2024 Volkswagen Taos review // What's with the transmission?

This is a Motormouth couple car review of the 2024 Volkswagen TAOS subcompact SUV. The 2024 Volkswagen TAOS is powered by a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. FWD models have an 8-speed automatic transmission and AWD models a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.
2024 Volkswagen TAOS fuel economy on the highway for the AWD model is very good at 7.5L/100 km, 32 MPG and in the city 9.9L/100km, 24 MPG.
The 2024 Volkswagen TAOS is priced competitively, the base Trendline model starts at 30,120 CAD for FWD and AWD is $32,720 CAD, Comfortline FWD/AWD $34,120 CAD/$36,720 CAD,
Comfortline Black Edition AWD $38,120 CAD and Highline AWD $40,720 CAD.
In the US, S FWD/AWD $23,995 USD/$26,335 USD, SE FWD/AWD $28,165 USD/$29,615 USD, SE Black FWD/AWD $30,365 USD/$32,015 USD and SEL $33,515 USD.
We are driving the 2024 Volkswagen TAOS Comfortline Black Edition model in Cornflower Blue. It’s a similar trim to the SE Black in the US. This model ups the sportiness with black exterior accents, black roof rails and 19” black wheels. The interior is simplistic with black and grey leatherette upholstery, white piping and blue stitching. This model has the larger 8” touchscreen with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, a 10.25” digital driver display, a power driver’s seat with lumbar support, a panoramic sunroof and a wireless charger.
Standard features on the 2024 Volkswagen TAOS include an 8” digital driver display and a 6.5” touchscreen with wired Apple Carplay and Android Auto, manual front seats, cloth upholstery, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
There are some extra features you can get on the top trim like ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, navigation and the BeatsAudio premium sound system.
The 2024 Volkswagen TAOS does not offer a power tailgate, a power passenger seat or heated rear seats.
Andrea Instagram / motormouth_andrea
Zack Instagram / motormouth_auto
0:00 Intro
0:27 The power
0:59 Key standard features
1:52 Ride/handling
4:52 New trim
5:22 Exterior
5:57 Interior
8:46 Rear seat and cargo
9:34 Questions, Coffee & Cars
13:17 Hot topic
15:51 Vital stats
16:38 Competitors
17:16 Final thoughts

[@mec2911]

Great video. As a Taos owner I’ll say reliability has been wonderful. No problems. Can’t say enough about the space - it’s huge considering it’s a subcompact. Huge! And driving dynamics are wonderful. The 4 Motion is superb in all weather conditions. Drove back to back with a friend’s Q3 and the Taos is more fun. Audi is great too, but Taos is enjoyable!

[@mec2911]

As for the DSG transmission - drive it for yourself. It’s better than any CVT, plus you can master it. It’s a great SUV. Wish we had a manual 🤣

[@johnyoung-ob6jm]

Hi, we have a 2022 Taos. The dual clutch transmission is easy to master. When pulling away from a stop, don’t just slide your foot off the brake and hit the power. Instead, release the brake and let the clutch take up on its own. Then apply power. This only takes about half a second and voila, no jerkiness. Once you get used to it, your driving is smooth as glass. Cheers, John

[@gerardtd1]

I rented a Taos this year from Vancouver to Seattle and back last May, and it was a pleasing ride, and mileage is good. Its android auto is good as I used my navigation thru it very minimal lag.

[@djaesy]

Have a 2023 FWD Taos love it!!

[@toffer30]

Team Taos! Love my 2024 Highline

[@jorgerojas2763]

Love this car, people complaining about the transmission don't understand the dsg. Drivers better than all competitors and is faster too plus all the nice features!

[@IanForsythWestCoast]

My 2022 Taos was a bit hard to handle at first, but it’s a “smart” transmission, and as I learned how best to drive it, it was learning how I drove and adapted. After a month or so, that thing was so smooth, my grandmother would think she’s riding on a cloud...well she kinda is right now, dead 40 years...but you know what I mean. Plus it’s got LAUNCH CONTROL! And it works like a charm....I was getting very low 7 second 0-60 times when I discovered it.

[@johntaylor1145]

I went from a Taos to a Q5. The Taos was actually better in almost every way. It was noticeably smoother. My badge envy killed me.

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

@@johntaylor1145To me the Q5 needs major updating. Nice vehicle but long on the tooth

[@johntaylor1145]

@@Pamlicojdjdj1487 I didn’t end up keeping it. I drive a Hyundai. I probably won’t keep that long either. 😂

[@jesseedurise3262]

I own a 2023 top of the line VW Taos and very satisfied with its performance

[@russellcaldwell5942]

I have a 2022 Taos Comfortline with 72000 kms on it. It has had the head gasket replaced under warranty. It was the gasket that was used originally, so it has been replaced with a better one. I would not say that it's been unreliable, though, it has not let me down once so far, even the amount of coolant that it leaked was very minimal. I like the DSG it's a very enjoyable drive and I consistently get under 7L/100km on the highway! Thank you for the great reviews, I purchased my VW based partly on your review of the 2022 and my own research! I love it, just wish they would include a power liftgate! Toyota and Chevy can do it in this class!

[@AM_SDG]

Love your show. Excellent review as always. Very funny when Andrea started to accelerate and you got scared and said there is a car in front of us.

[@kenhoward3512]

The latest Consumer Reports VW Taos review: very good driving test results (for handling and braking), very bad expected reliability, very bad owner satisfaction ratings. I wish VW would clean up their act.

[@terrencebenjamin7241]

I wouldn't even bother to listen consumer reports completely. They will always recommend something else then the something else isn't always better.

[@tvted6160]

Had 2 VWs in the past, never again…..utter junk unreliable 💩

[@palebeachbum]

That's typical of VW in the U.S. They drive well, but are piles of rubbish to own.

[@MrGhannusch]

I've had two Golfs, a Tiguan and now an Arteon. Nothing's ever failed and only one recall (a reflash) on the Tiguan. I'm touching wood right now 😂

[@mattd7059]

I have a 2015 golf that still feels new. Has been good to me.

[@MichaelDavis-uu9zh]

You guys have a good dynamic and are very fluid. Great content.

[@Daniel-xp5or]

Hi Guys, I like the way it handles, acceleration is great. I pass my 2022 Taos S model to a relative. The best NO CVT Trans..wonderful, great content. Thank You GUYS and have a great day.

[@10OF9OFBORG]

This Taos is pretty good. 2 things I rather have are larger touchscreen and get rib of piano black. The gas mileage is good! Good show Andrea! ☕️☕️

[@kellingtonlink956]

Although I have very limited knowledge or experience with this Volkswagen, I’ve been very impressed with these Tiguan-lites. Great size, great looks and has (most) of the qualities I love about these stoic, clearly Germanic SUVs (CUVs). Thanks for the video.

[@pta3407]

0:40 - the yellow VW bus in the background ☺

[@jeffmorse645]

The FWD uses an 8 speed automatic sourced from Aisin (Toyota group of companies). That bodes well for reliability. Living in Florida I wouldn't bother with the AWD, especially since the FWD is supposed to get close to 40 MPG on the highway.

[@jasonchiang7708]

Thank goodness I got a FWD!

[@palebeachbum]

Taos reliability is rated very poor. Toyota has been having transmission issues for the last few years, which doesn't help the Taos.

[@jeffmorse645]

​@@palebeachbum They use the same Aisin transmission in the Taos as they do in the Camry and RAV4. Check the Consumer Reports reliability ratings on those two for transmission issues (major and minor). Nothing but solid "green" for years. As far as the Taos goes, the main CR issue was with the DCT and both they and subscribers didn't like the way it performed more than it was breaking down. There was a fuel line problem and head gasket issue, but those were corrected. Plus they only have ratings for the launch year (2022). There weren't enough from 2023 or 2024 to give a reliability rating, just "expected". It wouldn't matter if the Taos now has stellar reliability with the current year, CR will never know and will continue to use the 2022 submissions by subscribers forever as their basis for ratings.

[@roventenedero1988]

I rented a new 2024 Taos 2 weeks ago in Dallas when I visited my Mom and I felt some jerking on the transmission when i press the gas. Feel some choke on it but not always. I recommend to test drive first before buying it

[@user-oc2rg1kp4c]

Got a Taos highline in November ‘23. Hated the jerky transmission so much, replaced that Taos with a Tiguan R-Line, a few weeks ago. What a pleasant change from the Taos…!!!

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

Was the Taos 4Motion AWD? If so it had the DSG transmission. FWD Taos has the Aisin 8 speed automatic same exact gearbox as your new Tiguan. My main issue with the US market Tiguan is how underpowered it is (184HP). The R-Line model sold in Europe has the same Engine but tuned to 220HP and 7-Speed DSG. Much better performing vehicle.

[@vulpixelful]

The Taos looks great. I like both the Tiguan and the Taos, but the Taos seems like the best deal. Plus, subcompacts still feel huge to me, so the Taos would be just enough car imo 👌🏾

[@davidlgti1]

Position your foot on top of the accelerator pedal to help reduce the annoying lunging. It’s weird but it helps a lot.

[@nicholasjackson8782]

You mean just barely touch it? I have a '24 taos and when I'm going 5-10mph (parking lot speed) the lunging is absolutely horrendous. But if this tip helps it that'd be great

[@mrw516]

I like it but I’ve read the Taos is plagued with issues.

[@navoo9009]

*like everything from VAG*

[@ahsanmalik1013]

@@navoo9009Not necessarily. 1.4 tsi was proven and torquey motor. I don't get it. Why replace with 1.5 tsi that appears to be some issue right now? Or could be poor quality of assembly.

[@tvted6160]

It’s mostly VW, not just this model

[@TheAustinblue67]

Head gaskets blowing with recalls and brakes wearing out recalls

[@SolarBlackShine]

Honestly, seems to be the 2022 models and the First half of 2023. First year issues as always for any company

[@Ryan-cf6lc]

Do you sell “one up from the base” t-shirts? Great review 😊

[@janoycresnova9156]

If this had the GTI powertrain, it would be perfect!

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

Get the GTI then. That’s what I did (MK8 GTI SE DSG)

[@TyLagaceLifts]

Thanks for another great review! I like the design of the taos and as a manual driver, dual clutches are my preferred alternative when I can't get a manual anymore (but hopefully at least one car maker will keep a manual option in some cars).

[@owenmcdonald5922]

The Golf GTD disappeared from the model range with the 8.5 update.

[@scott5375]

Love the looks and size. The engine and reliability leave something to be desired.

[@jrs9264]

When does the radio start playing " Am i blue"....🧐🤣🤣🤣

[@JoaoPaulo-ph8ug]

I like your reviews, I wish whenever you mention numbers (measurements) to have the info in metric also (subtitles/cc?). Living in Canada can be quite confusing, as many things are metric but we are also expected to know imperial, which is not my case. Keep it up!

[@aceofspades6667]

Beautiful color

[@Nelson_T]

Great review guys, as usual. Love VW. Just wish they were more reliable on a long run.

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

They are. Perform maintenance like changing oil every 5K miles. Don’t let small problems become big problems. These cars don’t take owner neglect and skipped oil changes kindly over the long haul.

[@massiveblindspot]

VW is not forgiven for discontinuing the base Golf. It's the only car for me. 91 Mk2 stick, then (one of the last) 21 Mk 7.5 8-speeds. Bit of a difference there.

[@glenbuttrey2963]

Love your reviews. You're right the Taos is very much a fat Golf, and tries it's best (but doesn't fully) replace the discontinued Golf Sportwagen. I have a 2017 Sportwagen Comfort and love it. It is the most efficient and versatile 'sports car' I have ever owned. Most impressive is how important torque is -189lb/ft @ a very impressively low 1800 rpm making it available where it's most needed while cruising. All accomplished with regular fuel and170hp. To that point, although you did mention The Taos used regular, I wish there was more emphasis in your reviews, on which vehicles NEED premium fuel. Given the Golf and now the Taos performance without premium, I suggest it would be appropriate to use this engine as a benchmark of performance so your viewers can benefit from a more economical ongoing cost of ownership.

[@Antonio-hz9rc]

I have had my 2024 Nline Kona Ultimate for about 1 month so far in Toronto Canada and I am loving it! The big screen/ Ventilated seats and the cameras are fantastic. Really happy with my purchase

[@jayshahu]

What do most people want in a vehicle. Reliability , Safety and dependability. Most of these reviewers recommend vehicles based on looks , driving dynamics and interior. So besides the west coast where do we.really get to enjoy driving dynamics when summer is always construction season in a Canada and remaining months you have snow. These same reviewers complain about the cost of vehicles. What they dont tell you is that if you add things like leather, panaromic roof, ventilated seats etc it adds thousands to the cost. Why?

[@kopsie6379]

I have the 2023 Taos SE, love it! My only complaint, the stop/start feature.

[@josephpanozzo4815]

I wish all mainstream car companies had the 4 year 50K mile warranty.

[@jenny80myles]

I do a double take every time I see that blue. Beautiful! :)

[@mitshumarner5870]

Had a VW Golf in my youth with a manual transmission. The Taos has the same DNA and is a lot of fun to drive. My Taos does lose coolant slowly and I carry a bottle of refill coolant when the light comes on.

[@jamesoldman3021]

Don't have a Taos but have had VW cars since 1994. Am on my 4th now and it has the dual clutch transmission. Now I did go from a manual to this but I absolutely love the DC. The jerkiness can be eliminated by learning how to adjust the RPM's when shifting down. Suppose to do it automatically just a little off. Could be a problem with my vehicle. Live in the Rockies and have a lot of hills in my community and I can grab the gear I want for both climbing and going down hill. At 225,000K still have over 60% of the brake pads left. Average between 45 - 50,000K/year and other than routine maintenance have not put any money into the car.

[@RR-on1gj]

What do they say, you only buy a Volkswagen once. Wonder why ?

[@christinemercer8891]

Because they are junk

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

@@christinemercer8891🤡

[@richardnugent7035]

How is the view out the front for a tall driver? I test drove the Crosstrek recently and the rearview mirror obstructed about 25% of my view through the windshield even with the seat at its lowest. I am 6’4” but was surprised by this as I have driven small cars in the past without encountering this issue.

[@MonkeyPunchZPoker]

4:35 I don't think I've ever seen a more terrified face in my life

[@tysonrux9520]

You only get the piano black on the comfortline Black Edition, the regular comfortline is more of a blue ish dash

[@denault3985]

A great looking Volkswagen Taos...but not dependable according to it's track record.

[@h_k369]

Can you guys do a review on 2204 VW Jetta?

[@cbrown1232]

Would be nice to have the option of the T-Roc here in North America, unfortunately only available in Europe. Any indication from VW that it might be coming here at some point?

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

Never. Neither T-ROC nor the T-Cross are certified by the NHTSA and EPA for sale in the US. There is also a good reason for that. Both of those small crossovers are based on the entry level VW Polo and no Polo derivatives are sold in North America either. It Makes it very difficult and costly to certify. Those models are sold a plenty in Latin America (South-Central) and some Caribbean countries. Also they are built either in Portugal, South Africa or Brazil. If you want one I am afraid you are going to have to move to another continent.

[@CalebCissna]

I drove a 23 or 24 Taos at work last night and hated it. The transmission is that bad. The rest of it was nice enough but that ruined the experience.

[@mart0225]

The transmission bends time to adapt to your driving. The 8 sp allows too. When I bought my Volvo with the same 8 speed auto I hated it. Shifted at the wrong times. Now it’s normal.

[@CalebCissna]

@@mart0225 I didn’t think Volvo used dual clutch transmissions? It was a rental car, so maybe there’s some of that causing issues with drive ability. However, other VAG cars with dual clutches have driven great, from Audi S-Tronic to Porsche Macan PDK.

[@mart0225]

@@CalebCissnaVolvo uses the Aisin 8sp auto. My point is transmissions need time to learn the driver’s habits. Though, as Andrea said, a dual clutch will never be a smooth as a conventional automatic.

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

Was it the AWD 4Motion model (DSG) or the standard FWD Taos (Toyota-Aisin 8 speed automatic torque converted)?

[@CalebCissna]

@@Pamlicojdjdj1487 4Motion

[@rickfetz469]

I had the dual clutch transmission in two vw’s and they both drove great. However at 40k miles the transmission service is close to $1,000 usd. Buy prepaid service if you can that includes this service.

[@FlowStateNewOrleans]

I have a (Cobb tuned) 2017 Golf Alltrack that I like quite a bit. In my family there's also a 2019 Tiguan SE that I've driven quite a bit. I actually prefer the DSG transmission in the Alltrack as well as the more car like driving dynamics. The Tiguan has a nicer interior and was more comfortable, but is wallowy and slow. Is the Taos closer to being a "fat Golf" as you call it or is it closer to the Tiguan in driving dynamics? Or does it somehow manage to adequately split the difference between the two?

[@Mac_Raymond]

Andrea is wearing that blue 💙 🎯🤩

[@PS-js9oh]

hubba ..hubba As Canadians say .."zippedee doo dah !"

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

Easy there fella, she is taken already..

[@nozerp]

I have a 2021 Tiguan and a 2022 Jetta which has the same engine as the Taos. There is a definite drop of quality from the Tiguan to the Taos. I may buy back my Tiguan but the Jetta is definitely going back - most likely early. The only reason I'm keeping it is the lease is $430 per month for a comfortline SE.

[@DjDLLM]

Most of the general public do not understand how DCT transmissions work and they complain it’s not smooth. Salespeople such as yourself do a great job of explaining how this particular transmissions behaves. It’s traditionally a sports car spec and will be more of a visceral sport experience. The torque figure really stuck out when I saw the engine specs. I love how DCT’s shift a mini kick in the back like highest end sports cars. Otherwise, they can stick with their CVT’s.😂 Btw, this car is in my wheelhouse of next cars. Do you have a coupon code when I go to VWVan?

[@Rockybalboa541]

Looks like 2025 will have a big update year for the Taos also I agree the 2.0liter with the dsg would make this way better

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

I wouldn’t count on it. Adding the 2 liter EA888 gen 3 or 4 and DSG would not only increase its price substantially but would compete even more for the Tiguan sales and possibly GTI sales too. The Tiguan in the US market is very underpowered (184HP and 8-Speed Aisin Automatic) whereas the European MK2 Tiguan was fitted with the same Engine tuned to a proper 220HP and 7-Speed DSG. I don’t see the Taos adopting the 2 liter turbo. Would love to be proved wrong.

[@cajunsushi]

Hey guys love your channel but where is the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid?

[@katiecannon8186]

Before I decided to get the GTI I assumed I’d get a small crossover thing. The Taos was my favorite with regard to driving & visibility & huge sunroof with a shade. The Mazda CX30 has a much prettier interior but not great visibility. Maybe a little better to drive in some ways, but just didn’t like the large blind spot. Anyway, the GTI is a better choice over both of them in my opinion.

[@tomdrummy4984]

Tiggy’s little brother, Taos 😃

[@TheKDHK]

Is it true FWD SE will get 28 mpg in the city ?

[@chrisb9478]

This could be a great small suv if it was more reliable. Consumer Reports rated it horrible, 1 of the worst for reliability. 😢

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

Stick to 2024 model year and up.

[@user-vo4wu7to6d]

I’ve just seen and known a few people that had major engine issues which leads to a lot of complaints and issues. So not sure if this has been fixed. But not sure if I would be on board to buy it.

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

The standard Golf 8 lives on in Europe and other overseas markets. I still think it was a huge mistake in part of VW Group of America to completely eliminate the standard Golf 8 in the US and Canada. Yes you can still get the GTI and Golf R fortunately

[@DR17dede]

If you are doing more highway driving what do you think performs better in terms of power ( nit worried about fuel consumption). The Tao, the crosstreck or the Subaru forester?

[@guyreviewer105]

The Buick Encore GX has all the features you mentioned that were missing in the sub-compact SUV category, Zack (except heated rear seats). It has a power liftgate with foot activation, remote start, rear view mirror camera (not backup camera), 360 degree view parking, etc, etc! And you can manually shift gears too! Reliability? I owned one for six years without problems and you mentioned it was number four in JD Power reports in your review of the Encore GX. But you always recommend Honda, Toyota and Kia in your four-car comparisons. Sigh.

[@Motormouth...]

Yes, we really liked it too.

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

Buick Encore, as most GMs, are manufactured in China. No thanks!

[@kubi0461]

I actually am finding DCTs smoother in most situations, at least in my X1. Where every past car I’ve owned often felt like it was frequently hunting for gears especially around town, the x1 has had silky smooth and consistent coasting speeds/feel in between lights. Where I do feel weirdness in the DCT is sometimes starting from a stop though I’m getting used to how to better manage the throttle to avoid that feeling. It also somewhat often hits highs high rpm rev points when slowing down to turn that feels unusual coming from all my past vehicles being standard automatics. That said, if I were driving around big city streets with many lights and stop/go and turns, I could see the dct feeling a bit jerky.

[@billurban1581]

I had a ZF 8 speed in my 2015 X1, great trans. The secret is the lock-up torque converter, locks up in 2nd, no "slippage" thereafter. Paddles helped too. I usually found it beneficial to lock it in 8th when cruising on the flat, otherwise it downshifted at the slightest provocation, not good for economy . . . gotta stay close to best BMEP.

[@cyrusthegreat3081]

Base model has everything I need except speakers. But for the price, I can live with that. Reliability is the only issue

[@FromThePrairies]

Good to know about this option when it comes time to replace the 14 year old manual transmission Subaru Forester.

[@larryhoffman7471]

Do you not recommend the Mazda CX-30?

[@robertt9342]

The wheels should have a machined face highlight. The design is completely lost, especially with the bright body colour.

[@davidbaillieul109]

Nice review, but with some Rose Colored glasses on. The head gasket recall on 2022 & 2023 models was a major PITA for many owners, and require engine replacement in some cases. The rear brake pad wear is terrible, and has been addressed by a recall. I have a troblefree 2023 , but hesitate to take it on long trips due to the head gasket issue. My wife hates the DCT, I actually like it a lot. On balance, it was a lease that will be returned. VW should really issue a head gasket recall instead of waiting for engines to implode.

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

The head gasket issue was resolved for 2024. Also the same exact engine is used on the standard trim levels of the Jetta sedan (GLI uses a completely different engine and transmisión)

[@benhaze1010]

Have an Audi with their genuine DCT (not FWD base) and I like it very much most of the time. However is stop and go traffic, and even worse when having a series of stops to do, say every 100 ft in a residential area, it can drive me banana. You either have to come to a complete stop, pause and be very patient before resuming or the poor trans tries to slip those clutches so much resulting in jerkiness, delays and potentially lots of aggravation. Enough for me that I won't be getting another DCT; staying with Audi it would mean getting a S4 or S5 but boy they are now so expensive...

[@lucatenti2226]

The only problem is the dual clutch with the Taos is the lag wen downshift and wen from a stop. It could be better tuned my brother has a Audi q5 and his car is so much smoother at low speed, I hope they make the Taos smoother with software updates to the transmission

[@Brutemandave]

The steering feel is adjustable on the Tiguan

[@wongricky9095]

As Taos has less power than Crosstrek (2.5L), but with DSG, would it be felt more "responsive" than crosstrek?

[@martinz6445]

Today I got it for rental this week, and drives nice and smooth but Reliability is a concern for me, VW Turbo burns oil and uses plastic parts that fail in cold environments in Canada, more suitable for European climate

[@davidalenick1246]

Did you drive both the AWD and FWD? When the Taos first came out we drove both and while I thought the DSG was lazy (compared to the GTI or Audi versions), what really shocked me about the AWD version was the suspension change. It was shockingly “busy” over bumpy roads. So much so that we went a different direction. The FWD didn’t have these problems but we didn’t really want a FWD SUV. My question is… is that still true with the 2024?

[@SolarBlackShine]

The DSG is not bad. I have no idea what people are talking about. Maybe their first DSG? I love my 2024 SEL. I hate these new fake suvs but this Taos I find it enjoyable. Complaint? I wish it had launch control. Needing to move from 0 in a urgent moment feels sluggish

[@mikegaul1623]

My wife and I had a 2024 Taos loaner for six months while her 2018 Tiguan was at the dealer getting repaired. Good power, but poor execution of transmission and brakes. It was impossible to drive smoothly. BTW, the Tiguan is back in the shop.

[@jeffer1101]

Looks like a decent enough package for the class. I guess my only wish would be if it had the 8 speed automatic instead of the DCT. A DCT makes sense in a GTI, but not a people mover vehicle like this (or the Santa Fe for that matter). If it had the regular 8 speed, it would eliminate all the concerns and issues regarding the transmission. It seems there are other possible reliability concerns, but maybe those have been addressed already. It just seems like putting the DCT in here gives people something to possibly not like about it. I don't understand why a car company would make such a silly decision.

[@jonathans.5663]

Test drove one at the dealership in 2022. The blind spot sensors had an error and shut down mid-drive. Crazy but I didn't end up buying one! Also the throttle is really touchy, very annoying to drive.

[@tommythiffault6839]

The dnka 1.5 litre is a wonderful engine, yes is has issue with the head gasket but it got resolve and really doesn’t cause damage. Brakes on all vw wears fast so no big deal really

[@rizzlerazzleuno4733]

Brakes wear fast? Depends on how you drive. My 2019 Golf wagon has 60K miles and original brakes have plenty of pad left.

[@tommythiffault6839]

They do. So much so they have a warranty extension 2y/40k km on pads.

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

Disagree with the brakes wear

[@Kettleone4]

I have a 2022. Problem is it’s a car frame. So the brakes were never upgraded for this cuv, or suv weight. Horrible navigation system. But the cargo room is great.

[@persaifi]

@ 4: 36 you got to edit out the part were you had zero confidence in your wife driving. LOL 🤪

[@timblanchard7126]

158 hp for a turbo 4 is not much. I find most small suvs in this segment underpowered.

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

Hence my theory that DSG transmissions work best when paired to a larger displacement engine (2 liters and up) with more HP and generous torque powerband.

[@jamespaul2587]

How about GTP for phat? 😊

[@zehuama2197]

4:36 you look really SCARED LOL🤣

[@pooh4519]

Nearly as powerful as my mower!

[@mathislaplante5271]

Are they planning on re designing it? It’s been out for some time now

[@Ulvaeus]

It’s getting a mild refresh in 2025.

[@mathislaplante5271]

@@Ulvaeus has it been unveiled yet?

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

Came out just 2 years ago😂

[@mathislaplante5271]

@@Pamlicojdjdj1487 came out in 2020… 😹😹😹

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

@@mathislaplante5271 Introduced in China back in 2018 as the VW Tharu. Introduced in NA in 2021 as the 2022 Taos.

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

Here is my theory…. I believe DSG transmissions are best suited for larger displacement engines with more generous torque power bands (2 liters and above). Both of my VWs (MK8 GTI and Arteon SEL Premium) have 2 liter turbos EA888 gen 4 with generous HP and torque power bands (241HP/273TQ and 300HP/295TQ respectively) and the DSG operation from standstill and shifting is imperceptible and silk smooth. I wonder if the rather small displacement 1.4L 4cyl turbo used in the Taos (And Jetta) is really not well suited to interact with a DSG gearbox? Note the FWD Taos comes fitted with the Toyota sourced 8-Speed Aisin as well as all trim Levels of the standard Jetta (Or a manual transmission not offered in the Taos). Jetta has no 4Motion AWD model so no DSG offered in that sedan outside of the GLI (Which comes with a larger displacement 2 liter 228HP EA888 gen 3 engine). Thoughts?

[@Sanpedranoazul]

A friend of mine has a '21 Tiguan and already has transmission problems, the dealer recommended to change the transmission 😵🤷🏻‍♂️, She's working with the dealer and her lawyer to get solutions

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

Do you realize the 2021 Tiguan has an Aisin (Toyota sourced) 8-Speed automatic transmission?

[@joeyjayass3547]

Awd 2023 Taos here , from a roll the car won’t accelerate. It takes 2-3 seconds to realize you just pressed the throttle. Absolutely horrible when your in a jam and need that throttle right away

[@alexsummaria371]

Please review a Range Rover evoque

[@devynm1309]

VW could have done so much more with this car… I do look forward to the next gen, but this car could’ve been less plain on the inside, even for VW (which I enjoy, I’ve owned two).

[@21Dimen]

The Transmission tuning is absolutely horrible, I had this as a loaner and it was the worst vehicle I’ve driven because of that. Now, there may be a software update like a recall?

[@JoeCole12]

I don’t understand why they tuned it like that. My 2023 A4 has the same transmission and it’s buttery smooth. Overall it’s smoother than our Highlanders 8sp Aisin transmission.

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

@@JoeCole12Is a small displacement 1.4L turbo in that Taos. Note the standard Jetta uses the same exact engine as the Taos, but unlike the crossover, the Jetta does not offer a 4Motion AWD model and hence only offered with the Toyota sourced 8-Speed Aisin automatic. The only way to get a Jetta sedan with the DSG transmission is to go with the top trim GLI that comes with the 228HP EA888 gen 3 2 liter turbo. Seems to me the DSG is better suited for vehicles with larger displacement engines, 2 Liters and above. That may explain why the DSG 7-Speeds on my MK8 GTI and Arteon SEL Premium (As well as your A4)work so well and Smooth. Both cars have the EA888 gen 4 2 liter turbo (241HP on the GTI and 300HP in the Arteon) which translates on cars with better torque powerband to handle the DSG shifting characteristics. Thoughts?

[@JoeCole12]

@@Pamlicojdjdj1487 Interesting, I never considered the smaller displacement engine being a factor. Wonder why they didn’t put an Aisin 8sp in it?

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

@@JoeCole12 Good point. The 4Motion Tiguan in the US and Canada offers the 8 speed Aisin so I don’t think is a limitation on that gearbox.

[@solo819]

VW need to bring in some of their real R models, not just the R trim.

[@Arthur-S]

😎🤓

[@whitelotus1594]

Get rid of any VW suv before 60K, and you're fine.

[@tonyvargas368]

As the former owner of 1 Audi and 3 VW’s, i concur.

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

Hahahahahah

[@TheGarrafan4life]

I wish the Jetta 1.5 has DSG

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

Get the GLI then with a better 2 liter engine (228HP) and DSG.

[@joshb2812]

You certainly couldn’t get away with the “GTF” in this day and age. But, you’d score super high points for inclusion if you called it the “GTBP” BP for body positivity, of course! That being said, if you count the European market, does the T-roc R count as a Taos that’s been on Ozempic? 🤔

[@Snerdles]

My PHEV little car supposedly has 160 HP and it's lethargic and miserable to drive. I can't imagine how terrible that would be in a bigger vehicle. I also have a dual clutch and that doesn't make it any more fun, just jerky and confused.

[@1776freak]

I didn't know Zack had a daughter.

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

First wife?