This week I bring you the 2024 Volkswagen Taos SEL 4MOTION -- the top-of-the-line trim. VW introduced the Taos for the 2022 model year and there aren't major changes for 2024. The Taos is VW's third best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for 2023 behind the Tiguan and Atlas. VW sold roughly 59,000 Taos both in 2022 and 2023.
Exterior
My test vehicle wears Kings Red Metallic, a premium paint hue, and rides on the SEL's 19-inch wheels. A light bar is integrated into the front grille.
The SEL is equipped with LED headlights, daytime running lights and tail lights as well as an adaptive front lighting system with dynamic cornering lights, along with power folding and heated side mirrors and silver roof rails on top.
Powertrain
The Taos lineup offers one engine option - a 1.5-liter Turbo with 158-horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. There are two transmission options. If you go for the all-wheel drive like this one, you get the seven-speed dual clutch automatic. Which I very much preferred over the 8-speed automatic in the 2022 front-wheel drive model I tested. This transmission feels much better to me. The engine is equipped with stop/start which can be disabled. Love that VW offers remote engine start.
Interior
The SEL's multi-toned French Roast and Black interior is on the darker side but stylish with lighter contrast stitching on the seats, door panels and dash. The roomy, user-friendly cabin features Vienna leather seating surfaces. Both front seats are heated and ventilated, but only the 8-way driver's seat is power adjustable. It's on the firmer side but comfortable. The leatherette wrapped, heated, steering wheel feels great and looks great too with white contrast stitching. I like the size and trim on it as well.
The center stack is old-school in terms of using traditional knobs to control the vehicle's climate functions. It's nice to see two USB-C ports just below it.
The center console is fairly narrow and hosts what you'd expect - the gear shifter, drive mode controls, an electric parking brake and automatic stop/start. You don't get Brake Hold.
VW's also paid a lot of attention to the second row where the multi-toned style and stitching continues. There also isn't much stadium seating to speak of so head room is great - as well as leg room. You do lose a little window real estate since the windows are high - but VW more than makes it for with an incredible panoramic sunroof.
Back seat passengers get A/C vents and a drop down console with smallish cupholders. It also serves as a passthrough to the trunk. Cargo area is excellent, even though you lose a little over the forward-wheel drive variant. I found the lift gate to be notably heavy though so prepare to use some muscle as it's not power operated.
Standard SEL features include dual-zone climate, a wireless charger, rain sensing wipers, multi-color ambient lighting and rugged Taos floor mats.
Technology
The 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro driver display is a highlight of the cabin. A smaller 8-inch multimedia touchscreen runs VW's MIB3 Discover Media with Navigation multimedia system - which I have to say I found notably slow to start up. But once you get past that, the screen is responsive, graphics are easy to read and mapping quality is good. The multimedia system comes with standard wireless App-Connect and wireless charging for compatible devices. While I am not crazy about the back-up camera resolution, I am a fan of VW's Beats premium audio system and actually typically prefer it to JBL. The Taos also offers Volkswagen Car-Net, but some services require a subscription. You'll get those two aforementioned USB-C ports in the front and one for rear seat passengers.
Ride and Drive
The VW Taos is a pleasant daily driver and its size makes it easy to maneuver and park. Visibility is great thanks to the height. It's not the quietest ride but on par with the segment. In terms of steering it's not what I consider an engaging since steering is on the looser side. Sport mode does tighten it up a bit, but if you're looking for a firmer more responsive steering feel this may not be the SUV for you. On a completely random note, the turn signal sound is very loud, but there may be a way to adjust it.
Safety
For 2024, all Taos models are equipped with IQ Drive that comes with a lengthy list of driver assistance features including Travel Assist, an impressive semi-autonomous feature that works well.
Options and What You'll Pay
The only option on my test vehicle is the $395 for the paint hue bringing MSRP as equipped to just over $35K.
Verdict
The VW Taos is a subcompact SUV that filled a hole in the automaker's lineup, and it's continued to sell well since it was introduced in 2022. I'm not a huge fan of its driving engagement, but if a pleasant commute appeals to you you'll certainly love all the tech and safety features along with its incredible panoramic sunroof.
- What I liked most: Steering wheel, Digital Cockpit Pro Panoramic Sunroof, Beats Audio
- What I would change: Speed up the multimedia initial load time.
- MSRP: Base Price $33, 515. As equipped: $35,260.
- Fuel Economy: 24 city/2 highway/24 combined.
- Odometer when tested: 586 miles.
- Weight: 3,430 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Temporary spare.
- Length-Width-Height: 175.8” long/82.6” w/mirrors extended/64.4” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gallons with filler on the passenger’s side.
- Official Color: Kings Red Metallic ($395.)
- Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds.
- 2024 VW Taos SEL : A roomy, stylish, easy to drive compact SUV with terrific safety features.
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Warranty: 4-year/50,000 miles new vehicle warranty; 7-years 100,000 mile corrosion perforation warranty; 2 years/20,000 mile scheduled free maintenance; 3-years/36,000 miles roadside assistance.
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Final Assembly Location: Puebla, Mexico.
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Manufacturer's website: VW
