--- title: "The VW Taos’ Dual-Clutch Transmission Was So Jerky, Owners Thought It Was Broken" description: "The 2025 Taos ditches the DSG on all-wheel-drive models for an eight-speed auto across the range. Customer feedback may explain why." date: "2024-09-16" modified: "2024-09-16" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-vw-taos-dual-clutch-transmission-was-so-jerky-owners-thought-it-was-broken" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Volkswagen News" tags: - "suv/crossover" - "Taos" - "Volkswagen" --- # The VW Taos’ Dual-Clutch Transmission Was So Jerky, Owners Thought It Was Broken ![2025 VW Taos front three-quarter shot in green.]() *\Volkswagen\* When [Volkswagen]() first introduced the [Taos](), the company offered two transmission options: an eight-speed automatic on front-wheel-drive models and a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission (VW calls it DSG) for 4Motion all-wheel-drive models. Yet, for 2025 VW is dropping the DSG, giving all versions of the Taos the same eight-speed auto. The reason? Some owners of DSG-equipped vehicles apparently thought their cars were breaking while shifting. During a media event, according to [*Carscoops*](), VW representatives said that the DSG's perceived lack of refinement 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 VW spokesperson reportedly said. “They think their car is breaking, it’s not being responsive.” Dual-clutch transmissions can sometimes feel jerkier than traditional torque-converter autos, as they're typically designed to be sharper, with more punctuated shifts. However, typical SUV and crossover customers aren't interested in sharp and sporty; they want smooth and comfortable shifting. The less noticeable, the better. And that's what they're used to, as the vast majority of compact crossovers use either traditional automatics or continuously variable transmissions—[or sometimes both.]() CVTs don't even have gears, making the switch from one of those to a DSG even harsher. ![]() *2025 Volkswagen Taos. *Volkswagen** According to *[Motor Authority,]()* Volkswagen also said that the original idea behind using a DSG in the Taos was to offer customers who were used to smaller, sportier VWs, like the [GTI](), a similar experience. However, I doubt many GTI owners will find much appealing about the Taos, regardless of transmission. This news comes shortly after a [BMW X1]() customer [brought a class-action lawsuit]() against the automaker for the behavior of the small SUV's own dual-clutch transmission. The suit alleges that the X1's transmission is so unresponsive that it's actually dangerous. Having experienced the jerkiness of the X1's dual-clutch myself, I can see their point. It can hesitate to engage from a stop, making pulling out of an intersection uncertain, as you'll put your foot down and nothing will happen for a moment until the transmission suddenly engages in a jarring way. While I can't speak to what the Taos' DSG was like to drive, it seems Volkswagen has heard enough complaints to make a change. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()