Before you buy, test drive a LOT beforehand! Especially between stop and 30kph. The 1.5 litre turbo can’t decide which gear it wants to be in, and at times, there is a throttle lag when you want to get away fast ( into a break in traffic) - this proved to be dangerous on a number of occasions. Though I loved the car, I couldn’t live with this, so traded it in after 5 months!
I’ve owned my 2022 Taos for about 6 months now and the pros definitely outweigh the cons, in my opinion. I have an 85 mile daily commute to & from work and I average about 35mpg on the highway. It’s extremely comfortable, which was a huge deciding factor while I was on the search for a new vehicle. But, I do agree, my biggest overall nit-pick is the throttle lag while accelerating from a stop position. Other personal cons include the volume knob on the dash, fingerprints on the display and (this one is a bit odd) the crevice detail around the gear shifter. I’ve tried using detail brushes, needles, etc. to try and remove dirt/general buildup in this crevice and I CANNOT get any of it out! Even the high powered vacuum at the car wash couldn’t remove any of it and it’s so aggravating..
Great honest review! It’s nice to see someone else in Ohio own a Taos! I thought I was the only one. I have the SE 4 motion as well, all my gripes are the same as yours, I noticed the remote range is not the greatest, you have to be right next to the car to unlock it. I have about 4,500 miles on mine and the transmission still is a little jerky and laggy, but it’s improving. At first the interior was a little underwhelming, but I like the ruggedness of it. My wife took it to Maryland a few weeks back and averaged 38mpg which is impressive for an awd vehicle that size
Luv my Taos. I have the 8 speed 2wd SE and ya it's not perfect but for a sub compact Crossover it's loaded down with tech. I'm averaging 32 mpg in the city so no complaints there. Try using those lens cleaner towelettes for eyeglasses to clean the infotainment screen cause it is a fingerprint magnet. So far no scratches. Awesome 3 month review. 👍
Great review,,,,I just bought a 24 Taos se with fwd and the Asian 8 speed automatic transmission, I'm not a fan of the dual clutch transmission. I'm completely supprized by how comfortable and nice this vehicle is. Great review.
Great review by an owner that has had the vehicle for 3+ months. One feature (my daughter has the same car!) is that on the center entertainment head, you can actually just air swipe your hand to change screens. Cuts down on the fingerprints 🙂 We use a lens cleaner & a dedicated microfiber cloth for just the digital dash & entertainment system. Also keeps scratches off of the piano black trim. Again - awesome review - thanks!
About the volume, you can also use it from the steering wheel, I did not find anything wrong with it. Regarding the DSG yes one needs to learn how to modulate the throttle, did you know it also has launch control? Traction control off, press the brake down with left feet, press the gas pedal all the way down and let go when ready
Yeah, it's just a small nitpick. Yep! I know, but idk how I feel about launching a eco-tuned dual clutch. Haha Not sure how many of those you can do, haha. Thanks for watching!
I love the Taos because it’s such a simple car and it’s just good, except for two things… the 7 speed DSG is definitely not the same DSG in other VW cars. Downshifts are horrendously slow, and it’s clunky compared to other DSG cars I’ve driven. And that godawful alarm noise whenever you open the door while the car is running 😂 I can’t stand it lol Great review btw thanks 🙏🏻
I definitely appreciate such a great review on the vehicle! Highly considering one myself here, and you talked about pretty much everything I wanted to know about.
It’s interesting to hear you say that it drives smoother than the front wheel drive because I’ve heard the opposite in a lot of reviews. Sounds like I need to go back to the dealership and test the AWD too.
I own the exact same Tao different color same package and I totally agree with you regarding the key fob. It sucks bad. The app is great but the key needs work. They sell a extender for the range of the key apparently
I love the Taos! I haven’t gotten one yet, but I have been eyeing the Cornflower Blue one. With the key fob, you have to press the lock button once and then the start button twice for it to turn on, I was told. Overall, it’s a very good crossover.
Looking at a FWD SE (also in the cornflower blue). The dealer doesn't markup and there's a $1,000 off on them too. I enjoyed this review just because you touch on things like the transmission and lack of rattles, plus the road noise. It all sounds pretty good. I don't need AWD where I live - never snows and rarely frosts. I've heard the 8 speed traditional automatic in the FWD model is smoother. Did have a question about the CloudTex upholstery. Does it breathe in hot weather? I live in a hot summer climate (usually high 90s to mid 100s) and don't want to have a sticky back those months.
@@PaulsPlace Hmm... I live in California and am moving to Florida next year. May not be the right car for the climate. I was hoping that upholstery would be more breathable than VW leatherette. My first car had vinyl seats years ago and I said never again to a sweaty back! I know the SEL has ventilated leather, but it just doesn't seem like a good option with the price they charge. Thanks for the reply - something to consider!
I’ve gotten into the car on a 90+ degree day, and have found the upholstery very comfortable. The suede like material, (alcatera?) is nothing like vinyl or leatherette. What I really like about it is it’s so easy to clean. A little bit of water, or surface cleaner, and I use a microfibre cloth, wipe wipe clean. One last thing, not a lot of people know about this VW feature. If you’re walking back to your locked and sealed car on a hot day, if you press and hold the unlock button on your key fob, all the windows roll down, and the hot air escapes as you get in the car. It’s awesome, I use it all the time in the summer
The Taos amd Jetta are the last VWs with a good interior. Virtually all other VWs have gone to a crapacitive-everything. The Atlas has already made this transition and the Tiguan (unless you get the base model) has a capacitive panel for climate controls and the next gen Tiguan is looking to have an even worse interface.
Look at a 2022 now in 2024. I have seen a lot of issues with leaking coolant and head gasket replacement. Have you dealt with any of that in the last 2yrs?
Have you had high pitched squeaking when accelerating? I have the 8 speed auto. (Occurs at city and highway speeds). Seems to happen when gears shift. Lasts about 5 or so seconds. Stops immediately when I let off accelerator. (about 2,000 miles on it). TIA!
I do not, we did have some high-pitched squeaking that had to do with stuff, rubbing on the Styrofoam where the spare tire is, but nothing with shifting
Hi, i recently bought one but have found I don't have the "standard" blind spot monitoring system, did yours come with it and was it a feature you feel is worth me trying to swap out to get?
@@PaulsPlace look on your window sticker many had rear traffic and blind spot deleted due to chip shortage , mine did and I got a 450.00 credit for it.
We love the car, the only issue we have had is a coolant leak, but it was the head gasket and replaced under warranty. It’s a common issue. Other than that it’s a great car.
@@PaulsPlace really considering one, one guy got 7.5 to 60 using the hidden launch control feature, which to me is hilarious and awesome that it has that option.
@@Kazze1 I don’t think you “get enough” at all for the money with the Taos. My 2014 Jetta tdi was in for warranties repairs. They loaned me a new Taos SEL model. I really enjoyed driving it, but was also put off by the chinky, thin, hard plastic dash and map pockets and other parts of the cabin. I like the Taos, but all the cheap plastic in the cabin doesn’t exactly inspire confidence that the more important construction and parts aren’t cheaped out as well. Compare, for example, all the features of 2022 Mazda CX-5. For $33 K, you *get* a lot more, starting with standard AWD, premium materials, more standard safety and convenience features, better reliability record and warranty included, and the CX-5 is all built in and shipped from Japan. I liked a lot about the Taos, but it’s over-priced and “under-qualitied.” Building a Taos and a CX-5 as close in features as possible, at MSRP and filling in options to make them close, you will find that the CX-5 is less in cost, and so much more in quality and standard features.
@@Kazze1 Hi, the Mazda I referred to Is the CX-5, which is larger than the CX-30. The CX-5 is 2.5L, AWD engine standard. The interior is much nicer than any of the three Taos trim packages (no hard thin chinky plastic anywhere, etc.). Thanks!
Before you buy, test drive a LOT beforehand! Especially between stop and 30kph. The 1.5 litre turbo can’t decide which gear it wants to be in, and at times, there is a throttle lag when you want to get away fast ( into a break in traffic) - this proved to be dangerous on a number of occasions. Though I loved the car, I couldn’t live with this, so traded it in after 5 months!
I’ve owned my 2022 Taos for about 6 months now and the pros definitely outweigh the cons, in my opinion. I have an 85 mile daily commute to & from work and I average about 35mpg on the highway. It’s extremely comfortable, which was a huge deciding factor while I was on the search for a new vehicle.
But, I do agree, my biggest overall nit-pick is the throttle lag while accelerating from a stop position. Other personal cons include the volume knob on the dash, fingerprints on the display and (this one is a bit odd) the crevice detail around the gear shifter. I’ve tried using detail brushes, needles, etc. to try and remove dirt/general buildup in this crevice and I CANNOT get any of it out! Even the high powered vacuum at the car wash couldn’t remove any of it and it’s so aggravating..
Great honest review! It’s nice to see someone else in Ohio own a Taos! I thought I was the only one. I have the SE 4 motion as well, all my gripes are the same as yours, I noticed the remote range is not the greatest, you have to be right next to the car to unlock it. I have about 4,500 miles on mine and the transmission still is a little jerky and laggy, but it’s improving. At first the interior was a little underwhelming, but I like the ruggedness of it. My wife took it to Maryland a few weeks back and averaged 38mpg which is impressive for an awd vehicle that size
SAME! I’ve seen 1 Taos since we bought it in the wild. Thanks for watching!
You hit the door lock button once not twice to remote start! No issues with mine.
Luv my Taos. I have the 8 speed 2wd SE and ya it's not perfect but for a sub compact Crossover it's loaded down with tech. I'm averaging 32 mpg in the city so no complaints there. Try using those lens cleaner towelettes for eyeglasses to clean the infotainment screen cause it is a fingerprint magnet. So far no scratches. Awesome 3 month review. 👍
David, how is the CloudTex upholstery in hot weather? Does your back get sticky? Thanks.
@@jeffmorse645 It's fine. I do use a car sun shade during the summer but no it's very comfortable and not sticky at all.
Great review,,,,I just bought a 24 Taos se with fwd and the Asian 8 speed automatic transmission, I'm not a fan of the dual clutch transmission. I'm completely supprized by how comfortable and nice this vehicle is. Great review.
Great review by an owner that has had the vehicle for 3+ months. One feature (my daughter has the same car!) is that on the center entertainment head, you can actually just air swipe your hand to change screens. Cuts down on the fingerprints 🙂 We use a lens cleaner & a dedicated microfiber cloth for just the digital dash & entertainment system. Also keeps scratches off of the piano black trim. Again - awesome review - thanks!
About the volume, you can also use it from the steering wheel, I did not find anything wrong with it.
Regarding the DSG yes one needs to learn how to modulate the throttle, did you know it also has launch control? Traction control off, press the brake down with left feet, press the gas pedal all the way down and let go when ready
Yeah, it's just a small nitpick.
Yep! I know, but idk how I feel about launching a eco-tuned dual clutch. Haha Not sure how many of those you can do, haha.
Thanks for watching!
@@PaulsPlace It actually works really nice and it shaves 1 second or more 0-60 time to approximately 7seconds
I love the Taos because it’s such a simple car and it’s just good, except for two things… the 7 speed DSG is definitely not the same DSG in other VW cars. Downshifts are horrendously slow, and it’s clunky compared to other DSG cars I’ve driven. And that godawful alarm noise whenever you open the door while the car is running 😂 I can’t stand it lol
Great review btw thanks 🙏🏻
im a delivery driver and have to deal with that noise everytime i step out lol
I definitely appreciate such a great review on the vehicle! Highly considering one myself here, and you talked about pretty much everything I wanted to know about.
It’s interesting to hear you say that it drives smoother than the front wheel drive because I’ve heard the opposite in a lot of reviews. Sounds like I need to go back to the dealership and test the AWD too.
That’s interesting because the all wheel drive is completely IFS, the front wheel drive has a torsion beam out back which results in a rougher ride.
I test drove both and by far prefer the FWD,it's v ery smooth and the 8 speed auto is tuned and works great with the engine.
I own the exact same Tao different color same package and I totally agree with you regarding the key fob. It sucks bad. The app is great but the key needs work. They sell a extender for the range of the key apparently
I love the Taos! I haven’t gotten one yet, but I have been eyeing the Cornflower Blue one. With the key fob, you have to press the lock button once and then the start button twice for it to turn on, I was told. Overall, it’s a very good crossover.
Great review. I'm also interested in Taos. One thing that makes me hesitate is how close the price is to the Tiguan.
Looking at a FWD SE (also in the cornflower blue). The dealer doesn't markup and there's a $1,000 off on them too. I enjoyed this review just because you touch on things like the transmission and lack of rattles, plus the road noise. It all sounds pretty good. I don't need AWD where I live - never snows and rarely frosts. I've heard the 8 speed traditional automatic in the FWD model is smoother. Did have a question about the CloudTex upholstery. Does it breathe in hot weather? I live in a hot summer climate (usually high 90s to mid 100s) and don't want to have a sticky back those months.
I do have a bit of a swamp ass after being in the car for a while.
@@PaulsPlace Hmm... I live in California and am moving to Florida next year. May not be the right car for the climate. I was hoping that upholstery would be more breathable than VW leatherette. My first car had vinyl seats years ago and I said never again to a sweaty back! I know the SEL has ventilated leather, but it just doesn't seem like a good option with the price they charge. Thanks for the reply - something to consider!
I’ve gotten into the car on a 90+ degree day, and have found the upholstery very comfortable. The suede like material, (alcatera?) is nothing like vinyl or leatherette. What I really like about it is it’s so easy to clean. A little bit of water, or surface cleaner, and I use a microfibre cloth, wipe wipe clean.
One last thing, not a lot of people know about this VW feature. If you’re walking back to your locked and sealed car on a hot day, if you press and hold the unlock button on your key fob, all the windows roll down, and the hot air escapes as you get in the car. It’s awesome, I use it all the time in the summer
@@IanForsythWestCoast Thanks Ian. Believe it or not I still haven't bought a crossover yet so this is helpful to hear!
The Taos amd Jetta are the last VWs with a good interior. Virtually all other VWs have gone to a crapacitive-everything. The Atlas has already made this transition and the Tiguan (unless you get the base model) has a capacitive panel for climate controls and the next gen Tiguan is looking to have an even worse interface.
I have the 23 Tiguan base model and love the cloth seats 😅
Great review thanks
Beautiful color
Look at a 2022 now in 2024. I have seen a lot of issues with leaking coolant and head gasket replacement. Have you dealt with any of that in the last 2yrs?
Run. We had it fail multiple times. We traded it in on a Honda CR-V and have had no issues.
@@PaulsPlaceI just bought one today 😅
@@diz354 hopefully you have better luck than we did! We honestly loved the car, but couldn’t deal with the reliability issues
Have you had high pitched squeaking when accelerating? I have the 8 speed auto. (Occurs at city and highway speeds). Seems to happen when gears shift. Lasts about 5 or so seconds. Stops immediately when I let off accelerator. (about 2,000 miles on it). TIA!
I do not, we did have some high-pitched squeaking that had to do with stuff, rubbing on the Styrofoam where the spare tire is, but nothing with shifting
Hi, i recently bought one but have found I don't have the "standard" blind spot monitoring system, did yours come with it and was it a feature you feel is worth me trying to swap out to get?
Hi! I wonder if the chip shortage affected your car. Nah, it’s nice to have but the Taos had pretty decent visibility.
@@PaulsPlace look on your window sticker many had rear traffic and blind spot deleted due to chip shortage , mine did and I got a 450.00 credit for it.
Hey man, how’s it holding up? If I can get one for around 30k it’s a good buy in this market.
We love the car, the only issue we have had is a coolant leak, but it was the head gasket and replaced under warranty. It’s a common issue. Other than that it’s a great car.
@@PaulsPlace really considering one, one guy got 7.5 to 60 using the hidden launch control feature, which to me is hilarious and awesome that it has that option.
Mine is a 2024 SE fwd and was 27,460.00
@@TommyG11814where do you live?
I love the exterior and the color. The cheap interior made me walk away to a different brand. For $33K I expect more.
I get that.
Don’t set the bar so high. This car isn’t meant to be a luxury car. It’s more of a cheap A-B car. For what you are paying, you get enough.
@@Kazze1 I don’t think you “get enough” at all for the money with the Taos. My 2014 Jetta tdi was in for warranties repairs. They loaned me a new Taos SEL model. I really enjoyed driving it, but was also put off by the chinky, thin, hard plastic dash and map pockets and other parts of the cabin. I like the Taos, but all the cheap plastic in the cabin doesn’t exactly inspire confidence that the more important construction and parts aren’t cheaped out as well.
Compare, for example, all the features of 2022 Mazda CX-5. For $33 K, you *get* a lot more, starting with standard AWD, premium materials, more standard safety and convenience features, better reliability record and warranty included, and the CX-5 is all built in and shipped from Japan. I liked a lot about the Taos, but it’s over-priced and “under-qualitied.” Building a Taos and a CX-5 as close in features as possible, at MSRP and filling in options to make them close, you will find that the CX-5 is less in cost, and so much more in quality and standard features.
@@maryl.7226 this is a subcompact suv. The CX-5 is a compact SUV. typically, quality moves up by size.
@@Kazze1 Hi, the Mazda I referred to Is the CX-5, which is larger than the CX-30. The CX-5 is 2.5L, AWD engine standard. The interior is much nicer than any of the three Taos trim packages (no hard thin chinky plastic anywhere, etc.). Thanks!
Do you still like your Taos?
Absolutely!!!
Nope, traded mine in 6 months!
We had to dump ours and take a huge loss. Very unreliable
Yup. We dumped ours too for a Honda CR-V. No regrets. What happened with yours?
@@PaulsPlace radio/fuel lines/canister/brakes at 24k and again at 32k. Check engine light nightmares. We went Subaru forester fingers crossed 🤞