything. I gooned my way through 8in of snow with the Audi just because I could. BUT, at the end of the day, I am a Dad and a husband. I have two small kids under 5 and our combined income is a bit over 100k/yr. The truth is the Euros are just massive depreciating assets. They aren't investments. If you don't care about money (wish I could say I don't) then you can lease one or buy it and get rid of it in 3-5 years. I'm a "keep it 10 years" kind of guy. I save my car payment money and put it aside as soon as I pay a vehicle off. We're going to keep my wife's CX-5 and I'll likely go Lexus IS moving forward. My daughter is 4 and I honestly could be buying her first car for her when you buy a Lexus/Toyota product. Getting over the "prestige" of a badge was one of the best revelations that happened to me. Reliability is luxury.
@@MRMV483me too
Those HVAC controls are identical to my '19 Alltrack. Which is great, because they work really well.
As someone who has owned (albeit briefly) a 2017 Golf Wagon 4mo and a 2023 Taos SEl 4mo, I think that’s when the faults of the Taos really start showing. It’s a fine car, compared to everything else in its class it’s by far the best. However, when you’re not looking at it on paper there are some small things that really made me scratch my head. I hit my head on the headrest several times trying to crawl in first gear, then it sometimes got into a death lurch where you’d slam your head back, let off, try to crawl again and do it again like it was a bucking bronco. There’s no grab handle on the drivers side, and the dash was a creaky rattly mess after a thousand miles. The rattles of the dash and drone of the engine gave me horrible headaches and I felt nauseous driving it. Compared to my Golf, it felt like a big step backwards in build quality and performance. I don’t care for all the tech or extra backseat legroom, so at the end of the day I took a $2k loss dumping the lease 6 months in. If VW just brought the MK8 Alltrack over , I’d have probably still been driving that car gladly.
@@japanwatchconnection The no one bought them argument is kinda marketing bs on their part. They sold like hotcakes in the northeast. It was both the introduction of the new Tiguan, which was much more useable than the old one, and the fact that the mk7 was at the end of its run, that led to its demise. VW didn't have the money to invest in importing the mk8 wagon because of their debt as a result of dieselgate, and because they wanted to sell a NA only car (the Taos). It allows them to sell a cheaper car with a higher markup, so in their eyes its a win-win.
There's only a high demand for crossovers because that's all companies want to sell. So, of course people will buy what's available. Not everyone wants a sedan or a crossover. Now, if they brought the mk8 Alltrack back over I bet they'd sell every single one. Like how Audi brought the A6 Allroad and it's doing well, Volvo with their wagons, etc. There just aren't any cheap options for wagons anymore except for the Outback, which sells insanely well.
Rant over. TLDR; VW wants USA only cars to save money, lost what made their brand special, wagons still have demand.
I test drove the US base model (S) in both the FWD and the AWD / DSG versions. My wife and I also noticed the engine drone. Wife actually got a headache when I pushed the FWD over 70 mph. This was a surprise. Some reviews have said "noisy," but no one said "engine drone." Other than the droning, I like the Taos. But the it's probably a no-go, if the wife will get a headache every time we drive on the highway.
If VW marketed the Taos as an off road vehicle, then that's on them. I have a hard time understanding why anyone would buy this car to go off road in on a regular basis. It's more of a car suitable for some snowy Midwest winters. Could it help you off road a bit to get to a hiking trailhead? Sure. I wouldn't have purchased this car with the idea of using it in that way on a regular basis though. You may have just overestimated what this car is made to do. It's really more of a family car that is meant to drive on pavement, but has moderate capabilities when not on pavement. IE driving through snow, some dirt, etc.
@lf234 I never took the car off roading nor did I intend to. I live in an area with majority dirt roads, but even that was too much for the car to handle. Why sell a crossover that doesn’t work off the pavement ? I replaced the brand new Taos with a 2016 Outback and got everything I do on a day to day basis the used Subaru is better. The only thing the Taos has going for it is a real transmission, and a turbo, and mildly better handling dynamics. But if VW wanted a small car that handled well, the Golf was just that. I don’t see why everything needs to be a crossover these days.
@@halfgeek1394As an Alltrack owner, I’m happy to hear that no, they actually didn’t kill it off due to poor sales because it is an incredible car! The best car I’ve ever owned. You’re spot on, they would keep selling like hotcakes if VW had the gumption to keep selling them.
I’m glad I didn’t watch this before I just bought my 2024 Taos, but I’m glad I did. Thanks! I love my Taos.
I drove from Toronto to Washington, DC on one tank of fuel in one of these. Truly remarkable fuel economy
This, like the HRV and Corolla Cross, is a great vehicle for someone who doesn't care about the driving experience. I like to call them "my wife" cars. It gives you all the daily amenities you want for putting around town with basically no fuss. If you have a problem with this car, no problem, go buy a Golf R or a Hellcat or a lambo. But my wife would love driving this around.
And this is the perfect description of Taos, HRV, and Corolla Cross. They are cars for people who don’t care for a great driving experience, they just want space, good fuel economy and they wanna sit a little higher but not too high . Usually this is a car for a single person with a dog, or small family, single parent home, or someone with a mobile business of sorts. I’d go with a Porsche MACAN if it was my money
@@youngbrevyChose the HR-V EX-L I’m single with dogs the car is perfect for what I need it for.
i test-compared my vw taos to the toyota corolla cross and honda hrv. vw consistently makes cars for drivers. toyota and honda make wheeled appliances for owners. nissan, kia and hyundai make conveyances for people buying the cheapest possible monthly payment.
@@Just-a-guy926 I’ll wait for the refresh of the HRV. I’d like it to look a bit more sleek and sporty.
Glad to hear the low-speed engagement of the DCT is the same as my old '08 GTI. Such refinement after 16 years of development!
The thing is, your GTI has a DQ250 Wet Clutch 6-Speed. This Taos has the shitty DQ200 Dry-Clutch 7-Speed. On higher HP Cars there is a new DQ381 which is wet with 7-Speeds which is actually really nice. I drive a Passat TDI with a DQ250 and i experience similar things.
@@tomd-k830 The review already stated its not worth the $32k. yet things like a wet clutch are things you don't see which justifies the higher price. The independent suspension is another.
When you compare cars based on price don't forget to consider those things that are underneath the car (out of sight) as well as those things you can see. A DCC or torque converter, is more robust than a CVT.
Forget the great reviews...I am watching just for the unfiltered humor. So refreshing ! Awesome channel.
Sold my 2015 e-Golf SEL with 35k miles on it and replaced it with the 2024 TAOS SE FWD in Cornflower Blue. No regrets, at 65 and 6'5" tall, the TAOS is very, very easy to get in and out of, whereas being somewhat older, getting in and out of the e-Golf after 8.5 years of ownership, was getting more difficult on my knees. The cornflower Blue model is EASY as the dickens to find your car in the parking lot. Easier ways to find it is to get an IKON GPS tracking device and the app, so your car shows up on the app, on your phone. Although you might not want to be tracked 24/7. Build quality in the SE with sliding sunroof is almost equal in quality of build to my 2015 Passat TDI SEL. The 2024 version is super loaded with blind spot notice, lane centering feature and anti tailgaiting feature in cruise control mode. Best feature is the incredible MPG you can achieve, if your drive the front wheel drive version modestly. i've already had several 44 to 46 mpg tankfuls on two lane highway driving. Bought mine in Oklahoma City, they had the best price around, nationwide, when I bought mine.
I had a rental Taos just recently, a base model FWD with 5k miles. I felt right at home, as I daily an A4. The interior was good, apart from a disturbing rattle in the dash/center console area. Otherwise, I too noticed the odd powertrain response and it sometimes got me into trouble pulling onto a busy road. This was only remedied by putting the car in manual mode. Boy did it love to one wheel peel too. The only other downside was an odd front to back rocking motion in the entire vehicle at low speeds while off and on the brakes. Its as if there was a tuning conflict or a small dead zone between front and rear dampers.
I have a 23 Taos as my rental due to my Corolla Cross being hit. I usually don't like VW but this car is actually really nice. LOVE the huge pano roof that can open up, back seats have tons of room and the trunk as well. The ACC doesn't ping pong me when driving either.
We have a 2024 Taos SE fwd with the 8 speed automatic and its truly been a great vehicle , i test drove the dual clutch and i like the regular 8 speed its perfectly matched to the engine. Im 6"3 and have tons of room. It handles great and has plenty of get up and go. Seats are comfortable and the SE was 26,800 instead of 34K.
Incredible relatability with the headboard shopping. Speaks volumes for the power and draw of this vehicle!
Does bald still have his X7 depreciation machine? I’d like to see another long term update on its reliability
He sold it. ruclips.net/video/TQgMVBrmc54/видео.html
@japanwatchconnectionhe still had it in the pilot review I think he’s still got it
I was thinking about how a car reviewer could have regrets twice. I’m talking about xc90 and then the x7. Then I realized I would do the same if I sat in nicer cars on the regular. You can’t “just buy a minivan and be done with it” if you’ve seen the good stuff.
😂😂
@@MrKoolkrik I mean the X7 was a really good car, and as far as I know it is great reliable allrounder. Not sure what you’d want to replace it with. I do understand car reviewers want some variation though.
i died at "lateral G-Force"
Hips don't lie
I just turned 70 and when me and my 30 year old trophy wife were making out in the back of the Taos, I nearly died from those G-Forces. LITERALLY! Whew! Thank goodness she gets a bit tired beforehand after making out with her boyfriend, otherwise she’d kill me.
I may just be easy to please when it comes to cars, but I love my 2022 Taos S (base model) AWD. I bought it new, and it really couldn't be a more perfect car for me. It's weirdly roomy inside for being a compact SUV, gives me plenty of room to "haul" stuff with the seats down, and gets solid gas mileage. Personally, I think it looks super nice, too. Inside and out. I think people are a little bit too knit picky. The only thing that I've found so far that I wish they would change is purely cosmetic. The dash has this shiny, glossy black plastic that has some scratches on it already from (ironically enough) cleaning the inside. Aside from that, I love my Taos! To each their own.
I have an AWD Mk7.5 Golf wagon. I had a Taos service loaner for a few days. The Taos is step down from the Golf- it's a floaty, boring econobox. The best parts of the Golf are the interior, the practicality and the fact that it's still a car and relatively fun to drive/sporty. It's a shame the US market doesn't get any more VW wagons and this is considered the "replacement"
Tbh the golf is still a floaty boring econobox. It's well done, but that's still what it is.
@@deviouslaw probably coming from a person who never owned one, but once got a ride in one from a friend of a friend. Golf are not floaty at all unless your talking about a MK1 from the 70's🙄
The US market wants SUVs, trucks, crossovers, BIGGER vehicles. Just look at the parking lot of your grocery store in every suburb in the US, big gas guzzling and more thirsty vehicles. Copy and paste, gotta keep up with the Jones’. No one wants a wagon or a hatchback, let’s be real. Car enthusiasts themselves opt out of it. I’ve seen it. Once they get married, the enthusiast sports car / sedan turns into a family SUV.
@@worldofz00 I live in the USA, have a family, and drive a VW Golf GTI. So not "Everyone" in a American will agree with your statement.
@@eppyz lmao i owned and dailied a mk7 golf for like 2 years. That's how I formed that opinion.
finally someone explain what is the main purpose of independent rear suspension... :-)
Control and comfort
@@Stantonv yep, you need to have stable platform and reasonable comfort to keep control of the situation when you making love in your car, savagegeese trademark really
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Didn’t Marisa Tomei explain this?
The FWD drive taos is stiff on the highway. And try to find proper all season tires for a 215 50r18 wheel size that no manufacturer makes tires for. Never again. The full independent suspension on my new crosstrek makes for a comfy commute.
When listing competitors you omitted the elephant in the room. Roughly 25/30 cars in my apartment garage are Subaru Crosstreks (gentrification area).
👍🏻👍🏻 For some reason I feel I should mention that I watched the entire episode. I don't want anyone to get depressed and possibly have an episode of his own.
Got 2022 SE from Enterprise as a 4 day rental, (44K miles). I really liked it. I get to drive many cars due to my job traveling around to different cities. This is the first one that I would actually buy. I loved the gas mileage. Interior was perfect. I think that is a reflection of how it will wear over time.
VW is consistent. Clean styling. Solid build quality. Change the oil in half of the factory timeline and it will last a long time.
and terrible reliability. it's crazy how a very aged jetta can still be at bottom of reliability lists still
they are fleet cars. Any fleet car will be at the bottom of those lists because companies buy them and do minimal maintenance and sell once the warranty is up.
VW gets a lot of flack for reliability issues but most of that is really just bad maintenance on part of the owner, changing the oil at half the factory interval is a wise decision.
@@gilboman Owned 3 VWs and they've been by far the best cars I've owned. I do all of my own maintenance and repairs. Worst car I've owned by far is a Mazda 3. Engine was shot by 100,000 miles burning a quart every 800 miles. Most Japanese cars are extremely reliable for about 100,000-150,000 miles and then they die. Lucky I kept my 347,000-mile VW or I would've been screwed when that Mazda died. Everyone I know with a Japanese 4-cylinder has oil-burning issues. Toyotas, Hondas, Subarus, Mazdas, and Nissans all chug oil in their 4-cylinder cars.
Until the timing chains leave the chat at 100k
I watch this while at the dealer having my 22 Equinox oil pan gasket replaced.
I hope it's the lower pan; that gasket is nothing but sealant.
I bought one , its awesome and the fact they went back to this style wheel means they had it right before
Looks like purgatory with 4 wheels and a hatch.
Wish we got the Seat wagons here. They are a stretched version of the Golf with tons of rear leg room. This is a rebadged Seat SUV. Also, this does look nice in the Cornflower Blue / Porsche Shark Blue.
I own exact trim in your video and i absolutely love it bang for buck
We drove the front wheel drive Comfortline version as a rental for a week in eastern Ontario and Quebec and it was mostly good. The brakes were a little bothersome at first, but I easily got past its' quirks. I really appreciated the dash and controls layout since it pretty much mirrors the Golf that we drive daily. I did find myself on a fast freeway at one point where some drivers were flagrantly speeding well beyond the limit, but I didn't want to (or need to) keep up. I would seriously consider the Taos, but I would drive the four wheel version first before deciding. One other point about the cabin. My 5'2" wife found the passenger seat too low and we bought a cushion to raise her position since there was no adjustment provided.
Definitely get it in the bright Cornflower Blue and it will stand out in the sea of silver, gray and black cars.
I remember asking the VW salesman to place a factory order for a golf rand the dude actually said “ the golf is great but I think a Taos will fit you”. Thanks VW
6:56 only just noticed the full length moon roof on this. Its ironic how commodity cars today feature things that would be considered luxury features on higher end cars not too long ago.
Comes with the SEL starting at $35k
@@olafvanes they have some SE 2024's with pano roof. And I find the Cloudtex seats in the SE way more comfy than the leatherette SEL seats
1:41 is that how your footage looks before it is color graded?
Your videos never dissaoppoint great info. as always
I got the blackout grey version and its nice. I took midterm but I did notice a slightly better interior finish on the top trim.
I live on the highway. I'm actually 125km per day and 96% of that is highway and it's been really good so far. 700km a tank and it's been pretty consistent, maybe a little more. No problems with passing power and efficiency.
U guys are phenomenal, great channel
Rented a diesel manual Golf in Italy over Christmas. Thought the dashboard would fall into my lap over bumps. Happiest part of the trip was returning the car at the airport.
It makes me happy to hear that VW sells the same low reliability cars in Europe as they do in NA
@@SPECTRE_Island If you believe that you already have VW hate.
That's not representative of VW or German build quality. Tell the truth the next time.
Got a base taos as a loaner while GTI got serviced. The turbo spool very fast. 0 lag. For partial throttle car is quick feels light. Pretty quiet. Infotainment is straight forward. Physical button on steering wheel. For commuting why would anyone get a twin turbo I6 or V8 just to go 45mph. This is enough
with the DSG, put it in manual mode and no more confusion, and is a lot of fun that way, and it will upshift after red lining. But after a while I think the DSG learns your driving habits too.
Great video! Happy Headboard shopping! 😂
I was looking at the Taos, but the interior was cheap-feeling. Ended up with the Mazda CX5, non-turbo. Happy with the decision.
I've had a '22 Taos for just about 2 years now... and while I'm used to it, the lag time between pressing the gas pedal to the car moving is still brutal. I still have moments where the car will do something unpredictable.
do you ever put the car in manual shifting mode?
Modern cars are just getting so boring.
They're becoming more of a tech product rather than a functional item.
I look at a Plymouth Reliant with more excitement. I mean imagine buying this so you think you are getting something more upscale and unique, when it is worse and less interesting than literally all of the competition.
By far the most truthful and best comment on here.
So they wont last?
I think I’ll describe horizontal pumping forces as Lateral G’s in my future conversations.
I wonder if Money Penny can use that in a line to James Bond?
Very Realistic approach by buying her base model and using the money to upgrade the headboard after the week.. No wonder why I like your channel after 10 years watching reviews from various car reviewers..
Has the reliability improved with these Taos. Recently the current versions reports issues with the motor and transmission.
I survived the recalls from 2022, fuel line connectors, fuel filter under rear seat replacement, etc., etc. but the electrical gremlins got me to trade mine in last week. Door handles that stop locking, SOS alarm lights, too much for a 3 year old car.
How is the reliability? I know the early model years were crap.
I’ve been waiting so long for this Taos review.
If you still want one, wait for the 2025 Taos AWD with a proper automatic transmission.
They should bring the Arteon and the Touareg back to America! The roots of VW
I have a 22’ Taos 4Motion. The interior in the S is significantly cheaper feeling/looking than your typical VW pre 2021. But the exterior is very cute and cloud like. I like mine! The drive experience is a big rough due to the jerky transmission, but I learned to adapt. I always drive on sport mode and when sitting in heavy traffic, i ride in Eco mode.
Great review as usual, but the only entrant in this segment with any personality remains the CX-30.
It looks to be perfectly functional as a compact CUV, but I can’t shake the feeling that more than a few of its direct competitors might be more useful, more economical, more enjoyable, or some combination thereof.
Alas, that seems to be the case for a lot of VW’s current lineup in the American market. :-/
Discontinuing the Golf is a bit of a head-scratcher
Wrong on three counts care to try for four?
We just got the 2024 AWD Taos. Love it.
Thinking of buying one. Still loving it? Any issues?
@ no issues 5 months in. Don’t worry about the bad reviews. The 2022 Taos had some issues with head gaskets leaking antifreeze in the engine. The warranty covered it anyway. It came from just one plant and the issue has been resolved for the 2023 models and later.
Honda just had a massive recall. Toyota has recalls almost every year for the last 15 years. So all major brands have issues. Yes I am absolutely loving it. 6000kms already.
@ thank you so so much!
@@newreflectionsproductionslet us know if your rear brakes go out in the next year or so, just got a 24 Highline (SEL) has only 400km on it. Hope it doesn’t have all these issues that I’ve seen. So far the only 2 things that I’ve had go wrong was the infotainment screen freezing, I had to turn off my phone to unfreeze the screen because I think it was an issue with CarPlay. Second I had the SOS triangle light come on for a few minutes one time but hasn’t happened since
@@wolfpacindahouse1 I will let you know but I am close to 7000kms at the moment with zero issues. Your Infotainment screen freezing is nothing to worry about. As for the brakes no issues so far. A co-worker of mine has the 2023 Taos 4 motion, he has 29000kms and no issues with the rear (or front) brakes.
My triangular light came on yesterday during heavy snow with the message that my front car proximity warning system was not working.
On the front grill, where the VW Symbol is, was covered with snow and ice (that is where the radar sensor is), I cleaned it and the problem is fixed.
I don’t really have any worries, these are great vehicles.
Let me know if you have any more issues.
I'm glad they're making it less frustrating, vw must be listening to reviewers and consumers, as well as stealing our data
At first, I thought you were going to inform us that you took Brianca out for her 18th birthday...
Either way, Well done.
I got the same vibe.
@TRB-yg4ph It was an untold (though based on their history a strongly-implied) joke meant to make fun of a certain type of person. I don't think baldie is dating teenagers, he is making fun of folks who do.
I keep being amazed what a car handling memory you have. Or also notes-assisted? How you can remember how a years old car handles compared to one tested now, that is puzzling. Really optimized memory because it's your profession?
My biggesr issue with this thing is that the enjoyable version is vw tiguan money. Its so expensive for what it is and other competitors exist that dont penalize you with a crappy rear end unless you step up to awd
I like this vehicle personally. The seats are hella comfortable.
For $34k, the Corolla Cross Hybrid might make better sense. It remedies some of the anemic ‘issues’ from the non hybrid version. Currently saw it starting at $29k, haven’t visited the dealer so don’t know about availability or actual out the door price after dealer imaginary fees and markups.
I like a more refined looking car. I'm testing one on 12/6. I tried a Mazda CX 5, I believe and it's like they tried to be the most high tech out there to the point that it was annoying. My sister lived for VW, I've always been a Jeepster, which I will be trading a 2020 Grand Cherokee. Just too big for what I need. This looks like a fun car, but wish you would have reviewed the sound system. I'm 60, but still crank it when I'm driving. 😆
Actually the new trax is nice AF, I would definitely cross shop it with this. Review it please. It’s not about speed with the trax, it’s about how useful it is for someone just trying to do life.
change the oil! The trax has a timing belt in oil design....don't go over 5000 mile intervals.
Great video as always! Do you guys plan on doing the 2025 jetta? I just wanna hear you guys drag my car 😂
I bought an early '22 SE FWD in Cornflower Blue brand new and have been very pleased with the way this drives on an everyday basis 35k miles later, it literally does everything and for the price it's hard to beat. I'm thinking it must have been the tires on your previous tester that made it a less than good drive because mine handles everything I throw at it. High speed clover exit ramps can be done at 50-55 before the tires let go and understeer sets in, heck I don't even have to turn the cruise off on some of the highway interchanges. I find it to be quite good fun around town also, the 0-40 is quite impressive typically leaving everyone behind, along with its immaturity of tire stealing launches. Mine has the Grey interior cloud tex and it's a very interesting materials mixed with the vibrant blue it is quite a hansom car, which is why I didn't go for the drab colors. Comparing this to the other brands only a Mazda has legs to stand on, but they ride much firmer, heavier steering, and less practicality for the same price and that can be compromising for some but this is a better highway car. The others were just too slow for me besides a Hyundai product with the 1.6t which was a risk I wasn't willing to take considering I am a higher mileage driver. Also some of the features you'd expect to be standard or even available on the higher trims of other brands were not like lumbar, remote start, no cvt, multi way seats not 4 way only, etc. Also the Drivers Assist aka IQ drive is dialed in completely, and actually works while not ping ponging you around on the highway, it automatically changes the distance the faster you drive if its set at 90 it start hitting the brakes earlier verses the other brands that will just let you fly up on them. I'll keep it for the next 5-7 years like I do all of my cars, unless my situation changes requiring something larger I'll probably go Atlas or an Audi.
Hey Mark, how are Brianca’s G-Forces? 😂
It seems to me that a good alternative to this, particularly the FWD variant, is the Honda Civic hatchback. Good interior, reasonable price, good space, better fuel economy, likely more reliable, standard independent rear, and optional turbo.
But CVT....which sucks.
Agree. I went with a 2.5L crosstrek this time around. The civic hatchback non-hybrid is not as easy to find as you would think.
THAT INTERIOR! Dammit VeeDub, put that in the new Golfs! I loved the Mk7 so much I purchased 2 GTI's brand new. And would've purchased a Mk8 Golf R if it had this interior. But they didn't and ruined what could've been the perfect singular car. So I bought a Genesis G70 instead, which is excellent, but I do miss hatchback practicality.
This car made on a platform of Skoda Karoq, which is particularly popular in Europe.
We tested the 2024 Taos. We ended up buying the 24 Tiguan. The Taos is nice but we found it a bit coarse riding. And the Tiguan has more space. Thanks for the review.
VW is quickly becoming one of my favorite brands. I’m one of those that loves the extreme conservative mature look.
Understood, but, man, my 22 Taos sure used cheap plastics on the dash. Why, VW?
I am amazed to see roundabouts in the US midwest 😮
We are getting more of those now in Missouri. Especially as intersections coming off the ramp of the interstate highways. Works pretty well.
Wisconsin has billions of roundabouts. Overboard actually. Makes power steering rack companies happy.
The city with the most roundabouts in the U.S. is Carmel, Indiana
@@MarcChevalierI don’t doubt it. My wife loves driving up there where one roundabout leads directly into the next roundabout. Not. I have to drive.
@@scottgabbard662 😂 They definitely do not jibe with everyone. I like them, for the most part. My only issue is people not knowing the general rules of how they operate, which mucks up the flow.
One thing that's kinda funny about the AWD models is that since they use VWs DSG, like all their other models with their dual clutch - the Taos with it's lil 1.5t gets launch mode lmao. Haven't gotten to the driving impressions yet but I'm really hoping they launch this thing during their test drive 😅
I test drove this it’s not bad if you’re not intrested in any performance just the looks
5:25 Wise investment advice from Mark, VW TAOS FWD, benefits
curious to know how that reflective gloss plastic on the dash behaves in bright sunlight...seems like it could be blinding in certain sunlight
0-60 in around 3 days. Impressive.
I would take a Mitsubishi Outlander Sport over this. It maybe an antique but it has overall better quality and reliability. Also looks better imo too.
I wouldn’t get the DCT if you do a lot of stop and go commuting. I have a MK7.5 GTI with the more refined DQ381 (over the older DQ250) and shifting feels like crap when you’re stop and go. I have 30k miles on my car and I’m terrified that the unit will fail. When you’re going from a near stop and lurching between 1st-3rd shifting is unpredictable for the unit it often shifts harshly.
3:57 wrong! it's built on MQB-A2
Had one as a rental for two weeks. One of the better rentals I've had in a while.
1:41 oops forgot to color grade this part
When every company's design team wants to make the most nauseating overstyled crossover imaginable, kudos to Volkswagen for giving customers a quite, mainstream option. They don't over due it with distracting gimmicks or overstyled aggressive exteriors. They give you a nice subtle vehicle that is easy to get used to for the long haul. It's conservative styling means that it will look good for a long time. New cars these days are in a race to create the most sporty exterior, with the most aggressive lines, but I like that the Taos brings back that simplicity that is lacking today
I would love to see a video where you guys get in a car like this and only talk about a completely different car and see if anyone notices.
this has been my favorite car so far. panoramic sun roof and 40+ mpg on the highway is all I wanted plus a good price. definitely not a race car though 😂
Wow. You got a sunny day in like forever.
The Taos one ups the others in this class with real space. But at the price and considering its size it’s worth giving the Mazda CX-5 a look for those that want space but not the Tiguan/CR-V/Rav4 sized box.
The best interior in a VW product; shame about the rest of it. VW need to wake up as a company at least in North America.
I hear they're working on it. Not a fan of the giant tacked on infotainment screens though.
The ID4 really set VW back in the American market.
Can definitely see the appeal of a little SUV like this
God I hope I never feel this way. No disrespect
@@ADUSNlmao what. It’s a solid car, get over your little baby boy mindset
Have the money for a side enthusiast sports car then this makes sense
@kristopherbell7158 I bought one the same time as my GT4. Base model, no options. It was basically the cheapest car available back then, when dealers barely had cars on the lot in 21.
@@doggedlydetermined7022 He said no disrespect but you still insist. No taste.