Is the 2023 Volkswagen Taos a better SUV to BUY than a Honda HR-V?

[@tedunguent156]

The climate control knobs might not be the prettiest, the best feeling or the biggest in the industry ...... but having knobs to play with is better than no knobs. Another great review Joe. Thank you for keeping me ... abreast ... of what's going on.

[@paulschab8152]

I love my 22 Tiguan S. It's simple yet elegant.

[@andrewdrennan9436]

The SEL is very well tricked out and he kinda glossed over the best parts of the instrument and driver clusters. (To include dual climate)

[@AuziFox]

My wife picked one up not too long ago. It's comfortable, has the pep, all the features she was looking for and then some. Great vehicle and great review!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Taylor for sharing that experience!

[@dougg4633]

How's the ride quality over rough roads?

[@AuziFox]

@@dougg4633it drives fine, especially in off road mode.

[@bryanwashington9511]

The blue color🥶 Neat crossover from VW!

[@RaitisRides]

It really pops for sure!

[@vickh3505]

just picked up one of these little suvs over the weekend and love it so far. Great review

[@DiegoMagengo]

I still can’t believe the HRV doesn’t have any connectivity or rear AC vents, even in the TOP trim. This VW really is a great value compared to the competition!

[@RaitisRides]

I am glad that you are liking this one.

[@BoopSnoot]

I thought so too, but the VW Taos reliability record is quite poor. I ended up with a Rogue S instead, even base trim has rear vents, even better fuel economy, MUCH better transmission (at least in smoothness), slightly bigger, and much nicer interior quality with soft-touch everywhere. I really wanted a hybrid instead, but at the time hybrids all had markups ruining the value.

[@MrKissfan69]

Cvt in those rogues are junk

[@stanleetfk3823]

This Taos is much better than HRV, no doubt. Tons more Features, very reliable, well priced.

[@BoopSnoot]

According to Consumer Reports the Taos is one of the least reliable vehicles you can buy. Doh! @@stanleetfk3823

[@sebastianrucki246]

The best choice is VW Taos or Mazda cx-30 simply because there’s no cvt transmission. There’s a reason most expensive cars do not use cvt’s. But I’m sure the HRV is good to last long but no fun to drive.

[@SeanDaNerd]

Why would you get a subcompact for fun driving?

[@krisschedler]

Because not having fun driving kinda sucks @@SeanDaNerd

[@chrisaburto95]

@@krisschedler the HRV being underpowered and not being fun to drive is the only dealbreaker for me. otherwise I'd buy one with no hesitation

[@JMCIII1957]

Agreed. That was the main deciding factor to my purchase of the Taos over the Mazda CX-30 and Toyota Carolla Cross.

[@petemcfeet28]

@9:30, for a compact SUV, you sure have a ton of room in there compared to just about anything I have seen you in. You have to tip your hats to the Germans. They design vehicles to fit folks similar in size to themselves which suits American sized people. Maybe even more so than actual American vehicles. Thanks for the review. Your the hardest working crew in the game!

[@RaitisRides]

This is so very true Pete!

[@cozyflannel]

I’m happy to see VW has physical controls for climate and audio on this model- the touchscreen shenanigans in other VW vehicles is maddening, a total dealbreaker every time

[@DM72513]

This is the same engine in the 23 Jetta Sport 6-speed manual I just bought. The HP and TQ numbers are definitely underrated by VW. Can’t wait for a 1.5T tune to get a little more low end. The previous 1.4T made some decent numbers on a tune.

[@rileyhance318]

should be getting close to a stock gli with a tune. it would probably still be worth getting a gli if that is what you value. bigger brakes, limited slip, better wheels and tires, and tuning one of those is way more fruitful. although fuel economy is way better with the 1.5t

[@TommyG11814]

I just bought a 2024 SE ,no sun roof but mine has dual zone climate control, I absolutely love it and the 8 speed automatic transmission is really nice, no hunting for gears and this vehicle has no problem getting going.

[@davidgood6744]

I went with the FWD 8 speed, too. I’ve driven manual transmissions most my life, and I thought the 8 speed was the better automatic.

[@TommyG11814]

@@davidgood6744 I agree 100 % the traditional AT seems to be very reliable

[@hot2see1]

Bought the 2022 SE when it first came out and fall of 2021. I really like the car. Has a smooth ride. Very roomy. I was going to wait and buy the 2024 version which has a light up front grill but I've had a bunch of recalls on this car and multiple check engine lights which can only be resolved by the dealer so will hold off on that and I'm going to be looking at the Toyota Cross hybrid or the Lexus NX hybrid. Also, not crazy about the tires spinning a lot when making turns.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one.

[@andrewdrennan9436]

If you want improved handling, the AWD trim of the SE and SEL hugs the road quite well, in all weather. Made it through one blizzard already and was impressed.

[@flagirl0315]

Front grill lights up? Hm. I just leased it today and it’s an SE. I’ll have to check that out

[@RayPVideos]

Great review as always, and any mention of ColecoVision is a winner to me! How would you rate the road/wind noise on the Taos? Seemed a bit louder than some of the others in the segment, but it’s hard to tell unless one is actually in the vehicle. Thanks for bringing a smile to everyone’s faces and keep up the nice work!

[@lynnreminga9342]

I would get the Taos over the competitors

[@deborahharewood4566]

I'm not really a Honda fan, but if I wanted to keep the vehicle over 5 years I'd definitely go Honda over VW. I just believe it will be way more reliable long term

[@Officialaaravd]

I love the Taos and it’s my birthday, thank you Joe.

[@RaitisRides]

Well happy birthday!

[@bnewt1139]

Had a 22 Taos SE FWD, traded it in 2 months ago. Didn't find the overall drive very exciting, not the best infotainment setup, controls not very intuitive. CEL light came on shortly after ownership, had that addressed and no other problems except for rear brake pads that wear out in 10k miles (this has been addressed by VW w/ extended warranties on them). We received a recall note this week for a fuel bump bracket that can break inside the fuel tank which could lead to power loss and possible crash (that's what it actually said in the note from VW). Glad we moved on as there's also issues w/ head gaskets leaking. Hope all that have these VWs have nothing but trouble free miles ahead, because those that like them seem to really be happy!

[@J-ZIM]

I actually think this vehicle looks better with the fake exhausts

[@davidgood6744]

I wouldn’t go that far, but they do not bother me at all. I will be applying pretzel stickers inside the fake outlets.

[@wwesupermiahroblox4460]

This car is amazing I love the color thanks for the review Joe!

[@elenagavryushenko1923]

Thank you very much for the video!It was a great presentation😊

[@karloanttila]

I chose the base model S for its low price where the competition is nearly non-existent. Also drove the Tiguan but the Taos has a wider interior and 600 lbs less weight for superior power to weight ratio. My '22 S has 40k trouble-free miles. I paid $22k, price out the door. Ja wohl!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your info from your experience!

[@infidel24]

I'd go for the awd with the dct. I think VW could still have sold enough touaregs per yr here. But I could be wrong. I'm just a huge fan of that vehicle. My 05 V8 always amazes me when I drive it. Not the most powerful or the fastest, but lower it down into sport mode on the suspension, and put it in manual shift mode, and she likes to play. The only way I'll ever get rid of it, is when it dies.

[@alphastone8362]

I bought a 17 Touareg with the V6 (VR6 really) two years ago. Like you said not the most powerful and fastest, but very solid and comfortable. And incredibly nimble for its size. Almost feels like driving the 2017 Beetle (Golf platform) I had, but just a little wobblier. The Porsche DNA shows through, I think.

[@robinpetrillo9282]

I have owned every VW also a GTI and I have no complaints with my 2024 SE 4 motion Taos. I Like the 4 motion better than the front wheel drive because it has the GTI double clutch transmission. The room in it is great for a small SUV. You have to remember a Golf or Golf wagon is a regular sedan car. You match the taos with other small suv's and the taos will win.

[@vhon.a]

Awesome Review! How was the sound system, was it too loud? 👀 Hope you could also review the speakers in the future.

[@jimmydeneus7109]

Keep going Mr raiti 💯 almost there to 999,000k subscribers

[@dmack1827]

My wife just bought a TAOS. The driver seats and interior space won her over. The HRV has near zero lumbar support and no lumbar adjustment. Driving the TAOS is like driving my old Jetta. Great little car.

[@Jeedehem]

Owner of a CX-5, currently leasing a Taos on a trip : I’d say that, while the gaz pedal is somewhat spongy from inertia to a start, the speed increase is engaging! Also, I really have to commend its fuel economy (quite surprised with it!). On the negative side : from 64 to 68 mph, the propulsion group makes an impossible rattle! Don’t know if it’s a model or an exemplar problem…

[@MariUovo]

If you change to S using the shifter it only changes the drivetrain to sport. To have everything else in sport including tight steering you need to press the middle button on the driving modes knob and select sport on the infotainment screen.

[@farukiliyasu6680]

Am liking this one joe,i will come for a ride tomorrow

[@RaitisRides]

Sounds good to me Faruk!

[@mattmekhaeil]

Like this bright blue pops well in the sun and shows the lines. I give props to Honda for making their cheapest suv have full LED lighting all around

[@almassengale]

Our family has had both Audi/VW products and Honda/Acura products. If you plan on holding on to it for a long time, the Honda is an absolute no brainer. I absolutely expect a decade or more with zero trouble with the Honda. Not so with the Taos.

[@RaitisRides]

I appreciate you sharing your feelings on this one.

[@ImranManikuj]

Great review y'all. I'm sorry if you had to cancel a track day for this one. But an artist must always suffers for his work.

[@DejonBuick-jl2fx]

Hey Joe I don't know which one is a better buy, however I Love the color WOW.

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you are loving the color Dejon!

[@mollybatson5124]

I bought my 11 months ago, and I love my compact suv. My son in law is a large tall man, and drives my Toas with comfort! ❤

[@78elem]

If you really like car and driving you don't buy the HRV. The combo cvt and anemic motor is the worst from all suv .0-60 in 11 sec . This beautiful vw still the best all around suv in the market.

[@teojmciver]

How is the noise inside the cabin at higher speeds? Read somewhere that the noise inside at higher speeds is relatively loud. Thoughts?

[@aray36ify]

Love your review. I really enjoy my Taos SE❤

[@JMCIII1957]

I bought the 2024 VW Taos SE (with sunroof) over the Mazda CX-30 totally due to the VW not using the CVT transmission. And I’ve come to feel more comfortable with the dual clutch transmission. My only regret is, as much as I love the Kings Red Metalic paint job, I wish I’d known about the Cornflower Blue color. But on the whole I love my Taos.

[@Irishmanbikes]

Hey Joe, Please keep putting in the "Community" section the upcoming vehicles. I look at this everyday about 11 am EST. Thanks!!

[@RaitisRides]

Sorry Dan I missed it today. I am actually at a filming event,.

[@DarkJediChrisG-1425]

@@RaitisRides Cool Joe!

[@RaitisRides]

@@DarkJediChrisG-1425 Thanks Chris!

[@Irishmanbikes]

@@RaitisRides No problem Joe, I as sure the filming event will be something great for us.

[@andrewdrennan9436]

The reviewer made some throwaway comments on the DSG/DCT transmission for the AWD 7-Speed that need to be addressed. That transmission is incredibly responsive when using in manual mode, and in fact is the recommended (by me) way of utilizing that engine to the fullest. Even when not using the manual, track testing all favors the AWD for handling, especially on the fig-8 runs. Program for eco-road custom mode, use the manual shifter and watch your MPGs go far above the manufacturers rating. First 25k on my '22 - 34.8mpg with max for one long trip being over forty.

[@sonalmalhotra07]

Looks good. Very nice video.

[@saxophonicmusician]

Just picked one up a week and a half ago, great car! Better than the 2021 Kia Seltos I had.

[@drocster1985]

I have this car and I love it. Not to mention the gas mileage

[@lenacheney]

I'm considering this. Anything you don't like about it?

[@drocster1985]

Not really, maybe the only thing I can think of is no power lift gate in the rear. But other then that it has everything else.

[@kennethz3366]

What's your average mpg on highway and city drive?

[@drocster1985]

@@kennethz3366 27/31+

[@alisaad4913]

1 million subscribers coming soon advance congratulation

[@RaitisRides]

That really means the world!

[@benmorr4824]

Renting one as we speak . Frist week into it I'm finding it a fun little car . Very happy with the gas mileage.

[@flagirl0315]

Just traded in my 2022 Tiguan SE for 2024 Taos SE with panorama sunroof and upgraded rims. Saving $50 a month, so figured why not. Plus it’s better on gas

[@dnorth98]

Great review as usual Joe! I think you need a higher level of zonk for fake exhausts...they really are awful. Maybe a "SuperZonk"??!

[@RaitisRides]

Now that is a great idea Dave!

[@leonardopineda3829]

I'll have this exact colour before the end of the year. I am excited like expecting a baby🙂

[@dominickirkwood]

Joe and Lori and Steve and keep up the good work and I love the video lot everyday real true 💯💯👍💯💯

[@RaitisRides]

We will keep bringing them to you Dominic!

[@Warrior_6416]

Coming from a ford fusion. The 2.5L engine SE trim had a transmission would have very delayed shifting. Would get caught in high gear for 5-10 seconds. Being in Minnesota though, I would probably need AWD to handle the snow.

[@SpringfieldTony]

add a C and you have TACOS by VW. hey Joe, how ya doin? ya know what? I kinda dig the lil Taos. not fond of the color, I'd go for black or metallic gray. good report, naw best report. tony

[@RaitisRides]

That is awesome my friend! Wait until you see what we have coming soon.

[@tengamangapiu]

Is there any other way to open the trunk besides the button at 18:00 ? I have the Taos SE but even from the driver's seat, I don't see an additional button to open the trunk. So I'm thinking this Taos might not be a good car for driving with Uber for example, because there's no other way to open the trunk other than that button (I don't think rideshare drivers would want to walk out of the SUV each time a passenger needs to open the trunk).

[@tinas2178]

I got a toyota corrola preowned 2020 and after a 2 weeks i got chips in windshield and my coverage coved it but when they came out they said sorry too small they need to be bigger to fix so i said fine.. a week later the damn sun visor breaks and it was just hanging….. it took several calls to toyoya to get them to finally fix it… but im saying this because I strongly regret my purchase plus few other things i don’t like about the car especially when i scrape the bottom when driving I couldn’t believe it…. and im planning on trading it in for this vw taos it seems like much better quality and I should have done this car in the first place.

[@RaitisRides]

Oh wow! Thanks for sharing that ownership feedback!

[@Ajay-pf9hf]

After driving both vehicles..I would definitely go with Honda HRV. It’s just matter value for the money

[@patrickheide9697]

Good review. I am 6t tall wonder how enter and exit would be as a passenget

[@Mr.Bottomsly]

Funny review. Love you man!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share the laughs and the reviews with you!

[@sharongreen2354]

Purchase 1 2 years ago. I love it.

[@danwhornham4037]

Do you have to use Premium Fuel?

[@Warrior_6416]

@@danwhornham4037I think standard unleaded works.

[@danwhornham4037]

@@Warrior_6416 thanks

[@rammer116]

Don’t by one of these had the 22 one and it had so many issues I got rid of it

[@Williamb612]

CAN the DCT be better tuned? I want the 4motion but will not purchase if the DCT is “sloppy”

[@RaitisRides]

That is a very good question.

[@ernestphilippe3413]

I have one and I love it .VW Life

[@lenacheney]

Is it reliable?

[@omarcortes5754]

It looks really good but I would go for the HR-V.

[@RaitisRides]

I think many would agree with that Omar!

[@Americafirst-i8q]

Omar can you even afford an SUV, Comfortably I mean not leasing one

[@omarcortes5754]

@@Americafirst-i8q yes, I make enough to buy one. Why would you ask that?

[@jonathanbishop6461]

@@Americafirst-i8qyou’re lame bro

[@cody3335]

I’d go for a Mazda :) if we’re talking this price range Japanese suv’s

[@henrybrar]

Not even CR-V have Panoramic sunroof and even only top end Pilot gets it. No rear AC vents in HR-V is biggest let down. Honda went super cheap in 2023. I like what VW have done here.

[@RaitisRides]

I know how you feel!

[@ryanrobbins22]

My spare tire in the '22 Taos is level. It has the spare tire raised up level with the back seats.

[@bimmerlife5452]

Bro the DSG is amazing in that car

[@RaitisRides]

Nah not at all.

[@MrVictoria69]

I took one for a test drive it was decent except for the turbo lag and the wiper blades the car is overall pretty good. But for the price I'm gonna pick up a Santa Fe.

[@stevenkreiss2113]

Remember going to the VW dealership in the summer of 71 with my father to pickup our brand new 71 blue VW van. Unfortunately VW went from simple engines to way too complicated that out a fortune to fix...

[@RaitisRides]

That is so very true!

[@draghrvacevic8481]

I was VW fan for over 20 years and now I’m switch to Toyota and have a Corolla Cross which I’m happy very much. Nice review like always 👍🥂

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@davidp2888]

I think this would look better in silver, the blue is...a bit much. lol I'd go with Honda. Thanks for the work that you do, Joe and Steven. You're a great team!

[@nerdgurl402]

I have it in silver and it looks great!

[@southshore0007]

I want this color but in a SEL trim the one I looked at was MSRP 36K!!😮

[@RaitisRides]

Sounds like a good plan!

[@rileyhance318]

still wish they would have kept the base golf trims instead of the taos. last thing we need is one more suv on the market

[@DarkJediChrisG-1425]

Who let the smurf out? Lol. Hey Joe what kind of filming event were you at today?

[@RaitisRides]

You crack me up! I am in California for a VW media Event. Stay tuned for the big review!

[@DarkJediChrisG-1425]

@RaitisRides Joe I'm going to take a guess and say it's the ID7. 😏

[@stevend3753]

7.4 0-60 seems suspiciously fast for only 150HP.

[@porfiriato84]

Nah that sounds about right to me

[@RaitisRides]

It is all about gearing Steven

[@78elem]

Launch control programme with a dsg and turbo (torq at low rpm). It's a VW i'll make same number on a snow road here in Quebec ,Canada Imagine the hrv do this in 11 sec with 158 hp and ridiculous cvt.

[@diamondknight4815]

I'm a big fan of this SUV's design 😅❤

[@frankiej1288]

Car looks small but it’s very spaces inside looking into possibly getting one myself

[@davonne225]

I knew you were gonna zonk the fake exhausts. I didn't realize they were fake on mine till I got it off the lot. And yes I have those dead buttons too. But even the high end Jetta has the dead buttons too so I really don't understand that. Love Volkswagen steering wheel with the flat bottom. That Taos has some nice features to say its not the top trim.

[@RaitisRides]

You know me well!

[@islanddon865]

Another Grabber Blue. At least they're letting up on that Aztec Gold. A similar sized Lexus UX250 (Hybrid) similar to mine is only $5000 more. And you'll get that back at trade-in time in 6 years. Remember: VW, Lease it, or RUN!!!

[@glasba_hq644]

Joe the goat 🐐 of car reviews👍

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan]

Now!! This is a only vehicle I will afford it!

[@barbz_zayne]

you said that about the X7 and Seltos and multiple other cars

[@RaitisRides]

Sounds like a plan Jeremiah!

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan]

​@@barbz_zayneOh yeah, I have no choice to do this or I ran out of a comment ideas bro!

[@jeffs6090]

Just think, this is 2" longer and 2" wider than the original Tiguan back in '07, '08.

[@RaitisRides]

Things are getting biugger and bigger!

[@Americafirst-i8q]

​@@RaitisRidesBut our wallets are getting smaller and smaller because of Joe Biden and the democrats

[@koven1497]

Rather they bring that Touareg back to the States. Their new one looks sharp

[@RaitisRides]

That would be nice for sure!

[@DiegoMagengo]

Yes! The Touareg has always been their best looking SUV, and I feel it would do pretty good here. Although size wise I don’t know how it would slot between the Tiguan and Atlas. 😢

[@josephjoo7278]

2:22 He meant to say the all new “Dodge Hornet” !

[@RaitisRides]

You are correct! LOL

[@MrVictoria69]

Is this the black inc edition?

[@ChippyDude849]

Saw these before. Love that blue tho lol.

[@RaitisRides]

It really pops in the sun Chip!

[@DarkLord-nw4kd]

Beautiful color!!

[@mitchellpritsker448]

So much history with VW the people’s car and it has been around since the 1930’s for such a long long time. And how many years was that? And I do like the Smurf blue exterior color on the VW Taos and it’s like watching the movie Smurfs and heck and you can even Smurf stuffed animals toy and stuff them in the trunk cargo area and the smaller toy Smurfs in the center console armrest.

[@banzaibadger]

VW is great, but I'm not a fan of compact SUVs.

[@RaitisRides]

They have larger ones over at VW!

[@sethe171]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Americafirst-i8q]

I'd rather have that than a piece of crap Tesla an ugly Testicle

[@Americafirst-i8q]

​@@RaitisRidesAtlas

[@Mr-pn2eh]

​@@Americafirst-i8q my mom has an atlas. I hate it.

[@nikalayeu]

Pretty nice Smurfwagen 🚙🩵🩵🩵 Thank you, Joe, for the great review! My friend bought new Tiguan S in Orlando for 28k + Florida’s stupendous list of the fees including Florida twinkie fee 😁. If someone wants bigger suv and wants to save money on the trim Tiguan could be an option.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@ernestphilippe3413]

The right time a nice tune is capable😊

[@rawtalent257]

Wow!! How tall is this guy. I have this car 2022_ he must be over 6'5😅

[@dunkerjones9707]

Thanks you

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you like this one.

[@MimicMan0324]

I would have to take the HR-V based on reliability alone. I would take any Honda over any Volkswagen. This one is turbocharged and the Hondas is naturally aspirated, so if the 2.0 lasts as long as the old 2.4 did then it's definitely a no brainer. What if Honda put the old 2.4 in the new HR-V? 🤔

[@APOSTLESDOCTRINEPHOENIX]

I'm leaning towards the Honda hrv too which have u like?

[@yellowsnowman9157]

Hrv takes like 6 weeks to go 0-60, isn't as roomy, and is uglier inside and out. Honda reliability has come down over the last 20 years

[@Gen10civic]

Slap the Honda badge on this and I’d buy it instead of the hrv

[@kimjah758]

What's the crv comparable vw I need something a bit bigger

[@RaitisRides]

CR-V

[@mowingman816]

Welp i was curious about Volkswagen and their suv i think this answers my questions... for the price and option that these taos have i think its worth it imo

[@cjgonzales1994]

I love mine! S model and white.

[@beckiclymer5492]

How tall is he? We're tall and interested in this car.

[@krisschedler]

how about a Boston Market rotisserie chicken in that door pocket??

[@daniel8728]

Taos over HR-V all day

[@ZeeshanKhan-qm9uv]

Excellent

[@SuperSymbol]

I would go HRV here in Australia, It has better tech than US model. Why Halogen turn signal in 2023?!

[@deivsonsilva9230]

here in brazil this car is in the medium category

[@MrGuillermoVega]

His titles are always questions which he never answers