Cardinale Volkswagen Salinas - Should You Choose 4MOTION® on the 2025 Volkswagen Taos for Watsonville, CA Driving?
Shoppers often ask whether they should opt for 4MOTION® on the 2025 Volkswagen Taos if most of their time is spent on city streets and coastal highways around Watsonville, CA. The short answer: it depends on where you drive, when you drive, and how you want your compact SUV to respond as surfaces and conditions change. The Taos is engineered to feel nimble and confident in front-wheel-drive form, and for many drivers, that balance of efficiency and easygoing performance is exactly right. But when the weather shifts, when you visit trailheads after a rainy night, or when you simply want extra composure on slick pavement, available 4MOTION® adds a layer of grip by distributing power to the wheels that can use it best.
The 2025 Taos also brings more horsepower than last year and up to 184 lb-ft of torque, so the chassis has the muscle to make all-wheel drive feel purposeful rather than purely precautionary. On uphill merges and mid-corner adjustments, the Taos is tuned to stay settled, giving you the kind of intuitive control that encourages relaxed driving. Pair that with IQ.DRIVE® safety-enhancing driver assistance, a new 8-inch infotainment display, and available wireless charging for compatible devices, and you have a compact SUV that handles the details without drama—whether you are commuting at dawn, heading to the beach, or navigating a busy Saturday around town.
- Your daily routes: If your driving includes damp roads, gravel turnouts, or occasional trailhead parking, 4MOTION® can be a smart add.
- Weekend plans: Coastal fog and wet mornings can make surfaces slick; all-wheel drive helps maintain confident traction.
- Driving feel: 4MOTION® enhances composure in quick transitions, complementing the Taos’s precise steering and balanced ride.
- Family cargo: When fully loaded with passengers and gear, the added traction can help the Taos feel especially surefooted.
- Peace of mind: Knowing power can route to the wheels with the best grip reduces stress when conditions are unpredictable.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is 4MOTION® necessary for everyday city driving?
Not strictly. If your routes are predictable and mostly dry, front-wheel drive will serve you well. Opting for 4MOTION® is about added control in varied conditions—helpful if you head out early, return late, or visit destinations with less-than-ideal surfaces.
Will 4MOTION® change how the Taos feels to drive?
Yes, in a positive way for many drivers. The system’s ability to direct power improves traction off the line and keeps the Taos composed when surfaces change mid-corner. The steering remains precise and the ride remains comfortable—hallmarks of Volkswagen tuning.
How does 4MOTION® work with IQ.DRIVE®?
They complement each other. 4MOTION® manages traction mechanically and electronically, while IQ.DRIVE® provides safety-enhancing assistance. Together, they help the Taos remain stable and supportive in daily scenarios, from traffic to highway cruising.
What if I value connectivity and comfort more than capability?
You still get an exceptional package. The new 8-inch infotainment display, App-Connect, available wireless charging for compatible devices, and VW Wi-Fi Hotspot focus on the daily conveniences that matter most to connected drivers and families.
If you are weighing the benefits of all-wheel drive, consider when and how you drive most. For some, the assurance of added traction is worth it every time the temperature drops or the fog lingers. For others, front-wheel drive provides just the right balance of simplicity and everyday ease. Whichever way you lean, the 2025 Taos’s updated power, refined manners, and smart technology make it a compelling companion. When you are ready to compare both on the same route, our team can set up back-to-back drives that highlight the differences quickly and clearly.
Have more questions or want to test specific features? Cardinale Volkswagen Salinas can tailor a demonstration to your routine—showing how the Taos’s connectivity, IQ.DRIVE®, and available 4MOTION® fit the way you drive. We are proudly serving Castroville, Watsonville, and Hollister with expertise and a friendly, no-pressure approach that keeps your priorities front and center.