2022 VW Taos AWD Review and Off-Road Test

[@gamergeek8933]

I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again, if hard plastic brings down the price of cars give me hard plastic. It’s reviews like this that are constantly making cars more expensive. Not every car needs to be luxurious. Sometimes we need a car that is cheap and reliable.

[@728GT]

Facts

[@miguelbaeza65]

The fact that everyone is going towards crossovers is the fact that car makers raise the prices on them. You can get a Jetta or Corolla for far less money. You really don't need AWD for 98% of the year. You don't need all that interior space. Crossovers are very inefficient than the sedan counterparts because of their boxiness. Put a set of winter or all weather tires on a sedan and you'll be fine in the snow.

[@NerdLifts]

It's like every other option on a vehicle. They'll charge you $10k for $5k worth of mediocre options. Anyone who upgrades to trim levels for interiors, stereos, etc... is wasting a lot of cash. You can always put in a stereo yourself, and it will be both better and half the price of the upgrade via the manufacturer.

[@gamergeek8933]

@@miguelbaeza65 tell that to all of the people I pass stuck in the snow. Maybe where you live fwd is ok, but I live in a area where if you don't have awd you are not making it to work. Snow tires dont matter when your car is high centered from 24in of snow overnight.

[@NotCleverlyNamed]

I actually think he’s making that exact point. He says “once you start getting into the mid-30s,” which this car is. As in: hard plastic is great to keep the price down, and they didn’t keep the price down and still gave hard plastic.

[@movadopika]

I just bought a Taos and I have to offer some rebuttals to its criticisms. Power, it's not overwhelming, but is it sufficient and zippy around town. I have not noticed any delays that seem to plague the earlier models. The engine sounds are quite refined compared to the competition and at the end of the day, how many times are you going to floor it from a red light. The interior is typical VW, most parts are well done and very Germanic and others are cost saving elements. But the vehicle has a sense of refinement in its drive, the steering is very precise, handles better than you would think and the ride is well sorted. Not too firm, not too soft, VW hit the sweet spot. Kia and others might offer more soft touches, but lack the maturity of a well engineered product, which the Germans do best. Lastly, there are some Audi touches, the digital cockpit is quite nice, ambient lighting is better than most of the competition, even in higher price brackets. This is a very nice compact SUV, I had a few trepidations about the specs, but go test drive, you will find yourself surprised, it is pretty well done. I opted for the SEL trim with panoramic roof, basically all in, would purchase again, thanks for reading if you made it this far :)

[@richardzohn6810]

Totally agree! We have an SE 4-Motion which we absolutely love. Very capable all around utilitarian vehicle. Lots of cargo space. Drove from San Diego, CA to Baton Rouge, LA. Continued on to Charleston, SC. ALWAYS got well over 34mpg on 87 octane, and we found it relatively quiet on the highway. Not really lacking for power either. And we came out of an Audi Q3 Quattro. The fine line between the power the Taos does have WRT the real world MPG it delivers is perfect in my opinion.

[@MiCoopRS]

@@richardzohn6810 Just wondering, Why did you not purchase or Lease another Q3 ? and how long did you have the Q3 ? Are you leasing or do you purchase?

[@richardzohn6810]

@@MiCoopRS - we had the Q3 about 2 years. Unfortunately - it was destroyed due to a hit & run accident by a drunk in a Dodge Ram going over 100mph on Interstate 10 in Louisiana. Cops got the driver & I was made whole! But directly to your question, at the point of losing the Audi, we were also running out of warranty. The VW reset the warranty (new car), provided virtually everything the Audi did, and used regular gasoline. Bottom line, no regrets getting the Taos. We love the practicality of that little SUV!!

[@Taliyon]

Everybody is bashing the interior materials. I don't see the confusion. It's a very "adult" daily driver. The Taos has room for a small family, without sacrificing the familiarity in handling with hot hatches and the like... If you have a couple little rugrats, the last thing you want is to have to clean cracker crumbs out of soft touch materials. I think VW was very wise in creating a compact SUV with enough power to DD without sucking, even if it's uninspired... It looks sharp, luxury vibes, without being pretentious. If you're 24-35 ish... Can responsibly buy a 35k car. Possibly have a small family. Need a daily driver that isn't entirely boring, looks respectable. But don't need a larger, more luxurious vehicle... Again, I don't see the confusion. The Taos might be the most VW creation in a very long time. I think it's a bigger market than "car enthusiasts" who review cars, seem to understand. I like the review format! Sub-worthy

[@atozisnotme]

That is a well put way to say it, it's just perfect in my eyes, coming from the Tiguan 2019 this taos is what the Tiguan should have been, if only they put a 2.0t in there for when you drop off the kiddies mwhaha

[@nhuff73]

I just bought this vehicle today. I absolutely love it. I need it for exactly what you did with it. Got 37 mpg on the drive home from the dealer. Paid $32,700 off the lot which I’m happy with.

[@pingpong_]

are you still happy?

[@shekharmoona544]

You probably got the 8 speed transmission too.

[@dpajc056]

I just passed 1,000 km in my Canadian Highland trim (USA equivalent SEL I guess?), and the interior is far nicer than the SE tested here. The quality is much better, nice leather stitching, better displays, cooled seats, etc. It made my buddy's Honda Civic SI look like a crummy economy car. I agree that the car is noisy compared to the Tiguan R I drove recently, that car wasn't any louder whether you're doing 40 or 140, you couldn't tell. The Taos is a great SUV offering very good interior space compared to the competition, better interest rates, and the dual clutch transmission is awesome! The car feels connected to the engine instead of the sloppy CVT where you get the rubber band effect. However, the CVT is a lot smoother and this car with DCT coupled with a Turbo lag is not as smooth as a CVT naturally aspirated engine car. The car isn't without faults, but genuinely is a great buy and I def recommend one. I so wish they had a diesel option though !!! 😭 This guy is full of it saying it's slow, slow compared to what?! A Tesla?! The car is not slow at all, if you need speed then buy a damn Tesla Model S plad.

[@MiCoopRS]

I understand you saying to buy the Plan, but is that a Small SUV ? Taos is smaller and less expensive than a TIGUAN, which I have had it was a R-Line, then a few after that and now tearing around in a 2024 Golf R 6 speed manual... after a few FUN years in this, I'm not sure if I could DROP 1/2 the HP and be OK with that alone, the refinement of the Golf R as well,. but the Taos is also, 1/2 the Price the R, I could not even think to bring it on that OFF ROAD area.... of course not !.... For now its all CITY SLICKING for me I'd have to gradually got down to Taos after a few years in a Q3, maybe if the Brought the Q3 RS to town, US or Canada, that be the next for sure.....159 HP well at least I'd maybe be able to throw any of my bikes, the pedal type, into the back to get to the Bike trails.... It is a NICE LOOKING SUVish looking truck... you say Canadian Trim, so you are up here in Canada.... which Province? I am over in Alberta, for the 5% PST so buying things at a large value does not hurt as much, the mountains are so close and the AIR is always fresh.... a drastic change from Ontario.

[@jacknapier9026]

I love my 2022 Taos SE, I get compliments cus I always keep it looking sharp. I bought it October 2021 and only has 6400 miles, and I intend to keep it for a long time. 😉😊

[@mistersitati]

Haha...shout out from #Kenya 🇰🇪 .. 18:11.. Would be great if we got the Taos, we only get the Polo and Tiguan locally assembled here. It's Subaru country though! I'm sure you saw that. Love the show ✌️

[@marshaclark4901]

Another great review; really appreciate the efforts to use the same locations, techniques and camera angles to help make valid comparisons between vehicles. Can’t wait to see the improvements to the DS “proving grounds”. Keep up the good work! Sadly this VW is overall somewhat disappointing, but the dual clutch tranny did surprisingly well off-road. Higher cabin noise is a deal breaker for me on those longer trips. CS-5 has my vote in this class right now and can actually still be found on dealer lots here in FL.

[@coraltheexplorer6753]

I had a TAOS it’s is a GREAT city car or even just living in the high desert will get you to 80 percent of place. And the cargo space NEVER let me down with needed cargo space… I used that car to the max. Only thing That needed some refinement was the transmission. Got it for 23k such a great price . My other cars atlas (Taos replacement) and 1992 gmc 3500HD

[@streamscreen]

Nice video I have the awd Taos would never take it off road.It’s not fast but definitely not slow I find it be quite zippy for the power it has.

[@shyampun821]

1.5 faster than anything around its segments

[@welcome2myworld1.o89]

That is actually pretty damn impressive! So much better then 1995-2017 outback’s and Toyota 2001-2022 rav4, highlander, and all Hyundai vehicles lmao!

[@paulholterhaus7084]

Not even in the same catagory as the new CX50...............Paul

[@IamCooper-rk5bn]

Too bad Subaru, Toyota and Hyundai would blow the brakes off ANY VW in terms of reliability lmao!

[@williambuklad9622]

Agree it's terrific driver, you hit the important stuff, the only down is the tire noise maybe it's the OEM fit; the Conti's on my otherSportwagen TDI are really good in that regard. On my front driver the 8 spd is absolutely terrific, always in the right cog. Seats with lumbar adjustment are outstanding. Right, the trip odometer I haven't figured out and use the car data window. And that lets me hyper mile, the flat road 65 mph local stuff nets always over 41 - like 45 even - which just flat out amazing. I think the fwd has plenty of pull with the 1.5, which engine has a terrific reputation in the eurozone. Nice review, thanks.

[@RichardVac]

Thanks! For the review, one thing this vehicles can do if you want to do a 0-60 is launch control, it will do more than a second faster than the 8.4, I did it myself and it works great, I am surprised no other vehicle in this category and price point offer this feature. This little turbo engine using 93 octane gas will increase the hp but to save $ 87 is ok to use. I like the driving dynamics, the steering feels nice and the suspension is well tuned with the vehicle, it corner well, filling security on the road, also the 4MOTION has proved to be good, if you want a little more ground clearance you can buy a lift kid they sell for all the vw SUVs called "Basecamp accessories". I like the space it offers inside, over all I think it is a great vehicle

[@Traumatree]

Why would this vehicle even have a launch control system is kind of useless imo.

[@RichardVac]

LC is useless any way unless you are into racing vehicles, but I was surprised that a small budget SUV like this one has one, that is a + no matter how you see it, then agen it can do 0 to 60 in 7 seconds (Not 8.4) and that time is above average for this price segment, the one I tested is the basic S model with 4MOTION, priced 27,895. Not bad at all

[@devinlewis9409]

Awesome review. Love seeing crossovers tackle this road. Also love seeing the maverick in the background. Would be cool to get an update on how it’s been since you’ve got it

[@drivingsports]

We have an update on the Maverick coming in a couple weeks.

[@freedomstar3814]

The Taos with a 2.0 turbo and a 2 inch lift and better off road tires would be a blast !

[@brandoncooney3545]

I absolutely loved the Taos, I hated the Tiguan because it was way too underpowered and the Taos is more peppy. The Taos is 1000x better than the Kia Seltos, I drove that and wanted to turn right back around, it was sooo loud, not smooth at all, and overall very disappointing. I ended up trading my Arteon in for an Atlas because the Taos's are hard to find in SEL trim and Kings Red color. Atlas are easier to find.

[@murder00redrum]

Not sure if you will reply, but how do you find the Atlas? I have the 22 Taos at top trim and i love it. Im just going to need more room soon with kids on the way.

[@MrMannyhw]

People who buy Taos want better fuel economy. Atlas is way too thirsty on fuel. Taos is a huge downgrade from the Golf, interior is really bad on the Taos.

[@MiCoopRS]

@@MrMannyhw and now that they no longer have Normal Golf's just the R and GTI, you can't even dream that the R can do the off roading that this little TAOS just did, Taos could have done way better if it had chunkier tires for off roading, however this is not why you'd buy a Taos, its the SMALL form factor and high MPG regular GAS, unless anyone knows that it ONLY has 158 HP, they'd swear maybe 200 and I am sure that the Q3 is way bigger and PRICIER... that's where, TAOS fits in that GAP. no more Golf or Golf wagons!

[@MrMannyhw]

@@MiCoopRS it’s ok tao is a good car. But a bit soft on the road.

[@artpastorette4547]

I have a Taos S 4Motion. My car really grew on me and the fact that it can handle off-roading is great. I do think it is slow unfortunately. I also feel like the interior is quite cheap feeling, especially the cloth seats on the S trim. Other than that I love it. I use to have a Golf SE 2019 and the interior quality of the Taos is definitively a huge downgrade. Mine is equipped with the adaptive cruise control stuff.

[@lilpeppa117G]

Luckily its turbo charged tune it or see if you get more power using prem gas

[@TheDjUvis]

plastic in interior is using also Audi Q2 and Q3 this is normal how they saying for mid range cars

[@lucienl9465]

wait for Unitronic 87/91 ocotane tune. it will be perfect. DSG is what made the 4Motion amazing.

[@shyampun821]

Go to sel pay more u get beats audio IQ DRIVE 19 inch wheels heated ventilated seats heated steering

[@geomax3465]

Exelent TEST of the 4wd system Thank You for your content. 👍

[@daemn42]

Is funny that folks talk about low speed "brake vectoring" like it's not 20+ year old tech. VW introduced EDL (Electronic Differential Lock) back in 1995 on the Corrado VR6 and Toyota A-TRAC (Active Trac) in 2000-2001, I think first in the Land Cruiser. Both apply brakes to the wheel that's spinning to transfer torque to the side that isn't. The only thing that makes them different from any normal ABS system is that they have a pump to make their own brake pressure which is probably a small added cost and thus why not *all* cars have had it since then. The biggest mistake people make with these systems is not giving them time to do their thing. If you roll slow into a lifted tire scenario on a climb, sometimes the tire start to spin, while the car stops and sometimes even rolls backward a little, and then people panic and get off the gas or even hit the brakes. For these systems to work you just have to stay steady on the gas, give it time to recognize the wheelspin and apply the brakes and start pulling itself forward.

[@shekharmoona544]

This guy is so right. If you are paying mid 30's you expect better materials.

[@bradenabbott2707]

Excuse me what? This does not compete with the Forester, CR-V or Tuscon. This competes with HR-V, Kona, Trailblazer, Envision, Bronco Sport, Seltos, C-HR, Renegade, Kicks, and Crosstrek.

[@greywolf8060]

I really like Mr Ryan's reviews showing vehicles' both on and off-road. I may move to Europe in a couple of years. Right now the best vehicle I see for me is related to this Taos (who knows in 2 years). It solved Ryan's 2 main complaints: interior quality and power. Skoda Karoq. Based on this Taos, it has nicer interior (including removable back 3 section seat, any or all sections!) and can be had with VW 2.0 TDI, 150hp, 256lbft torque. So same hp, but significant torque. And 40mpg! The competition for me is Subaru. But Skoda is nicer, if not as offroad, and knowledgeable service much more available.

[@cyrilmatthew2995]

Me reckon it always better to opt for a mazda CX 5 may be .... There are a tonne of crossovers which sometimes doesn't stand out for that purpose and VW's ...I started to hate them ... For me Toureag is their proper cross over with a longitudinal engine and they always keep it as so premium - would have provided more choice to customers

[@Memo-xr4nu]

Excellent Review Thanks

[@marshalr79]

Excellent review 👍

[@motogene9367]

Got my Jeep compass Trail Hawk yesterday.. Thanks for the Review Trail Hawk just got some upgrades 360 cam And some other stuffs

[@tritchie6272]

Would another 20 pony's under the hood and a slightly better interior be enough to make worthwhile or competitive in its class?

[@MrRob_Otto]

8 sec 0 to 60, doesn't sound suuuuper slow for a small suv, I think for the price it is better than the other cars on the segment, or at least it sound like it when you say the dsg is great, the crawling is impressive, and the seats are comfortable and you didn't rock the bottom at all.

[@robertmyers5269]

If you are going to complain about road noise, how about trying it with the rear seats up and the parcel cover done up.

[@AaronPeabody]

Another enjoyable video-thank you! As a fellow dweller in the Seattle area I’d love it if you could share more information about the roads you drive. Not your private course, naturally, but I’d love to try my hand (and Subie) at the places you use for your test drives and reviews.

[@slandshark]

Pretty easy to figure out if you pay attention to the driving scenes when he's on i90 and just off the exit. I plan on checking out his spots with my WRX and later this year my Subaru Ascent. I live about 30 minutes from where he does the offroad tests. In fact, the spot at 18:28 I'm pretty sure I cut down my christmas tree from that exact spot a couple years ago (just to the right of the power line structure.

[@margolindima5260]

You have to remember it is turbo charged, the turbo engages at certain RPMs this is the reason for lack of power, you have to wait for turbo to engage. Another good thin about this VW is MPG it makes about 30 all over, I pretty sure it is way better than all the vehicles you've mentioned in this review.

[@paulholterhaus7084]

I am averaging 33 overall with my cx30.....even tho it is not suppose to do that............Paul

[@jorgerojas2763]

Great video as always, but remember the Taos is a Subcompact SUV and its competition is The CrossTrek, HRV , etc...!!

[@richardgivens9845]

I test drove Taos in this same trim w/7 speed dsg last week. Thirty minutes of driving around and you realize this is a daily driver at best. Actually I found the FWD w/8 speed automatic a better drive, but even the SEL trim has a cheap feel as well which was disappointing considering it was $34k. Thanks for the review Ryan.

[@DavGreg]

Yes, it has the cheap feel of a Jetta. Really sad how down market VW has gone with interiors in recent years.

[@mauricebarry8858]

@@DavGreg The new Jetta GLI interior is stunning. Same with the id.4 and golf.

[@triggerxx9760]

I got a tiguan R for the same price no complaints

[@paulholterhaus7084]

@@mauricebarry8858 Stunning if Your requirements are VERY low...........Paul

[@mauricebarry8858]

@@paulholterhaus7084 I saw it in person. 2022 Jetta GLI interior. The digital dash, the ambient lightning, the pedals, the seats, the screen, the whole ambience was excellent to sit in. I sat in that car far longer than any other car at the Chicago Auto Show just to admire it because it was an achieveable car that was absolutely stunning. I don't know what your stunning is, though.

[@91mph]

Big fan of your reviews, so I would love a recap of your recommended models; a "buyer's guide" of sorts. For example, as a geologist by trade and hiker by hobby, I do lots of rough dirt road stuff (think unmaintained USFS) and sometimes transport my bike around, but it's not rock scrambles in Moab. Some crossovers seem too much like simple appearance packages with bad clearances, etc., but true rough and tumble things like Jeeps or 4Runners are pricey toys that I'd use only rarely to their full potential. (Add other other considerations such as mpgs, reliability, and size for day-to-day in-city living.) I've been eyeing the Bronco Sport, but it's hard to know if this is the only thing fitting the bill or if I've overlooked something. So your input on topics like this in a semi-regular buyer's guide would be much appreciated by me and, I'd hazard, other viewers, too!

[@davidstaron4302]

Get a forester

[@savindasenanayake6242]

great vedio..can i ask a question , who is gave new generation vehicles to you...are you buying?

[@Dontgo5]

a 30 minute review and we didn’t see how the sunroof functions. which is a big selling point because of how large and beautiful it is

[@MyAlexWest]

looks cool. i wish quality was there overall!

[@n2boston]

Excellent! Would you say Tiguan is a better value at only about $3K more for similar specs? I’d imagine interior is higher quality. That reminds me, can you do a review (including off-road) of the 2022+ Tiguans? While its more of a facelift, they did tune the driving a bit. Also, this is essentially a cheaper Q3, right? Thank you for these excellent reviews!

[@inspectorjavert5563]

1.4 engine in the taos is more reliable than the 2.0 in the tiguan.

[@Summit4x4Company]

Great video!

[@ChicagoOutfit1900]

Comparing this to your (somewhat) recent review of the Rav4 TRD offroad, that'll handle this course with ease, right? I remember you being slightly let down with it's performance offroad, and you didn't even take it to your own test course. (Which you said here is for more advanced vehicles)

[@carlosrivera7274]

Hrv soon I hope! Good video is always 👍🏽👍🏽

[@drivingsports]

We're filming the all-new HR-V in June.

[@Emilseattlebroker]

hmm is that Issaquah?? lol, we bought a Taos about a year ago, mainly to take up to the mountains to snowboard but this makes me wanna take some trails on! Great video

[@drivingsports]

Outside issaquah. Near Snoqualmie.

[@matus201]

I think VW has a history of off-road - worthy vehicles (e.g., the Touareg), this Taos shows they didn't forget their past!

[@bikesbeardsbeers94]

This thing needs the 2.0t (or even 1.8t) in a similar fashion to the first gen Tiguan. Those were really fun little SUVs! I’m a little disappointed in the direction VW has been going in the last few years. They used to be in that same sweet spot as Mazda as being a premium (but not luxury) option for those that wanted something a little different. You still pay the premium price, but they took a dive in overall quality.

[@RichardVac]

I own a 22 taos with the 4MOTION and DSG transmission, I purchased a Burger throttle tuner and it's like night and day difference, it's responsive and quick, 7.5 0-60 love how smooth this vehicles feels, also you can do launch control and it will take off even faster

[@FuriousFilipino]

Just going through the videos on your channel, and it looks like the most direct competitor is really the Chevrolet Trailblazer. I also wonder why you came away with a more positive review of this vehicle than you did the Trailblazer? Is the suspension quality and slow speed control that much better on this VW?

[@drivingsports]

The Toas is notably larger than the Trailblazer. (In wheelbase, width and lenght.) Both these vehicles are on the pricy side for what you get, but being larger the Toas just doen't seem like quite as much of a stretch.

[@mjpermin]

In your opinion, which does better in trail access or forest road environments; The VW taos, or the kia seltos? I'm a huge fan of vw and it seems that the taos did better, but it's not on the same course as your seltos video so I'd rather take your word for it. Thanks!

[@billderas3420]

Wow! As soon as I heard the horsepower and road clearance figures for the Taos, I moved on. Thanks for advising me of this information so early. Still gave YOU a thumbs up! LOL

[@Gist258]

if Taos had 2.0t，mind blowing.

[@shekharmoona544]

What would have happened if he aired down or had slightly wider tires for that trail?

[@Williamb612]

question..when you accelerated did you have the vehicle in Sports mode? You said there was not a lot of lower, however I imagine it is punchier in Sports mode?

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Between the color and exterior? is really not that bad.. It's in the interior which shows just what you are buying, or more to the point, "missing." For an new car/entry level/new driver, though?? Not bad..Okay, the Off-Road trail test, IMPRESSED me.. Ryan, please let me know where you got that STI hoodie.. Please?? lol

[@randalmcmurphy9237]

Would you prefer this over the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross? Which interior and AWD system do you prefer?

[@suburbankid]

Can you please try the same off road path with a FWD crossover to see how limited they are.

[@drivingsports]

We did this trail with the 2WD VW ID.4 last year. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gV60ZqJva9mmpas

[@davidgiles9751]

I've commented on other review videos that VW really messed up by using this new 1.5l TSI engine vs. the (discontinued) VW Alltrack's much better 1.8l TSI. I had considered a Taos as a replacement for my Alltrack. Then I drove both the FWD and AWD versions and was completely unimpressed. I ended up going in a completely different direction and bought a new Hyundai Tucson PHEV Limited. While it's certainly more expensive at the point of purchase, after I get the $6,587 Federal tax credit and a portion of my State's $2,500 credit, it will cost way less than an equivalent Taos. Factor in the significantly reduced cost of operating a PHEV over a conventional gas vehicle, and the decision to buy the Tucson was easy.

[@TheKauaiboyz51]

how are you liking it? thats the hybrid turbo version you got, correct? i also looked at the taos but it was so severely underpowered, i went with a new 2020 hyundai santa fe limited 2.0T AWD. 235 hp and 256 lb ft of torque

[@moonsapling]

Hey, another Tucson owner here! Mine has the 1.6 turbo engine with the 7 speed DCT. It is mild hybrid. I love it to bits! It feels very sporty to drive and has even taken me to some cool campsites already.

[@DavGreg]

Replaced my Alltrack with an Outback XT Onyx. Would have loved to buy a Volvo V60 Cross Country but just could not find one in stock.

[@Preygrantess]

@@DavGreg I'm thinking about getting a 19 Alltrack pretty soon, what did you think of yours?

[@andrs0101]

Nice video, please test the 2022 Tiguan 4motion

[@powertools2375]

I was happy with our Taos until we started having multiple issues, had to dump it at a huge loss.

[@fritzschoch8345]

It still kills me that this thing replaced the Alltrack. I don't have it anymore but I crammed a set of 225/55 Falken Wildpeaks under my Alltrack and it could do anything this thing could do and it with a smile plus it didn't hurt that it behaved exactly like a Golf on tarmac as well. I was unable to resolve the leaky sunroof issue and have since traded my Alltrack in for a 2022 4x4 Frontier. Leaking aside it was a fantastic little machine and deserves to still be in production. It's a damn shame that consumers in the US don't know any better and would prefer something along the lines of this Taos vs a lifted wagon.

[@paulholterhaus7084]

I would 10 to 1 take a new CX50 with standard AWD, Similar price.......Vastly nicer.......26 sensers to guarantee power goes to apropriate wheels........More ground clearance and IS a true SUV....Like Forester........The ONLY 2 I know of And Heads up display which I fell in love with Day one.................Paul

[@JRs-guitars]

Think I'd rather have the Atlas CS. I believe it has more ground clearance. Seemed to do well in that video you made a while back.

[@paulholterhaus7084]

CX50 has more than either and better off road ability............Paul

[@Slayer_of_truth]

What a great review! I will not buy one now ! Thanks guys :-)

[@MyAlexWest]

nice

[@mandingo9471]

Nice

[@mojaby1988]

VW just needs to make their engines more powerful. The Tiguan is also underpowered.

[@728GT]

They can't because of Dieselgate

[@octoberone71]

the size is like the 1st gen Tiguan. I still like the twin charger engine of Tiguan (super charge + turbo charger)

[@malikcbarnett]

tiguans use the ea888.3B engine, with a single turbo not a supercharger

[@murder00redrum]

What was the overheating thing you kept talking about? Does transfering power create a lot of heat in the transmission?

[@drivingsports]

AWD had a multi-plate clutch to transfer power to rear wheels. That’s what overhearts.

[@murder00redrum]

@@drivingsports Cool thanks for the reply!

[@kenmula4624]

I'm thinking of Tiguan and Taos. Which one should i buy? I feel the Tiguan might be a bit too big...is Taos good enough for a family of 4 (2kids)?

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

The Tiguan is quite small. I suspect after a family of 4 uses one for a bit, you’ll be needing more room. I couldn’t imagine anyone being happy in something even smaller than the Tiguan.

[@KevinGonzalez-fx6mm]

What's the name of the trail, I really want to to trying it out!! I am new to off road and this trail seems easy for a truck and It looks like a great place for bigginers.

[@aneeshkashyap3553]

I guess that ground clearance number is at fully laden capacity. I have a Tiguan and VW India quotes 175mm, but in reality clearance is around 200mm

[@drivingsports]

Yes, it is. The numbers are all over the place on the "unladen".

[@e_valley2707]

Did you mention the torque of this thing?

[@infidel24]

People always sleep on vw's awd systems. I have a 1st gen VW touareg V8 that will do most things that stock jeeps will do.

[@jenniferliepe9393]

Hi Ryan. One of your last comments was that it could use a set of all terrains. I have been looking for them for my Taos se 4motion and can’t find them. What can u recommend for all terrains. Thank u Jennifer. Great videos by the way!😄

[@drivingsports]

Thanks for watching. Look for Falken Wildpeaks

[@jenniferliepe9393]

@@drivingsports thank you!

[@Chrissy212]

Its like hes trying to make it fail excellent haldex system

[@AndresSalazarAutos]

Dual Clutch trannies aren't great for off roading (nor are CVT), I guess good old torque converter automatics are the best for off roading,

[@efraincardenas7353]

You need to review the new Tiguan.

[@Rockinbiker1946]

I test drove one and was disappointed. I had owned a Tiguan several years ago and like it. The Taos is only a couple thousand cheaper than the Tiguan but I found a swath of hard plastic surfaces in the interior. Also the engine seemed to struggle getting off the line and was a noisy lump driving around town.

[@denault3985]

Looks great but needs improved interior materials, as you said. Also, maybe a 2-Liter turbo engine?

[@TheDjUvis]

VW is one of top from German cars about plastic interior also Audi Q2,Q3 is using plastic I think this today what they doing DSG is better then CVT

[@gp_ethan692]

Debating a 2024 highline (sel) 4motion, just hesitant due to reliability concerns I’ve seen…

[@TX_Eric]

I would love to see the maverick in this trail although I know it can do it

[@valdius85]

I'm must say, that Germany's cosy relationship with Russia influenced my attitude towards things made there. They were warned for many years how this might end. Sadly they never listened.

[@NormandyFoye]

This is made in Argentina 😂

[@valdius85]

@@NormandyFoye So what? Is VW an Argentinian company? Where does the profit goes?

[@fartman10284]

4th gen Haldex? My 2016 Tiguan had a 5th gen Haldex

[@danek893]

What happens if you actually push start/stop button while driving? It seem at a wrong place

[@drivingsports]

Nothing. The computers are smart enough to not let that do anything.

[@ahmadalqawasmi1987]

Nothing like the subaru cars 😉

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

This is a Volkswagen….

[@deejayimm]

"Once you get into the mid-30s you start to expect something better" Dont... The mid-30s is the equivalent of 20k a few years ago.. I don't believe this will change, so might as well change expectations again...

[@drivingsports]

Except other car makers do it better in this price range.

[@mikedavern2155]

Ya.. 30k is the new 20k. So...

[@volodymyrkravets9629]

I think that you are on the wrong side with competitors, Forester and Cx-5 are above level. Right competitors are Crosstrek, Corolla Cross, HR-V.

[@darkwood3251]

Нужно сделать разнообразие в припятствиях для машин ( песок ,грязь ,каменистый подъем уже есть))

[@cuchopro4875]

VW Taos or Mazda CX30 ...Which of the two is the best Off-Road?

[@drivingsports]

Taos.

[@mcalebeb]

I would like to note: The CX30 rolled back much less during testing. There was much less lurching back and forth. Also, during the sport mode launch, the rear brakes were still engaged. The rear tires were being dragged. Lastly, you were able to crawl uphill at 1 mph in the Mazda. I rewatched it for reference.

[@drivingsports]

I haven't watched that one in a year. Good to note. I would say however, we JUST filmed another CX-30 review and, well, watch what happens when that video drops in the next couple weeks.

[@Yeahdude1992]

I just got my VW Taus S with AWD for $27,509

[@manuelnavarro2240]

Good Car,,,

[@ron8975]

4:55 The question shouldn't be will it get us there? Rather, will it get us back. I ran into two Brothers on an exploring (maintained gravel at worst) trip, one had a Audi Q5 the other a VW Tiguan both still under warranty. Neither would go past the end of the pavement. Not because of conditions but because both had been stranded so many time with broken German junk that they wouldn't leave cell service........ A nice review, thanx.

[@rondail5675]

I like the Taos except for the interior. I think Kia, Hyundai, Mazda, and Subaru, offer more.

[@nhuff73]

My 2023 4 motion is not slow. It’s faster than our Lexus NX 300. Safer, peppier and 36 miles to the gallon.

[@albertragunton-noaaaffilia2037]

You did not do the Launch control it should be 6.5sec on 0-60.

[@Doc1855]

Ryan thanks for the video. Personally I don’t like anything that VW builds. The Outback is much better.

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

Considering that Subaru insists on a garbage cvt, that prevents many of us from considering one. That and Subaru’s history of poor reliability.

[@Doc1855]

@@haroldbeauchamp3770 Yes the CVT SUCKS. In recent years Subaru has come a long way in reliability. I check out Consumer Reports before I buy anything, especially an automobile

[@lucienl9465]

DSG power!

[@lf2334]

I feel that he was a bit condescending when he smirked at the power of the Taos while climbing up those rocks. Realistically, 99.9% of people that buy this car aren't buying it for its off road capabilities. They just like knowing that if it gets a little shitty where you're going, then it's AWD coupled with the trail mode will get you around. It does that. I would also guess that 95% of the time these cars are moving it's on pavement. If you add more power to make it a bit more off road capable, you also add more cost to the car as well as more money down the drain in gas money. Give me the lower powered SUV that provides utility, saves me gas money, and can get me around on those rare occasions that I go up a trail.

[@billz4795]

needs a hybrid option and maybe some real off road chops

[@kevincraftsbcs4488]

It does pretty well for what it is, a chintzy little crossover for the American market that has its roots in VW China.

[@jeffmorse645]

Funny you complained about noise. Almost every review I've read or watched comments how quiet it is for the segment (even super picky and critical Consumer Reports).

[@sergei0704]

Taos is not compact but subcompact SUV. It does not compete with Subaru Forester, Honda CRV, or Toyota RAV4.

[@drivingsports]

The Taos has the same wheelbase as a Forester. Just shorter overhangs. It's a likely competitor even if the size is a bit off.

[@sergei0704]

@@drivingsports what about Tiguan? I meant Tiguan seems to be compact SUV and competitor to CRV, Forester, and RAV4. While size wise it is somewhat close to compact SUVs, it's engine is more inclined to HRV, Corolla Cross, etc.

[@drivingsports]

VW's SUVs have all grown to fit "adjacent" to their respective classes. With a 109" wheelbase the Tiguan is squarely in the mid-size realm now.

[@sonnyblu6299]

It's Ironic... Because you would need Machos more power to compete with TAOS, NM traffic... let alone Santa Fe. And at Rush Hour... No Way Jose'... Maybe that would be a good test for it! LOL

[@toddh4491]

My wife owns this car. We like most things about it but the throttle's hit and miss power delivery (that you observed) needs a software throttle map update. Strange that a new GTI is spot on and this is so off.

[@a.lange.]

It's not strange, the Golf GTI has 2.0L engine and the Taos has only 1.5L. You are comparing a watermelon with an apple.