How Fast Is the Volkswagen Taos?

With its impressive turbocharged engine, the Volkswagen Taos is a top choice in the compact SUV market. As the latest addition to Volkswagen’s lineup, the Taos combines power and efficiency, where speed meets everyday practicality. Regardless of where you live, the Volkswagen Taos is an excellent companion for tackling both highways and suburban streets.

In this article by our team at Capistrano Volkswagen, we explore the speed of the Volkswagen Taos and compare it with similar vehicles in the market. We examine its engine specifications, handling, transmission, and overall driving experience to see how swift and agile the Volkswagen Taos truly is. Visit Capistrano Volkswagen at 32922 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano, California, for a test drive to experience this new Volkswagen for yourself.

How Fast Is the Volkswagen Taos?

The Volkswagen Taos typically comes with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates around 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It’s not the fastest car in the Volkswagen lineup, but it has enough power for everyday driving and performs reasonably well, especially compared with its market rivals. Front-wheel-drive models feature an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the optional all-wheel-drive variants come with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Its acceleration and top speed vary based on road conditions, trim level, and engine specifications, but it’s generally known for decent performance in its class. The Taos accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds and has an estimated top speed of 125 mph. There are no noticeable differences in top speed between its different drivetrains.

Volkswagen Taos vs. Subaru Crosstrek

The Volkswagen Taos and Subaru Crosstrek are both compact SUVs, but they differ in performance. The Volkswagen’s turbocharged 158-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine provides more horsepower than the Subaru Crosstrek’s 152-horsepower base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. However, the Subaru has a more potent 182-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in higher trims, offering varying power outputs. Acceleration tends to be more responsive in the Taos, courtesy of its turbocharged engine, while the Crosstrek exhibits more moderate acceleration, particularly with its base engine.

Both vehicles generally achieve similar top speeds, but as the Subaru is higher off the ground, its handling is less predictable at its top speed than the Taos. Differences in transmission choices and driving dynamics can influence your driving experience. The Taos usually features an automatic transmission, while the Crosstrek offers a choice between a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a manual transmission. Choosing which is best depends on your preference for power delivery, handling, and transmission options.

Volkswagen Taos vs. Honda CR-V

The Volkswagen Taos and Honda CR-V are both popular compact SUVs with similar performance capabilities. The Honda CR-V features a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine matching the Taos and achieves comparable power output. In terms of acceleration and top speed, these vehicles generally perform well within their class, showcasing respectable capabilities and similar top speeds.

The Taos is a bit quicker off the mark, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds compared to the Honda’s 7.9 seconds. While the Taos may lean toward a sportier handling experience, the CR-V is often praised for its smooth and comfortable ride. Ultimately, personal preferences regarding driving dynamics and brand loyalties may influence the choice between these two SUVs.

Volkswagen Taos vs. Kia Seltos

While the Taos typically features a standard turbocharged engine, the Kia Seltos offers several engine choices, including a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in certain trims. This allows for varied power outputs across the trim levels. The Taos delivers more power from its base turbocharged engine than the Kia’s 146-horsepower four-cylinder engine.

Acceleration leans slightly in favor of the Taos due to its turbocharged setup. Top speeds generally fall within a comparable range of 125 mph for both vehicles. Transmission options differ, with the Taos usually employing an automatic transmission, while the Seltos comes with either a CVT or a dual-clutch automatic, depending on the trim and engine selection. Consider your driving preferences for power delivery and transmission behavior when deciding between these two compact SUVs.

Volkswagen Taos vs. Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 has a more potent engine lineup than the Taos, including a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 219 horsepower and a hybrid powertrain, which helps it produce even more power and efficiency. Acceleration tends to be more responsive in the RAV4, particularly with its powerful engine options, going from zero to 60 mph in just 6 seconds. The Taos delivers decent but slightly more modest acceleration, which makes it a more efficient choice for everyday commuting than the bulky RAV4.

The front-wheel-drive Taos delivers an impressive 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, compared with the RAV4’s 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Both vehicles achieve competitive top speeds, but the Taos slightly outpaces the RAV4’s 114 mph top speed on the base engine. Transmission choices also vary, with the Taos typically featuring an automatic transmission and the RAV4 offering options such as an eight-speed automatic or a CVT in its hybrid models. The decision between these SUVs often depends on power or fuel efficiency preferences.

Test-Drive the Volkswagen Taos Today

Overall, the Volkswagen Taos is a clear winner for speed and efficiency, with its turbocharged engine providing a respectable top speed of 125 mph. Are you keen to experience this compact SUV’s power and precision handling? Visit Capistrano Volkswagen today in San Juan Capistrano to take the Taos for a test drive. Browse our range of new and used vehicles or chat with our reliable team for expert guidance and financing support should you need it. We’ll have you driving off the lot in your dream car before you know it.