The Volkswagen Taos, positioned as a compact SUV, received a significant facelift for the 2024 model year. Among the available configurations, the 1.5 TSI 4MOTION Tiptronic variant – producing 174 horsepower – represents a mid-range offering aimed at buyers seeking a balance of performance, all-weather capability, and convenience. Production of the updated Taos began in October 2024, building upon the foundation of the original Taos introduced as a 2022 model, which itself is based on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, shared with models like the Audi Q3 and Skoda Karoq. This variant is primarily marketed in North America, where compact SUVs are a highly competitive segment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taos |
| Generation | Taos (facelift 2024) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 TSI (174 Hp) 4MOTION Tiptronic |
| Start of production | October, 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (EPA) | 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg, 28.8 UK mpg, 10.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (EPA) | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg, 39.8 UK mpg, 14.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (EPA) | 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg, 33.6 UK mpg, 11.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9 kg/Hp, 111.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.2 kg/Nm, 160.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 174 Hp @ 5500-6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 116.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1750-4000 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 1750-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA211 evo2 |
| Engine displacement | 1498 cm3 (91.41 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 74.5 mm (2.93 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85.9 mm (3.38 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine systems | Start & Stop System |
| Kerb Weight | 1561-1564 kg (3441.42 – 3448.03 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2090 kg (4607.66 lbs.) |
| Max load | 526-529 kg (1159.63 – 1166.25 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 705 l (24.9 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1705 l (60.21 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 4467 mm (175.87 in.) |
| Width | 1841 mm (72.48 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2097 mm (82.56 in.) |
| Height | 1654 mm (65.12 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2680 mm (105.51 in.) |
| Front track | 1569 mm (61.77 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1544 mm (60.79 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 193 mm (7.6 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.32 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.6 m (34.78 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 19.7° |
| Departure angle | 25.8° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 20.4° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels permanently, and the rear wheels are driven through an electrically or mechanically operated clutch if necessary. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission Tiptronic |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 312×25 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 272×10 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/55 R18; 235/45 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 18; 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Taos 1.5 TSI 4MOTION Tiptronic lies the EA211 evo2 engine, a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine utilizes direct fuel injection and a sophisticated turbocharging system to deliver a balance of power and efficiency. The engine produces 174 horsepower between 5500 and 6000 rpm, and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque from 1750 to 4000 rpm. The engine features a Start & Stop system to further improve fuel economy. The eight-speed automatic transmission, marketed as “Tiptronic,” offers both fully automatic operation and the ability for the driver to manually select gears. The 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system employs a multi-plate clutch to distribute power between the front and rear axles as needed, enhancing traction in various driving conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5 TSI engine, paired with the eight-speed automatic, provides adequate performance for everyday driving. While not a sports-oriented setup, the engine delivers sufficient power for highway merging and passing maneuvers. The automatic transmission is generally smooth and responsive, although it may exhibit some hesitation during quick downshifts. Compared to the base engine option (where available) or a potential manual transmission, this configuration prioritizes convenience and ease of use over outright performance. The 4MOTION system provides enhanced stability and grip, particularly in inclement weather, making it a suitable choice for regions with challenging road conditions.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.5 TSI 4MOTION Tiptronic trim typically includes a generous array of standard features. These commonly include automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a suite of driver-assistance technologies such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Higher trim levels may add features like leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and adaptive cruise control. Interior materials are generally of good quality, offering a comfortable and well-appointed cabin.
Chassis & Braking
The Taos utilizes an independent suspension setup, with McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link system at the rear. This configuration provides a comfortable ride quality while maintaining reasonable handling characteristics. The braking system consists of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) are standard, along with electronic stability control. The suspension is tuned to prioritize comfort over sporty handling, making it well-suited for everyday driving.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2024 Volkswagen Taos 1.5 TSI 4MOTION Tiptronic has been generally well-received by automotive critics. Reviewers have praised its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and user-friendly technology. Fuel economy is competitive within the compact SUV segment, achieving around 28 mpg combined. Compared to other trims in the Taos lineup, the 1.5 TSI 4MOTION offers a step up in performance and all-weather capability, but at a higher price point. It competes with other popular compact SUVs such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5.
Legacy
The EA211 evo2 engine family has proven to be relatively reliable, with few widespread issues reported. The eight-speed automatic transmission is also generally considered to be durable. As a relatively new model, the long-term reliability of the 2024 Taos remains to be fully assessed. However, based on the reputation of Volkswagen’s engineering and the proven track record of its core components, this powertrain is expected to provide years of dependable service. On the used car market, the Taos 1.5 TSI 4MOTION Tiptronic is likely to hold its value well due to its desirable combination of features and all-wheel-drive capability.
