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The 2027 Volkswagen Taos produces 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque from a 1.5L turbocharged TSI® engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. FWD models deliver strong highway efficiency, while 4MOTION® all-wheel-drive models add a multi-link rear axle and 7.6 inches of ground clearance. This page covers the performance specifications in detail, with current Taos inventory available at Volkswagen of Milwaukee North.
The powertrain at the center of every 2027 Taos is Volkswagen’s EA211evo2 1.5L DOHC 16-valve turbocharged four-cylinder TSI® engine. This architecture is used across Volkswagen’s MQB platform and was refined for the 2025 model year with revised piston rings, fuel injectors, a modified turbo housing, a larger intercooler, and a new gasoline particulate filter. Those changes increased output to 174 hp at 5,500 to 6,000 rpm, up from 158 hp in the 2024 Taos, while maintaining 184 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1,750 rpm.
Two drivetrain configurations carry that power to the road. Front-wheel drive is standard on the S, Sport, SE, and SE Black trims. Volkswagen 4MOTION® all-wheel drive is available on every trim and standard on the SEL, which is offered exclusively with 4MOTION all-wheel drive.
Performance in this segment is defined as much by everyday usability as it is by peak numbers. The Taos combines broad torque at low engine speeds, a composed ride on Wisconsin roads, and available all-season confidence through the 4MOTION® system.
The EA211evo2 uses an 11.5:1 compression ratio made possible by Volkswagen’s implementation of the Miller cycle. The Miller cycle closes the intake valves earlier in the induction stroke than a conventional Otto-cycle engine. This reduces the effective compression stroke, helping lower pumping losses and heat while allowing the higher static compression ratio on regular 87 AKI unleaded fuel. The result is improved thermal efficiency and fuel economy alongside the increased output.
Maximum turbo boost reaches 1.8 bar, or 26.1 psi. The cast aluminum-alloy block and cylinder head help manage weight. The engine has a bore of 2.9 inches, or 74.5 mm, and a stroke of 3.4 inches, or 85.9 mm, for a displacement of 91.4 cubic inches, or 1,498 cc.
Power is routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Gear ratios range from 4.891 in first gear to 0.655 in eighth, with a final-drive ratio of 3.235. This range supports responsive acceleration from a stop and relaxed highway cruising in eighth gear. Sport mode adjusts shift points for a more responsive driving character. AWD models use an eight-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic in place of the torque-converter unit, supporting responsive torque delivery through the AWD system.
Steering is electrically assisted, with a ratio of 13.2:1 on FWD models and 13:1 on AWD models. Both configurations require 2.68 turns from lock to lock. The FWD Taos has a 35-foot curb-to-curb turning circle, and AWD models match that figure.
Every Taos uses 12.3-inch ventilated front discs and 10.7-inch solid rear discs. The front suspension features MacPherson struts with lower control arms, coil springs, telescopic dampers, and an anti-roll bar. FWD models use a torsion-beam rear axle, while AWD models receive the multi-link rear axle described above. Both configurations use coil springs and telescopic dampers. FWD models have a curb weight of 3,206 lb, while AWD models weigh 3,441 lb.
Volkswagen 4MOTION® with Active Control is designed for buyers who want added year-round traction on roads around Glendale and throughout Wisconsin. The system uses an electrohydraulic multi-plate clutch at the center differential to distribute torque continuously between the front and rear axles, with up to 50 percent sent to the rear axle.
Under light loads and while coasting, 4MOTION can decouple the rear wheels to help conserve fuel. When conditions change, the rear axle can re-engage in fractions of a second. A control unit continually monitors driving conditions and determines the appropriate torque distribution. Electronic differential locks, operating through the Electronic Stability Control system, can briefly brake a slipping wheel to help transfer power to the wheel on the opposite side.
Active Control, standard on all Taos models with 4MOTION®, adds four driver-selectable modes: Snow, On-Road, Off-Road, and Off-Road Custom. Each mode adjusts engine response, transmission behavior, steering weight, and Adaptive Cruise Control parameters. Snow mode prompts the transmission to upshift earlier and adjusts Electronic Stability Control to help support traction. In Off-Road mode, Hill Descent Control activates automatically on grades steeper than 10 percent, while Off-Road ABS adjusts braking behavior for loose surfaces.
AWD models provide 7.6 inches of ground clearance, compared with 6.5 inches on FWD models. The AWD rear suspension uses a multi-link axle instead of the torsion-beam configuration found on FWD models. Together, the additional ground clearance and multi-link rear suspension give AWD Taos models a distinct balance of capability and ride control.
Drive modes and traction systems cannot overcome the laws of physics and are not substitutes for attentive driving. Drivers should always adjust their speed and driving behavior to road, weather, and traffic conditions.
Every 2027 Taos trim shares the same EA211evo2 engine and eight-speed transmission. Performance differences between trims come primarily from drivetrain choice and AWD-specific chassis calibrations.
Seventeen-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 215/55 all-season tires are standard. FWD models use the torsion-beam rear suspension. AWD S models add 18-inch five-spoke machined wheels with 215/55 all-season tires and a multi-link rear axle.
New for 2027. FWD Sport models use 18-inch black wheels with 215/50 all-season tires. AWD Sport models feature 18-inch black wheels with 215/55 all-season tires.
Eighteen-inch machined alloy wheels are standard. FWD SE models use 215/50 tires, while AWD SE models feature 215/55 tires and split five-spoke machined wheels.
FWD models feature 18-inch black wheels with 215/50 tires. The AWD SE Black adds 19-inch black wheels with 235/45 tires, providing a wider tire footprint.
Available exclusively with 4MOTION all-wheel drive. The SEL uses the same 19-inch machine-finished wheels and 235/45 all-season tires as the SE Black with 4MOTION. Ground clearance is 7.6 inches. Driving Mode Selection, Active Control with all four modes, and the multi-link rear axle are standard.
The 174 hp figure is supported by power delivery within the engine speeds drivers commonly use. With 184 lb-ft of torque available from 1,750 rpm, the Taos is designed to feel responsive at city speeds without requiring high engine speeds. The eight-speed automatic’s broad ratio range allows relaxed interstate cruising while retaining responsive acceleration when needed.
For FWD drivers in Glendale who regularly travel on the highway, the Taos offers an EPA-estimated combined rating of 30 mpg and strong highway efficiency. Actual mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including driving habits and vehicle condition.
For Wisconsin drivers who encounter changing winter conditions, the 4MOTION® system is designed to re-engage the rear axle in fractions of a second. Its proactive operation helps support traction, momentum, and steering response on wet or snow-covered surfaces. AWD models also provide 7.6 inches of ground clearance, compared with 6.5 inches on FWD models, offering additional clearance for changing road conditions. AWD combined fuel economy is rated at 28 mpg, balancing efficiency with added all-season capability.
The Taos also carries a 937 lb payload capacity regardless of drivetrain. FWD models provide 27.9 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats and 65.9 cubic feet with the seats folded, supporting practical hauling needs alongside the vehicle’s performance features.
The 2027 Taos competes with compact SUVs including the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, Subaru Crosstrek, and Toyota Corolla Cross. Its available 4MOTION® system includes Driving Mode Selection with dedicated Snow, On-Road, Off-Road, and Off-Road Custom settings. The system’s electrohydraulic clutch is designed to distribute torque proactively as driving conditions change.
The EA211evo2 combines Miller-cycle operation with an 11.5:1 compression ratio, turbocharging, and the ability to run on regular fuel. This calibration brings together responsive output and everyday efficiency in a compact SUV.
The Taos also includes a 4-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Its powertrain coverage carries the same four-year or 50,000-mile term as the basic warranty.
The performance story of the 2027 Taos starts with 174 hp, 184 lb-ft of torque from 1,750 rpm, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and available 4MOTION® all-wheel drive that can re-engage the rear axle in fractions of a second. Volkswagen of Milwaukee North carries current 2027 Taos inventory in Glendale, Wisconsin, with FWD and 4MOTION configurations across the trim range, from the entry S to the comprehensively equipped SEL. Schedule a test drive to experience the Taos’s response, comfort, and everyday drivability.
The 2027 Taos produces 174 hp at 5,500 to 6,000 rpm from a 1.5L turbocharged TSI® four-cylinder engine. Torque is 184 lb-ft, available from 1,750 through 4,000 rpm.
FWD models are EPA-rated at 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. Models with 4MOTION® all-wheel drive are rated at 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. All ratings are based on regular 87 AKI unleaded fuel. Actual mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including driving habits and vehicle condition.
Yes. Volkswagen 4MOTION® all-wheel drive is available on every Taos trim and standard on the SEL. AWD models use an eight-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic and a multi-link rear axle.
FWD Taos models use an eight-speed automatic transmission. AWD models use an eight-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic. Both transmissions include Sport mode and share the same eight-ratio gear range.
Active Control is standard on Taos models with 4MOTION and offers Snow, On-Road, Off-Road, and Off-Road Custom drive modes. Each mode adjusts the engine, transmission, steering, and stability-control calibrations. Off-Road mode activates Hill Descent Control automatically on grades over 10 percent. Off-Road Custom mode is not available on the 2027 S with 4MOTION.
FWD Taos models have 6.5 inches of ground clearance. Models with 4MOTION® all-wheel drive have 7.6 inches of ground clearance.
The 2027 Taos uses Volkswagen’s EA211evo2 1.5L DOHC 16-valve turbocharged four-cylinder TSI® engine, featuring Miller-cycle operation, an 11.5:1 compression ratio, and maximum turbo boost of 1.8 bar, or 26.1 psi.
