Can the 2023 VW Taos 4Motion go OFF-ROAD? We find out and get it dirty.

Driving the 2023 VW Taos 4Motion We drove the FWD VW Taos several months ago and found it had solid driving manners, impressive fuel economy, and a ton of interior space. We were definitely looking forward to getting our hands on an AWD  model, unfortunately, the AWD version's powertrain was subject to a recall due to a faulty control unit. VW pressed on with the front-wheel drive versions on the road until the problem was fixed. AWD v FWD So what are the differences between the two, well the FWD model rides on a twist-beam rear suspension and utilizes an eight-speed conventional automatic transmission, whereas the Taos AWD gets an independent suspension system for the rear axle and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Powering the Taos is a new 1.5-liter version of the turbocharged inline-four, it gets a variable-geometry turbocharger and produces a respectable, 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque from just 1750 rpm. 0-60 takes 7.5 seconds which is 0.2 seconds less than its front wheel drive sibling. Fuel economy does take a hit if you opt for the AWD system due to the added weight, expect highway mpg to be 32 versus 36 for a front driver. 2023 VW Taos 1.5T SEL AWD Numbers BASE PRICE: $34,535 AS TESTED PRICE: $35,830 VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, All-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door SUV ENGINE: Turbocharged and inter-cooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, POWER: 158 hp @ 5,500 rpm TORQUE: 184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic  CURB WEIGHT: 3,465 lb 0-60 MPH: 7.5 sec EPA COMB/ CITY/HWY: 28/25/32 mpg OUR OBSERVED FUEL ECONOMY: 24.2 MPG PROS: Good performance and handling, spacious interior CONS: Jerky dual clutch transmision