SUV Showdown in Columbus: 2023 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Volkswagen Taos

January 15th, 2023

SUVs have been a staple in the car market for over 30 years and every year, new models are introduced, making it that much tougher to decide which one would best suit your needs. While Volkswagen didn't dip their toes into the SUV pond until 2002, they definitely made a splash and continue to do so with the 2023 Atlas and the 2023 Taos. At Byers Volkswagen, we know that the initial rush of excitement you get when you decide to purchase a new SUV can wane once you realize how much research goes into the buying process. It can be a daunting and time-consuming task. This is why we've put together this head-to-head comparison page so you can save time and make an informed decision. You'll find all the pertinent information on performance, technology, safety, and much more for the Atlas and the Taos. And when you're done reading, we invite you to stop by our Byers Volkswagen showroom to see these SUVs in person and get a feel for them during a test drive. You can find us at 379 North Hamilton Road in Columbus. We can't wait to get you behind the wheel of a new Volkswagen SUV today.

2023 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Volkswagen Taos: Design & Exterior Features

The 2023 Atlas comes standard with 18" alloy wheels while the 2023 Taos offers standard 17" alloy wheels. All-season tires are standard fare on both SUVs which offers extra peace of mind while driving on wet or icy roads. While higher tims of the Taos offer 19" wheels, you'll find 20" alloy wheels only on the Atlas. LED headlights and taillights are standard fare on both SUVs while only the Atlas offers standard heated side mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and Poor Weather Lights; features you won't find on the Taos. A panoramic glass sunroof is standard on higher trim levels of the Atlas while it's optional on the Taos. Roof rails are standard on both SUVs, giving you extra cargo space for luggage, kayaks, skis, or bikes.

2023 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Volkswagen Taos: Comfort & Technology

Comfort has always been a top priority for Volkswagen engineers and the 2023 atlas and 2023 Taos are perfect examples. The Taos offers standard CloudTex seating surfaces, which are just as comfortable as leather yet easier to clean. Genuine leather upholstery is available on the higher trim levels of the Taos as well as heated and ventilated front seats and a 10-color LED ambient lighting system, so you can match your interior to your mood. The Atlas offers standard V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat while higher trim levels deliver heated rear outboard seats and second row captain's chairs for a 6-seater configuration.

Both SUVs offer the MIB Infotainment system as standard fare, which includes Apple CarPlay^®, Android Auto^™, and Bluetooth^®. A 6.5" touchscreen display is standard, or you can upgrade trim levels on both the Atlas and the Taos to the MIB3 system and a larger 8.0" display screen with voice control so you can keep your attention on the road. Wireless charging is available on both vehicles so you can stay easily connected no matter how far you travel.

2023 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Volkswagen Taos: Performance

The 2023 Atlas boasts two drivetrain options while the 2023 Taos only offers one. The standard engine found under the hood of the Atlas is a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes a solid 235 horsepower and 258 lb/ft of torque and is able to tow up to 2,000 lbs. The next step up for the Atlas is the 3.6L V6, producing a potent 276 horsepower and 266 lb/ft of torque and can tow up to 5,000 lbs. The V6 comes with 4Motion^® all-wheel drive for better traction. Both drivetrains are paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Taos offers a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine under the hood, generating 158 horsepower and 184 lb/ft of torque and mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. 4Motion^® all-wheel drive is available for all trim levels and nets you up to 32 MPG on the highway as opposed to the 25 highway MPG from the Atlas.

2023 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Volkswagen Taos: Safety

You'll always find the latest safety features and driver assist technology in Volkswagen models. Both the 2023 Atlas and the 2023 Taos offer standard Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert. Both SUVs come standard with the Volkswagen Intelligent Crash Response System, an innovation that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks doors, and switches on the hazard lights if you're involved in a collision. IQ.DRIVE^® is a technology-rich suite of driver assist features, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, and Pedestrian Monitoring.

2023 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Volkswagen Taos: Overall Value

With a starting MSRP of only $35,150, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas is a versatile and reliable three-row SUV that seats up to 7 in luxurious comfort and offers solid standard features. The 2023 Taos is a fun, flirty mid-size SUV that comfortably seats 5 and brings the latest in technology to the table. No matter which model you choose as your new daily driver, you know you're getting a durable and trusted vehicle from Volkswagen. If you have any questions about either SUV, feel free to contact us at Byers Volkswagen to speak to any of our friendly VW experts. Don't forget to set up your test drive while you're at it!

	2023 Volkswagen Atlas	2023 Volkswagen Taos
Starting MSRP*	$35,150	$24,155
Standard Engine	2.0L Inline 4-Cylinder	1.5L Inline 4-Cylinder
Standard Performance	235 HP / 258 lb-ft of Torque	158 HP / 184 lb-ft of Torque
Curb Weight	4,261 Lbs.	3,181 Lbs.
Passenger Volume	154.0 Cubic Feet	99.5 Cubic Feet
Standard/Maximum Cargo Volume	20.6/96.8 Cubic Feet	27.9/65.9 Cubic Feet
LED Daytime Running Lights	Standard	Standard
Bluetooth®	Standard	Standard
Wireless Charging	Available	Available
Adaptive Cruise Control	Standard	Standard

*Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. Excludes options; taxes; title; registration; delivery, processing and handling fee; dealer charges. Dealer sets actual selling price.

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