Exploring the Benefits of 4MOTION® on the 2026 Volkswagen Taos near North Hollywood, CA

New Century Volkswagen – Exploring the Benefits of 4MOTION® on the 2026 Volkswagen Taos near North Hollywood, CA

Choosing all-wheel drive on a compact SUV can feel like a big decision, especially if your daily driving mixes city streets, freeway commutes, and the occasional canyon shortcut. The 2026 Taos offers available 4MOTION®, Volkswagen’s all-wheel-drive system designed to boost traction, stability, and confidence when road conditions change. If you live around North Hollywood, CA, and split time between surface streets, the 170, the 134, and hillside neighborhoods, it is reasonable to ask whether 4MOTION® is worth it.

Here is a deep dive into how 4MOTION® works on the Taos, when it adds the most value, and how it pairs with the SUV’s balanced chassis and intuitive technology suite. This way, you can align your choice with how and where you drive—no guesswork, just clarity.

What 4MOTION® does for the Taos

4MOTION® can actively distribute power between the front and rear wheels to help the Taos maintain traction when conditions change. Think wet paint stripes after a rinse, sandy shoulders near trailheads, or a steep garage ramp that’s a little slick after overnight mist. Power can be transferred rearward when needed, helping stabilize your launch and keep the SUV feeling surefooted as you ease on the throttle. The result is an extra layer of control without drama, and it shows up most clearly during those little surprise moments that catch drivers off guard.

It is also paired with selectable drive modes you can tailor to your route. Whether you prefer a comfort-leaning setup for daily errands or a more assertive feel when you head into the hills, the Taos lets you dial in responses that match your plan. All the while, the chassis keeps body motion in check and the steering remains light and accurate—two traits that reduce fatigue in stop-and-go and make tight streets feel friendlier.

When AWD makes the biggest difference

For North Hollywood, CA drivers, the case for 4MOTION® is strongest if your routine includes changes in elevation or varied road surfaces. A few scenarios where AWD shines:

• Steep or tight parking structures where traction and low-speed control are key
• Weekend drives on twisty connectors where surface grip can vary corner to corner
• Trailheads and park pullouts with loose gravel or sand near the shoulder
• Rain-slick intersections and painted crosswalks that cut grip when you least expect it

The Taos is compact and nimble by design, and 4MOTION® simply broadens the conditions where it feels planted and predictable. If your driving is purely flat, smooth, and urban, front-wheel drive already provides an easygoing experience. If your routes occasionally throw you a curve—literally and figuratively—AWD earns its keep.

How power and composure work together

The 2026 Taos brings 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged engine, tuned for smooth, real-world thrust. That generous torque curve helps the SUV ease away from stops with little fuss and pass calmly when you see your opening. Pair it with 4MOTION® and the power feels more consistent as the road changes beneath you, with fewer traction-limited hiccups when the surface is less than ideal. It is not about off-road heroics—it is about consistent, confident motion during the full spectrum of everyday moments.

Technology that complements 4MOTION®

Confidence is more than traction—it is also clarity. The standard Digital Cockpit keeps vital info cleanly presented, and the center display makes key settings just a tap away. With Wireless App-Connect for compatible devices, you can integrate your smartphone without cable clutter, while an available Wi-Fi Hotspot helps passengers stay connected as you move. IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance technology is available to assist with following distance, provide lane centering on clearly marked roads, and deliver alerts that help you react sooner. Together, these systems lower your mental overhead so you can focus on what the car is telling you through the wheel and seat—crucial when you are exploring a new route or navigating a high-traffic interchange.

Everyday usability still leads

The reason many shoppers choose the Taos is how easy it is to live with. It is simple to park, visibility is strong, and the controls make sense from day one. Cargo space is generous for the class, with up to 65.9 cu ft available when you fold the rear seats—useful for everything from a music gig loadout to a double grocery-and-pet run. That baked-in versatility means adding 4MOTION® is an enhancement, not a trade-off. You keep the right-size footprint and approachable character while gaining a little more peace of mind when the surface or slope changes.

How to decide if 4MOTION® fits your life

Match the system to your week, not just your wishlist. If your routine includes hillside neighborhoods, longer freeway legs followed by tight surface streets, or the occasional canyon link between the Valley and the city, 4MOTION® can feel like a just-right upgrade. If your driving is predominantly flat, short, and predictable, front-wheel drive already delivers the calm, refined experience the Taos is known for.

Whichever you choose, you still benefit from the Taos’ thoughtful tech integration. Activate the myVW app through myVW+ to enable connected services on properly equipped models—features like remote start, remote lock and unlock, and last parked location can streamline your day in subtle but meaningful ways.

Set up a smart test drive

A short, well-planned route tells you more than a long, aimless one. Ask to sample an on-ramp, a rougher surface block, and a parking structure. If available, test a 4MOTION® model back-to-back with a front-wheel-drive model so your impressions are fresh and fair. Pay attention to how the Taos tracks through a bumpy corner, how it steps off from a wet or dusty stop, and whether the steering and brake feel inspire confidence. You will quickly sense whether AWD is a want or a need for your routine.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is IQ.DRIVE® available with both front-wheel drive and 4MOTION®?

Yes. IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance is available across the lineup, designed to support attentive driving with features that help maintain following distance, assist with lane centering on clearly marked roads, and deliver helpful alerts.

Does 4MOTION® change how the Taos feels to park or maneuver?

The Taos remains easy to maneuver thanks to its compact footprint and precise steering. 4MOTION® primarily adds traction and composure as conditions change, while low-speed maneuverability stays friendly for tight lots and street parking.

What technology helps the Taos feel modern day to day?

Highlights include the standard Digital Cockpit, Wireless App-Connect for compatible devices, an available Wi-Fi Hotspot, and the myVW app with myVW+ activation for connected services on properly equipped models. Together, they reduce friction in daily tasks and keep essential functions within easy reach.

How does the Taos balance power and comfort?

Its turbocharged engine delivers 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque with a smooth, responsive character. The chassis tuning prioritizes a composed ride and controlled body motions, while steering remains light and accurate. The result is confident, calm progress that feels relaxing across a typical North Hollywood day.

If you are comparing trims or deciding on 4MOTION®, a tailored drive will answer what spec sheets cannot. Visit a team that knows the product and your local roads. New Century Volkswagen is serving Mid-Wilshire, Burbank, and North Hollywood with a friendly, consultative approach—so you can leave feeling informed and excited about your choice.

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