Is Volkswagen 4Motion on the 2026 Volkswagen Taos the right choice for winter driving around Westfield, NJ?
*Not actual model
Tom's Volkswagen of Union - Is Volkswagen 4Motion on the 2026 Volkswagen Taos the right choice for winter driving around Westfield, NJ?
Shoppers evaluating compact SUVs often want real confidence when the weather turns. Volkswagen’s available 4Motion all-wheel drive for the 2026 Volkswagen Taos is engineered to do exactly that, blending quick-reacting torque distribution with intuitive drive modes that adjust to changing conditions. If you navigate mixed routes around Westfield, NJ—city streets, highways, and occasional unplowed side roads—understanding how 4Motion works will help you decide if it belongs on your list.
At its core, 4Motion can engage the rear axle in fractions of a second, sending up to half the engine’s torque rearward before noticeable slip occurs. When cruising under light loads, the system decouples the rear axle to help conserve fuel, then re-engages seamlessly the moment traction demands increase. Electronic differential locks, working with Electronic Stability Control, can brake a slipping wheel to move power laterally across the axle, helping you stay planted on slick patches.
Active Control adds a layer of customization that matters in the real world. With Snow, On-Road, Off-Road, and Off-Road Custom settings, you can fine-tune how the Taos responds. In Snow, throttle mapping softens, upshifts arrive earlier, and traction control grows more protective, all to help reduce unintentional wheelspin. On-Road serves as the default, with Normal, Sport, Comfort, and Individual profiles that tweak engine, transmission, steering, and Adaptive Cruise Control behaviors for day-to-day comfort or extra responsiveness. Off-Road prioritizes steady control and enables manual Tiptronic® shifting for more precise traction management on loose surfaces.
- Predictive engagement that anticipates slippage rather than reacting late
- Drive modes for snow, unpaved surfaces, and everyday commuting
- Seamless transitions between front-drive efficiency and AWD confidence
- Supportive stability systems that enhance composure on slick roads
When roads are dry, 4Motion fades into the background. You will appreciate the Taos steering precision and suspension poise—especially on AWD models that use an independent multilink rear setup for added refinement. When conditions deteriorate, 4Motion becomes the quiet assistant you want on your side, smoothing out starts on icy intersections and adding composure when moving onto plowed highways from slushy side streets. The system’s quick action is the difference between feeling a slide and simply noticing that you kept moving without drama.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does 4Motion change how the Taos drives in normal weather?
In typical dry conditions, the Taos behaves much like a front-drive SUV, with smooth acceleration and quiet refinement. Under light loads the rear axle remains decoupled to help with efficiency, then re-engages automatically when the system senses a traction need.
What do the Active Control modes actually do in snow?
Snow mode softens throttle response, prompts earlier upshifts, and refines traction control thresholds to reduce wheelspin. It is designed to help you pull away smoothly and maintain control on packed snow or ice without constant micro-corrections.
Is there a benefit to AWD if I mostly drive on plowed streets?
Yes. Intersections, driveways, bridges, and shaded areas often stay slick longer than main roads. 4Motion provides extra traction right when you need it most, and its quick-acting nature helps minimize wheelspin in those transitional zones.
Does AWD affect cargo or interior space?
AWD Taos models offer 24.9 cu ft of cargo room behind the second row and 60.2 cu ft with it folded. Front-wheel-drive models provide 27.9 and 65.9 cu ft respectively. Passenger room remains generous either way, with 99.5 cu ft of total passenger volume.
Considering an all-weather compact SUV with the right tech and space to match your routine? Tom's Volkswagen of Union can walk you through Taos trims, demonstrate Active Control, and plan a local test route that mirrors your daily drive. Our team is serving Springfield, Westfield, and Irvington with clear, helpful guidance so you can decide if 4Motion makes the most sense for your lifestyle.