What’s The Difference Between The Volkswagen Atlas and Taos?

In the ever-changing world of SUVs, Volkswagen has solidified its position as a leader. What sets Volkswagen apart is its unwavering commitment to offering a versatile lineup that skillfully caters to a wide range of preferences and needs. The Volkswagen Atlas and Volkswagen Taos are prime examples of the brand’s devotion to meeting diverse demands. These two vehicles embody distinct advantages, empowering consumers with a rich array of choices that seamlessly align with their lifestyles and necessities. Our Capistrano Volkswagen team invites you to explore the differences between the Atlas and the Taos.

Volkswagen Atlas: The Epitome of Size and Versatility

You can purchase the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas in five primary trims: SE, SE With Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line. 

Exterior Design

Standard features of the SE include LED headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels. Moving up adds a hands-free power liftgate and 20-inch wheels at the SE With Technology level and an optional panoramic sunroof. The SEL has adaptive headlights to light the way around corners and turns. On the SEL R-Line Black, you get sporty front and rear bumpers, black exterior badges and trim, and 20-inch gloss black wheels for a unique appearance. Finally, the SEL Premium R-Line upgrades the wheels to 21 inches, guaranteed to turn heads on the road.

Powerful Performance

Under the hood of the SE, SE With Technology, and SEL trims, you’ll discover a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The R-Line trims feature a 3.6-liter V-6 that produces 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. This engine is also available on the SE With Technology and SEL trims. You get a standard front-wheel drive on the SE and SE With Technology, while the SEL and above have a standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. In addition, AWD is available on the lower trims for better traction and control in various weather and road conditions.

Comfort and Convenience

Slide inside this midsize three-row SUV to find many comfort and convenience features for drivers and passengers. Starting with the SE, you get proximity keyless entry and ignition, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 60/40-split folding second-row bench, and a 50/50-split folding third-row bench seat. Technology features include:

• A six-speaker audio system.
• A digital instrument cluster.
• A 6.5-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Higher trims add features such as three-zone automatic climate control, second- and third-row USB ports, a 115-volt power outlet, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and leather upholstery. You can also get wireless charging, an 8-inch touch screen, and a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system. Whether cruising down the road on a family road trip or hauling everyone back and forth to their activities, the Atlas lets you do so in style.

Safety Features

Standard safety and driver-assistance features for the Atlas include:

• An advanced air bag system.
• Forward collision mitigation.
• A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.

Available features include adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, lane-keep assist, blind-spot intervention, an automated parking system, and a 360-degree camera system based on the selected trim.

Volkswagen Taos: Efficient Agility in a Compact Form

On the opposite side of the SUV spectrum is the 2023 Volkswagen Taos, an extra-small crossover option sold in three trims: S, SE, and SEL.

Exterior Features

The S trim features roof rails, LED headlights, and 17-inch alloy wheels as standard. Moving up to the SE adds heated exterior mirrors, hands-free keyless entry, tinted rear windows, and 18-inch alloy wheels. On the top-of-the-line SEL, you’ll discover rain-sensing wipers, a panoramic sunroof, an illuminated grille bar, adaptive headlights, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Performant Engine

Each trim of the Taos has the same engine: a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. On the front-wheel-drive options, you get an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the AWD ones use a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The SEL features the AWD as standard, with this feature available on the S and SE.

Interior Design

The Taos offers a comfortable interior and a big cargo area, especially for an SUV its size. Starting with the S, standard features include a 60/40-split folding rear seat for various cargo and passenger configurations, making it an excellent vehicle for any trip. You also get a four-speaker stereo, onboard Wi-Fi, and a 6.5-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SE features faux leather seat trim with cloth inserts, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, second-row USB ports, wireless charging, a six-speaker sound system, and an 8-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Finally, the high-end SEL trim provides upgrades such as ambient interior lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, a navigation system, and an eight-speaker premium sound system.

Driver Aids

In addition to the standard advanced air bag system, the Taos offers a blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert and forward collision warning with automatic braking as standard features. The IQ.DRIVE package is optional on the S and standard on the SE and SEL trims, and it includes:

• Active blind-spot monitor.
• Lane-keep assist.
• Adaptive cruise control.
• Emergency assistance.

The SEL also adds automatic high-beam headlights to keep your focus on the road and rear parking sensors to help you get in and out of tight parking situations.

Check Out the Atlas and Taos at Capistrano Volkswagen Today

Whether you’re interested in the midsize Atlas or the extra-small Taos, our team at Capistrano Volkswagen is ready to answer your questions or set you up for a test drive today. We have everything you’re looking for, from a vehicle for your daily commute to one for the road trip of your dreams. Find us at 32922 Valle Road in San Juan Capistrano, California, Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. or Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can complete our secure online form or call us at 866-557-3599 to get started.