Volkswagen Taos Comfortline come with luxury look, MSRP – Up to $26,359

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In the ever-expanding world of compact SUVs, the Volkswagen Taos has carved out a niche for itself, offering a blend of German engineering, practical design, and modern features.

Among its lineup, the Comfortline trim stands out as the Goldilocks option – not too bare-bones, not too luxurious, but just right for many buyers. Let’s dive into what makes the Volkswagen Taos Comfortline a compelling choice in this competitive segment.

A Brief Introduction to the Taos

Before we focus on the Comfortline trim, it’s worth understanding the Taos’s place in Volkswagen’s lineup.

Introduced as a smaller sibling to the Tiguan, the Taos aims to capture the hearts (and wallets) of buyers looking for a compact SUV that doesn’t skimp on quality or features. It’s VW’s answer to vehicles like the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, and Subaru Crosstrek.

Exterior Design: Compact Yet Commanding

The Taos Comfortline strikes a balance between the entry-level and top-tier trims in terms of exterior aesthetics:

  • LED headlights and taillights come standard, giving the Taos a premium look
  • 17-inch alloy wheels offer a good compromise between style and ride comfort
  • Body-colored heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals add a touch of sophistication
  • A panoramic sunroof is available as an option, bringing more light into the cabin

While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the top-tier Highline trim, the Comfortline’s exterior design is far from basic.

It carries the clean, modern lines that Volkswagen is known for, with just enough chrome accents to catch the eye without being ostentatious.

Under the Hood: Performance Meets Efficiency

The heart of the Taos Comfortline is its powertrain:

  • A 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine
  • 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque
  • Front-wheel drive comes standard, with 4MOTION all-wheel drive available
  • An eight-speed automatic transmission for FWD models, seven-speed DSG for AWD variants

This powertrain offers a good balance of pep and fuel efficiency. The Taos isn’t going to win any drag races, but it provides more than enough power for daily driving, merging onto highways, and the occasional backroad jaunt.

The turbocharger helps provide a nice boost of low-end torque, making the Taos feel sprightlier than its horsepower numbers might suggest.

Fuel economy is a strong point for the Taos Comfortline:

  • FWD models achieve approximately 8.4 L/100km in the city and 6.6 L/100km on the highway
  • AWD variants see a slight dip, but still manage respectable numbers

Interior Comfort and Space: More Than Meets the Eye

Step inside the Taos Comfortline, and you might be surprised by how spacious it feels:

  • Generous headroom and legroom in both front and rear seats
  • A cargo area that can swallow up to 790 liters of stuff with the rear seats up
  • 60/40 split-folding rear seats for added versatility

The materials used in the Comfortline trim strike a good balance between durability and comfort:

  • Cloth seats come standard, with leatherette as an available option
  • Soft-touch materials on key touchpoints like the dashboard and armrests
  • A leather-wrapped steering wheel adds a premium touch

Comfort features in the Comfortline include:

  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Heated front seats
  • A 6-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support
These amenities make the Taos Comfortline feel like a more expensive vehicle than it actually is.

Technology and Infotainment: Well-Equipped for the Modern Driver

Volkswagen hasn’t skimped on tech in the Taos Comfortline:

  • An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system takes center stage
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard
  • Volkswagen Digital Cockpit (a 8-inch digital instrument cluster) is included
  • USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad keep devices topped up

The infotainment system is intuitive to use, with crisp graphics and responsive touch inputs.

The inclusion of physical buttons and knobs for key functions is a welcome touch in an era where some manufacturers are moving to all-touch interfaces.

Safety Features: Peace of Mind Comes Standard

The Taos Comfortline comes well-equipped in the safety department:

  • Forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking
  • Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
  • Lane keeping assist
  • Adaptive cruise control

These driver assistance features help make the Taos Comfortline a confident and secure daily driver. While some competitors reserve certain safety tech for their top trims, VW has made sure that Comfortline buyers aren’t left wanting in this crucial area.

Driving Experience: Urban Agility Meets Highway Comfort

Behind the wheel, the Taos Comfortline offers a driving experience that’s well-suited to a variety of conditions:

  • Light steering makes maneuvering in tight city spaces a breeze
  • A well-tuned suspension soaks up road imperfections without feeling floaty
  • Minimal body roll in corners, inspiring confidence on winding roads
  • Good visibility thanks to large windows and well-placed pillars

The available 4MOTION all-wheel drive system adds an extra layer of capability, making the Taos a good choice for those who deal with inclement weather or the occasional light off-road excursion.

Pricing and Value Proposition

The Taos Comfortline sits in the middle of the Taos lineup, offering a compelling blend of features at a competitive price point. While exact pricing can vary by region and options chosen, it typically starts in the mid-to-high $20,000 range.

When compared to its competitors, the Taos Comfortline offers:

  • More standard features than many base models in its class
  • A larger interior and cargo area than some of its rivals
  • The cachet of German engineering at a mainstream price point

Who Is the Taos Comfortline For?

The Volkswagen Taos Comfortline is well-suited for a variety of buyers:

  • Young professionals looking for a stylish and practical daily driver
  • Small families who need space but don’t want a large SUV
  • Empty nesters downsizing from larger vehicles
  • Anyone who appreciates a balance of features, comfort, and value

Its blend of practicality, technology, and driving dynamics makes it a versatile choice that can adapt to many lifestyles.

The Competition: How Does It Stack Up?

The compact SUV segment is fiercely competitive. Here’s how the Taos Comfortline compares to some key rivals:

  • Honda HR-V: The Taos offers more power and a more spacious interior
  • Mazda CX-30: The Mazda may have a slight edge in driving dynamics, but the Taos counters with more interior space
  • Subaru Crosstrek: The Subaru has a reputation for ruggedness, but the Taos offers a more refined on-road experience

While each competitor has its strengths, the Taos Comfortline holds its own by offering a well-rounded package that doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses.

Customization and Options

Volkswagen offers several ways to personalize the Taos Comfortline:

  • A range of exterior colors, from classic whites and silvers to bolder blues and reds
  • The aforementioned panoramic sunroof
  • A Driver Assistance Package that adds extra safety features
  • Leatherette seating surfaces for a more premium feel

These options allow buyers to tailor their Taos to their specific needs and tastes without having to step up to the top-tier Highline trim.

Ownership Experience and Warranty

Owning a Volkswagen Taos Comfortline comes with some perks:

  • A 4-year/80,000 km new vehicle limited warranty
  • A 5-year/100,000 km powertrain warranty
  • 24-hour roadside assistance for the duration of the new vehicle warranty

Volkswagen has been working to improve its reputation for reliability, and the Taos benefits from being built on the company’s modern MQB platform, which underpins many of VW’s current models.

Environmental Considerations

While not a hybrid or electric vehicle, the Taos Comfortline does make some nods towards environmental consciousness:

  • Its turbocharged engine offers good fuel efficiency for its class
  • The compact size means less material used in production compared to larger SUVs
  • Volkswagen’s commitment to electrification means that lessons learned from their EV development trickle down to their entire lineup

Volkswagen Taos Comfortline : A Well-Rounded Contender

The Volkswagen Taos Comfortline represents a sweet spot in the compact SUV market. It offers a compelling blend of features, comfort, and driving dynamics at a price point that won’t break the bank.

While it may not be the flashiest or most powerful vehicle in its class, it excels at being a well-rounded, practical choice that can adapt to a variety of lifestyles and needs.

For those who appreciate Volkswagen’s approach to design and engineering but don’t want to step up to the larger Tiguan, the Taos Comfortline offers an attractive entry point into the brand’s SUV lineup.

It’s a vehicle that feels grown-up and refined without being stodgy, tech-savvy without being overwhelming, and capable without being overbuilt.

In a segment where it’s easy to get lost in the crowd, the Volkswagen Taos Comfortline manages to stand out by doing everything well, if not spectacularly.

It’s a testament to Volkswagen’s understanding of what many buyers in this segment are looking for – a practical, comfortable, and well-equipped vehicle that doesn’t fade into the background.

As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, with an increasing focus on electrification and autonomous technologies, the Taos Comfortline represents a solid choice for those who want a modern, capable compact SUV that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel.

It’s a vehicle that’s easy to live with, enjoyable to drive, and hard to fault – and in the competitive world of compact SUVs, that’s no small feat.

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