The Volkswagen Taos Years To Avoid
Volkswagen Taos by Mr.choppers - CC-BY-SA-4.0
These days, there is a clear trend towards affordable SUVs. Consumers are increasingly seeking vehicles that offer an SUV’s versatility, spaciousness, and elevated driving position but without the hefty price tag. This demand has led to a surge in competition within the subcompact SUV segment, where car companies strive to offer the best combination of value, features, and performance.
In this case, Volkswagen just recently released the Taos – the company’s smallest SUV yet and smaller than the Tiguan. While one may argue that this segment is too saturated already, Volkswagen hopes the Taos will stand out with its blend of style, comfort, and efficiency and cater to a wide range of needs and preferences.
If you want a used Volkswagen Taos, you’re practically down to one model year. The Taos is currently in its second production year (2023), so used car buyers don’t have many options. However, we’ll make a follow-up post for the worst Volkswagen Taos Years to avoid. In the meantime, let’s take a look at two available model years of the Taos and how they fare in terms of reliability.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE VOLKSWAGEN TAOS
Although there are only a few years of the VW Taos, it can still be tricky to pick the right one - that’s where we step in. Read on to learn more about the most reliable Volkswagen Taos year, the least reliable, and other valuable information.
Which Volkswagen Taos Years To Avoid?
As of this writing, the Volkswagen Taos is available in two model years: 2022 and 2023. Consequently, if you’re considering a pre-owned unit, your choices are limited to the 2022 model. The price range for a used 2022 Taos varies significantly, from approximately $19,990 to $38,995, depending on the specific trim level and any additional features.
As such, be prepared for potentially higher costs when purchasing a used 2022 Taos since it’s one of the more expensive options in its segment.
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2022 Volkswagen Taos
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was launched as the smallest SUV from the German automaker’s stable. The Taos slots below the Tiguan and comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a dual-clutch automatic transmission on AWD models.
Critics and Customer Reviews
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos has generated quite a bit of buzz and garnered a variety of responses from both professional reviewers and everyday drivers.
Professional reviewers, such as those from Car and Driver, have given the Taos high marks, with 8.5 out of 10 ratings. They praised the vehicle for its spacious back seat, generous cargo storage, and impressive fuel economy (28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway). Edmunds also rated the Taos highly, scoring 8.1 out of 10, praising its modern tech, safety features, and excellent passenger and cargo space.
In contrast, consumer reviews on Edmunds show a more mixed response. While some customers have given the Taos a 5-star rating, others have been less satisfied, leading to an overall rating of 3.3 out of 5 with 76 reviews. This suggests that while some drivers find the Taos to meet or exceed their expectations, others may have encountered issues or found certain aspects of the vehicle to be lacking.
Reliability Ratings and Complaints
Although there’s not much data to go around, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos’ reliability has been a topic of discussion among various sources. According to Consumer Reports, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos is expected to be less reliable than the average new car – a prediction based on data from 2022 models. In addition, CR rated the SUV with its lowest score of 1.0 out of 5.0 for reliability and owner satisfaction. The consumer advocate website also mentions that the Taos has had six recalls, which can be a concern for potential buyers.
On the other hand, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) documented 95 complaints about the 2022 Taos. Engine-related complaints are the most common, with 44 reported issues. These complaints often involve the vehicle stalling or experiencing a dangerous loss of power and/or significant delay in acceleration. Some owners have reported that even after repairs, the issues persist.
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Engine-related complaints are the most common, with 44 reported issues. These complaints often involve the vehicle stalling or experiencing a dangerous loss of power and/or significant lag in acceleration. Some owners have reported that even after repairs, the issues persist. There were also concerns about a recall on the engine control unit software that may cause stalling, increasing the risk of a crash. Some customers have expressed dissatisfaction about not being informed about this recall before their purchase.
The electrical system of the 2022 Taos has also been a source of complaints, with 24 reported issues. One user complained about an incident where his dashboard lights started dimming so low that they couldn’t see their driving speed. Stalling and Check Engine Light warnings have been reported concerning the electric issues.
What About the 2023 Volkswagen Taos?
Based on reviews and feedback from critics and consumers alike, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos presents a mixed bag of impressions. On the one hand, it has been praised for its spaciousness, modern tech, and safety features, even in its base model. Reviewers from Car and Driver and Edmunds have rated it 8.5 and 8.1 out of 10, respectively, praising its ample cargo space and the inclusion of modern tech and safety features in its base trim.
On the other hand, considering the reliability (or lack thereof) track record of the 2022 Taos, there have been concerns about the 2023 model. Some owners have reported engine-related issues, including stalling and significant lag in acceleration. There have also been complaints about the electrical system and fuel propulsion systems.
A reviewer from Edmunds highlighted a case where the vehicle experienced major engine malfunction twice within the first year and within 8,000 miles of driving. However, it’s important to note that this is a single case and does not necessarily reflect the experience of all 2023 Taos owners.
Also, Consumer Reports wasn’t so thrilled with the 2023 Taos, ranking it dead last out of 11 subcompact SUV models. It scored a dismal 1.0 out of 5.0 for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. Potential buyers of the 2023 Taos should consider these reviews and customer feedback but also conduct their own research, including test drives and inspections.
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