November 28 2022 utoAubaine
The Volkswagen Taos is one of the most inspiring and fun-to-drive subcompact SUVs currently available. No offense to others, but the Toas benefit from the Volkswagen Group holding luxury brands like Audi and Porsche. Of course, the sub-compact SUV isn't a luxury model, but it certainly drives and feels like one in many aspects. These facts make it more interesting than most of its competitors, perhaps.
The easy part is to choose the Volkswagen Taos. Things get a little trickier when it comes to selecting the configuration that suits your needs the best. Since the Taos is considered an entry-level model in the Volkswagen brand, I recommend sticking with the first or second trim level. Still, every version of the Taos has something quite interesting to offer. Therefore, we need to go a little deeper with each trim level.
Even though it doesn't matter in today's exercise, I think it is worth looking at the Toas powertrain first. Every trim level of the subcompact German SUV uses the same turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder. This engine produces 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic and a front-wheel-drive drivetrain as standard. When you get to the all-wheel-drive system, it also comes with an automatic seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
Trendline (starting from $29,632)
This is the only version that doesn't come with any dilemma, making it the easiest to choose. Usually, there is nothing too crazy in the base version of a sub-compact SUV. Since Volkswagen isn't your typical car manufacturer, the Toas Trendline benefits from a Digital Cockpit, heated front seats, and a lot of safety tech you must pay extra to get with the competition. Of course, it is not perfect, and there are some crappy materials in the cabin, but the fact you can get so much equipment and a lot of structural elements from a luxury car makes the Volkswagen Taos Trendline one of the best subcompact SUVs out there.
Comfortline (starting from $36 632)
The Comforline version price starts at $36,632, which happens to be $300 more than what the base version of the Volkswagen Tiguan starts at. This could be more pleasant because it allows you to upgrade to a bigger vehicle by only scarifying a couple of options. First, let me tell you this. Yes, the Volkswagen Tiguan is quite impressive too, but it is bigger, so it is a bit less fuel efficient, and you need to pay more to get the same kind of equipment you get with the Taos Comfortline.
One of the most significant differences you get between the Trendline and Comfortline versions is the addition of the 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system as standard for the Comfortline. The Comfortline also brings a lot of high-tech safety gadgets to the table, such as adaptative cruise control and a bigger infotainment screen that goes from 6.5 to 8 inches.
Highline (starting from $40 332)
This is where things start to make less sense when you put everything into perspective. Why would you pay $40,332 for a Volkswagen Taos when you can get a brand-new Audi Q3 for $42,250? First, if you really want an Audi Q3, you will only limit yourself to the base version if you are searching for the prestige to tell you to drive an Audi, which makes the Taos irrelevant to this point. If what you're looking for are high-end features and an elegant finish, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos is the best option for you then. From a panoramic roof to a refined interior, it has everything you can dream of.
So, which version is better?
I would put the Trendline version as my first choice simply because it is such a complete vehicle for the price. Next in line would be the Highline version. The price difference between it and the Comfortline needs to be more significant to justify not getting it. Even if the Comfortline comes third, it is still a good option, especially if you want to spend less and the 4MOTION system is a priority. At the end of the day, everything depends on your specific needs and your budget.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
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