In its native homeland, the Volkswagen Golf has been the best selling car from 1981 to present every single year. Things are not the same in the USA, where the Golf is no longer sold; enter the Taos, Volkswagen’s value-packed, entry-level SUV offering. All new for the 2022 model year, the Taos is now entering its 3rd year on sale. Here’s why this small German SUV stacks up.
Volkswagens have historically been the most affordable avenue into a German car in the US. This tradition carries on with Volkswagen’s entry-level Jetta, which has an msrp of $21,345. Having survived an embarrassing scandal where it lied about emissions testing on diesel vehicles, Volkswagen Automotive Group remains one of the largest automakers in the World, with brands such as Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, and Porsche, as well as a host of European brands not sold in the USA.
VW’s entry-level SUV is the Taos, slated below the mid-size Tiguan, starting at $24,995 msrp. After the Jetta, it is one of the most affordable European cars in America. A 158-hp turbo-4 is standard, getting the Taos out of its own way if not winning at your local drag strip. 4 drive modes include snow mode, on road mode, off road mode, and off road custom mode to fit all driving situations. All-wheel drive runs $2,300 and includes VW’s DSG dual-clutch, 8-speed automatic transmission; front wheel drive is standard.
The Taos is a solid driving vehicle with good handling, fulfilling Volkswagen’s 1990’s marketing slogan, “Driver’s Wanted.” It’s no speed demon, but the Taos handles well with sporty driving dynamics that one would expect from a German car. The Taos gets 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. Front Assist and Blind Spot monitor are standard, something of a rarity at this price point.
Taos S is the entry level model with LED headlights and tailights, VW digital cockpit, 17 inch alloy wheels, and rain sensing wipers. Taos SE starts at $28,165 and includes dual zone auto climate control, remote start, and 18 inch alloy wheels. The SE Black package starts at $30,365 and has black alloy 18 inch wheels, black styling elements, blue interior stitching, projector headlights with daytime running lights, an integrated light bar in the front grille, and a sunroof. The top of the heap SEL starts at $33,525 msrp and includes 19 inch alloys, Beats audio and 8-way power heated leather seats, and silver roof rails.
Volkswagen offers “Carefree coverage” on all new Volkswagen vehicles. It includes two years of service or 20,000 miles, as well as 3 years / 36,000 miles of roadside assistance, and a 4 year new vehicle limited warranty or 50,000 miles.
Right now Volkswagen is offering low APR’s on the Taos, indicating the tough market for compact SUV’s. They are also offering cash customer bonus, and this is on a car that only costs $24,995 in the first place. Volkswagen also has a great lease deals for 36 months. Other potential savings include recent college graduate, military, veterans, and first responders ($500 each).
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