Driving the 2023 VW Taos 4Motion

We drove the FWD VW Taos several months ago and found it had solid driving manners, impressive fuel economy, and a ton of interior space. We were definitely looking forward to getting our hands on an AWD  model, unfortunately, the AWD version's powertrain was subject to a recall due to a faulty control unit. VW pressed on with the front-wheel drive versions on the road until the problem was fixed.

AWD v FWD

So what are the differences between the two, well the FWD model rides on a twist-beam rear suspension and utilizes an eight-speed conventional automatic transmission, whereas the Taos AWD gets an independent suspension system for the rear axle and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Powering the Taos is a new 1.5-liter version of the turbocharged inline-four, it gets a variable-geometry turbocharger and produces a respectable, 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque from just 1750 rpm. 0-60 takes 7.5 seconds which is 0.2 seconds less than its front wheel drive sibling.

Fuel economy does take a hit if you opt for the AWD system due to the added weight, expect highway mpg to be 32 versus 36 for a front driver.




2023 VW Taos 1.5T SEL AWD Numbers

BASE PRICE: $34,535
AS TESTED PRICE: $35,830
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, All-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door SUV
ENGINE: Turbocharged and inter-cooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4,
POWER: 158 hp @ 5,500 rpm
TORQUE: 184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic 
CURB WEIGHT: 3,465 lb
0-60 MPH: 7.5 sec
EPA COMB/ CITY/HWY: 28/25/32 mpg
OUR OBSERVED FUEL ECONOMY: 24.2 MPG
PROS: Good performance and handling, spacious interior
CONS: Jerky dual clutch transmision