History/Overview
The Volkswagen Taos is a subcompact crossover that joined the brand’s lineup last year, placing VW squarely in one of Canada’s most competitive vehicle segments. Effectively replacing the Golf, it is now VW’s least-expensive model with a hatchback-type body style.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
The Taos gains a bunch of new standard features for 2023, which we’ve detailed below.
Available Trims
VW offers the Taos in Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trim levels. In all configurations, power is from a 1.5L turbo four-cylinder engine. Trendline starts with front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, while Comfortline and Highline get AWD and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Standard Features
This year, the Taos Trendline adds to its list of standard features a heated steering wheel, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert; in addition, AWD models get 18-inch wheels, up from last year’s 17s. Items carried forward from last year include auto on/off LED headlights/taillights, passive keyless entry, and heated side mirrors, four-speaker audio, manual A/C, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, a digital gauge display, and heated front seats.
Taos Comfortline also adds new-for-2023 18-inch wheels (in a different style), along with remote engine start, lane keeping/travel assist, adaptive cruise control, an auto-dimming mirror, automatic high beams, and rain-sensing wipers. Other carry-over Comfortline additions are dual-zone A/C, a power driver’s seat, leatherette upholstery, six-speaker audio, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen.
Finally, Highline trim adds road sign recognition for 2023. Upgrades brought forward from last year are rear parking sensors, a larger gauge display, navigation, a subwoofer, adaptive headlights, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a panoramic roof, ambient cabin lighting, and 19-inch wheels.
Key Options
The Taos’s sole option is a Comfortline sunroof package, which bundles the panoramic glass roof with LED front-seat reading lights.
Fuel Economy
VW’s fuel consumption estimates for the Taos are 8.4/6.6 L/100 km (city/highway) for FWD models, and 9.5/7.4 L/100 km for AWD versions.
Competition
If the Taos has caught your eye, you might also want to consider models like the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Kia Seltos, Jeep Renegade, Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota Corolla Cross, Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, Mitsubishi RVR, Nissan Qashqai, and Buick Encore GX.
