Fix the Jarring Ride: How the VW Taos’ Faulty Dual-Clutch Transmission Can Ruin Your Commute
Volkswagen Dumps Dual-Clutch Transmission in Favor of Smooth-Shifted Automatic
It’s not uncommon for automotive manufacturers to make changes to their lineup based on customer feedback. One such change Volkswagen has made is the discontinuation of their dual-clutch transmission (DSG) in favor of a smoother-shifting automatic in non-performance trim levels.
Initially, Volkswagen offered the 2022 Taos compact crossover with two transmission options: an eight-speed automatic for front-wheel-drive models and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG) for 4Motion all-wheel-drive models. However, for 2025, the automaker is dropping the DSG option, giving all Taos models the same eight-speed automatic transmission.
According to Volkswagen representatives, the perceived lack of refinement in the DSG put customers off. "There is a bit of hesitation [in response to driver inputs] on a DSG, and American customers, unless they’re performance customers, don’t like that," a spokesperson explained. "They think their car is breaking, it’s not being responsive."
Dual-clutch transmissions, like the DSG, can sometimes feel jerkier than traditional torque-converter automatics, as they’re typically designed to be sharper and more punctuated in their shifts. While this type of transmission might be well-suited for performance-focused vehicles, most compact crossovers rely on more traditional automatic or continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). CVTs don’t have gears, which can make the transition from those types of transmissions to a DSG even more harsh.
As seen in this photo of the 2025 Volkswagen Taos, the changes to the transmission are a response to customer feedback. Volkswagen has seemingly listened to the concerns of their customers and opted to provide a smoother, more refined shifting experience.
Other manufacturers, like BMW, have faced similar issues with their own dual-clutch transmissions. In fact, a BMW X1 customer recently brought a class-action lawsuit against the automaker, alleging that the vehicle’s dual-clutch transmission is unresponsive and actually dangerous.
It’s possible that the complaints about Volkswagen’s DSG transmission share some of the same qualities that prompted the BMW lawsuit. As a result, the change to a smooth-shifting automatic transmission might be seen as a win for Taos customers seeking a more refined driving experience.
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