Sometimes, it just doesn’t live up to the hype. In this case, a popular Volkswagen SUV falls short of Consumer Reports expectations. While you could skip this, two alternatives are listed for your consideration. Depending on what kind of features you’re looking for, one of the other options may have more to offer.
Skip the popular Volkswagen Taos SUV for now
looked at all the SUVs this year has to offer, and the 2023 Volkswagen Taos still had a lot of good things to offer. It has a roomy cabin for a smaller SUV and handles well on the street. Volkswagen included some useful driver assistance features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking at the base level, but other systems are only available on higher trim levels. Lane departure warning, blind spot detection and lane keeping assist are also available, but not standard.
gave the Taos a range of scores, from good to passable. In the new pedestrian test with automatic emergency braking, the score was only average. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Volkswagen SUV a four-star safety rating. While there’s nothing wrong with the Taos, similar vehicles offer more for similar money.
Base MSRP range: $24,155 – $34,535
Subaru’s Crosstrek is a good alternative to this popular Volkswagen SUV
Experts and owners of the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek seem to agree that it’s a reliable SUV option. It has a similar price range to the aforementioned popular Volkswagen SUV, but offers more to buyers. The cabin is roomy enough for adults, and the cargo area has more room than meets the eye. A raised ground clearance makes the Crosstrek easy to climb and more capable off-road than the competition.
In addition to its good fuel economy, Subaru’s available EyeSight driver assistance system is helpful for drivers. Unfortunately, it’s not standard for 2023. Buyers must step up trim levels or configure the Crosstrek with added packages to get systems like automatic emergency braking and blind spot warning. With these added features, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety made it a winner. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Crosstrek a five-star safety rating.
Base MSRP range: $23,645 – $36,845
Check out the Kia Seltos instead of the Taos
One thing to know about the 2023 Kia Seltos is that it’s bigger than it looks. For a smaller SUV, the Seltos has enough room inside for adults and cargo. Good fuel economy and a starting price of $23,140 add to the allure of this Kia SUV. It has large door openings and is easy to get in and out of, something that benefits families and dog owners.
Kia included many standard safety features on the base Seltos, such as forward collision warning and lane departure warning. Automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist and lane centering assist are also standard. Systems such as blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning are included on higher trim levels. This was enough to earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick award and a four-star safety rating from the .
Base MSRP range: $23,140 – $28,640
The good news is that this popular Volkswagen SUV is still a good option for buyers. If your heart isn’t set on Taos, it might be worth another look at the other options. Depending on your priorities, one of these SUVs might make more sense than the others.
