Mid-cycle update including new L.E.D. headlights, a lightbar between the headlights on fancier trims, new taillights joined by a lightbar and a lit VW logo. The cabin now has a new dashboard, a restyled centre console a free-standing infotainment screen in place of the previous integrated one as well as revised climate controls. The 1.5L turbo four enjoys a power increase from 158 to 174 horsepower. The previous DSG transmission has been replaced by a conventional eight-speed automatic. Active safety equipment includes forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors and active cruise control.

While very complex for a modest output, no Taos driver could dispute that the 1.5L turbo four does not deliver strong, flexible performance with impressive refinement. Steering is nicely weighted, quick and holds its line very well. The brakes have no lost motion, solid pedal feel and stop the car confidently. The ride is very firm but there is no jarring. The use of super low-profile 45 series tires for a family grocery getter is a bit odd. If the car had proper tires, like a 60 series, the ride of this car would be better. Wind noise is nicely suppressed but noise from the road is more prominent than it should be. The Taos has a large sunroof, which, unlike some other cars, actually has a large opening. Like its larger Tiguan showroom mate, the styling of the Taos is very conservative and frill free but also well-tailored and timeless. Traditional design extends inside, with clean shapes, logical controls and generally nice materials, but perhaps a bit too many hard plastic surfaces for what is a pretty expensive vehicle. The black and gray cabin scheme of the Taos is very chic. The driver faces a configurable TFT gauge package. The door bins are big but the console in front of the shift lacks storage space. The front seats are very comfortable and can be moved back a long way. The rear seat is supportive and rear passengers enjoy impressive legroom for the size of the car. The trunk is square, deep below the window line and surprisingly commodious. Cellphone hookup is simple, the Beats-branded audio system delivers pleasing sounds and the voice command system works well enough.

About the same size as the original Tiguan, the new Taos slots in under the very large Tiguan as VW’s entry level crossover and will be a key competitor to the new Toyota Corolla Cross. The Taos is clean-lined and contemporary and reflects the current Volkswagen styling ethos. The cabin design is elegant and timeless. The driver faces a TFT gauge cluster. The Taos is powered exclusively by a 1.5L turbo that produces 174 horsepower. Power is ample. The sole transmission is a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission.

With a full active safety suite including active cruise control, the base Trendline trim is well equipped. All-wheel drive, standard on the Comfortline and Highline, is a $2000 option on the Trendline trim.
Moving up to the Comfortline adds deep-tint glass, a 10.25 inch digital gauge package, a power driver’s seat, wireless cellphone charging, a wireless version of the iOS-Android cellphone interface, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive headlights and an alarm system. With a dual-panel sunroof, the Comfortline Black Edition is good value. The Highline range-topper features leather seating, a dual-panel sunroof, navigation and ventilated front seats.

Predicted reliability is average until the third or fourth year and deteriorating after that. Turbo wastegate failure reports are becoming more common.