After the last year’s launch, we are pretty sure that the 2023 VW Taos will come without more important changes. The company’s latest crossover arrived last year and it represents VW in the subcompact segment. Considering that this is going to be the second production year, we are pretty sure that there will be no bigger changes. Still, there is always room for minor tweaks, such as new standard features, color options and similar things.
All in all, the overall layout will remain the same. You may count on a pretty spacious crossover, with generous passenger and cargo room. You may also count on a pretty comfortable ride, while we also like pretty good fuel economy. On the other hand, the biggest complaints go to the unrefined transmissions and uninspiring interior design.
As there are no significant changes to come for the next year, we believe that the 2023 VW Taos will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year.
2023 VW Taos Design
As we’ve just mentioned, the 2023 VW Taos will represent the second production year of a vehicle that came as a brand-new model last year. Therefore, we are about to see the same design, which is based on the company’s well-familiar MQB platform. We like the suspension setup in particular, which ensures a pretty smooth and comfortable ride. Of course, we are talking about an FWD layout, but AWD models are available too, though with Haldex differential.
What’s interesting about this SUV is its size. Although classified as a subcompact crossover, this model is actually pretty big. For example, the wheelbase measures 105.9 inches, which equals the Toyota RAV4. Logically, the biggest benefits from such big dimensions are manifested in generous interior space and we will get on that in a moment.
Interior
The 2023 VW Taos interior will also carry on without more important changes. It comes with both good and bad sides. When it comes to the interior quality, things could have been done better. There is a lot of surfaces with hard plastics and other low-rent materials, while the dashboard design looks too conservative, some would say very uninspiring.
On the other hand, no one can deny the model’s high level of functionality and practicality. This is one of the biggest subcompact SUVs on the market, so it’s no wonder that both rows of seats are generous with space and accommodate adults with ease. Still, the front seats would use a little bit more support.
Finally, there is the cargo area, which offers 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 65.9 cubic feet of the total volume, which puts Taos among class leaders. Still, keep in mind that models with all-wheel drive are slightly less impressive and offer 24.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 60.2 cubic feet of the total cargo space.
Features
Although there is always a chance to see some new things on the list of standard and available equipment, we don’t expect much from the next year’s model. Most things should remain the same, which means that base versions will come with goodies like a push-button start, a 6.5-inch touch screen, a four-speaker stereo, HD Radio, USB ports, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Furthermore, there is also a long list of available features that includes an 8-inch touch screen, navigation, a six-speaker audio system, an eight-speaker BeatsAudio sound system, satellite radio, additional USB ports, wireless device charging, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, and remote start.
The same is with safety features. So, base models should come with a rearview camera only. On the other hand, the list of options should include goodies like forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition etc.
2023 VW Taos Engine
Things under the hood will certainly remain the same. The 2023 VW Taos will continue with a single powertrain option, which is a 1.5-liter turbo-four engine, which puts out 158 horsepower. Driving dynamics are pretty good, whether you pick the base FWD or available AWD layout. Keep in mind that models with a front-wheel-drive come with 8-speed automatic transmission, while models with an all-wheel-drive come with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. None of these two is particularly impressive. The 8-speed unit is characterized by relatively slow shifts, while the dual-clutch unit is always on a hunt for the right gear.
Still, the base 8-speed transmission is a way better choice if you care more about fuel economy. You may count on a pretty impressive 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. On the other hand, models with AWD and dual-clutch transmission aren’t all that efficient. You may count on 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
2023 VW Taos Release Date and Price
We expect that the 2023 VW Taos will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year, with a starting price of around 23.000 dollars. Some of the key competitors are models like Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona etc.