Volkswagen Teases More Taos

Volkswagen’s Taos compact SUV is all new, but the automaker announced it will get power from a familiar engine: a version of the turbocharged four-cylinder that powers the Jetta sedan.

Related: Volkswagen Is Taking Us to Taos With New Compact SUV

In the Taos, the engine increases to 1.5 liters, up from 1.4 liters, and makes 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque; the Jetta’s 1.4-liter, by contrast, makes 147 hp. Volkswagen said the engine was re-engineered to produce “outstanding fuel economy” despite the slightly larger displacement, and underwent updates to its cooling and injection systems.

Front-wheel-drive versions of the Taos will use an eight-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel-drive models get a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

While there are still plenty of question marks about the Taos, we do know that it will fit into VW’s SUV lineup below the Tiguan and all-new electric ID.4. We’ll find out more when the Taos debuts Oct. 13. In the meantime, you can get a sneak peak by checking out Motor 1’s first drive of a prototype version.

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