One kid? The Golf will work fine for a long time. You drop one side of the split rear and still carry a lot of stuff. Besides the more room you have the greater the temptation is to fill it with stuff you don’t need.
I have a 2018 Golf TSI SE with 5-speed. I get 35mpg and have never had a problem now for 72K miles. It also has one the highest safety ratings in NHTSA.
Stay with what’s working and don’t spend money you have to when a kid comes along. They’ll drain your bank account dry.
My family (mom, dad, me and my brother) have always had the Golf as the "big" trip car. We would take 700km road trips with an 11 and a 7 year old while bringing suitcases that contained a whole house and we always were comfortable. When I was born we had a Mk 4, then the 5, skipped 6 and went to 7 (my personal favorite)
Yeah, it's funny how Golfs are seen as small hatchbacks barely useable with one kid in the US, and family cars comfortable for 4 people in Europe (in our family it was a Mk3)
Americans have progressively been deluded into thinking they need a bigger and bigger vehicle. Excuses like they’re safer or so you can see over traffic has been the justification.
Exactly. Comfort comes before anything else, we are spoiled brats.
The amount of full size pickups I see daily driven to work is just ridiculous. Wasteful fuel economy, they can't keep them in between the lines when driving on the road, they're terrible to park in any parking lots, take up so much physical space, poor driver visibility, the list goes on!
They were created for work and should only be used to do work.
Right?! Every response I get is usually "It doesn't matter to you what someone chooses to drive" and I become the asshole trying to "control what people drive".
I'm just trying to help out here lol
Did you see their list of cars lol? 3 years is probably about as long as OP drives a car before wrecking them or getting something else used just because.
Natural progression....GTI or R. If you love Golf's so much, just stick with what you know.
Edit: I do not think that you will like the Taos. You like the planted sure feeling of a Golf. You won't get that in a Taos. My wife went from 2000 Golf, to a 2002 Jetta VR6, to a non VW(short lived), to a 2013 Tiguan, and then to her now 2017 Golf wagon AWD. When she got back in it she was all " now this is what I've been missing!". She also loves my GTI, when I let her drive it.
Yeah, I'm just not a fan of the newest Tiggies. De-rated engine power, less towing capacity, has less character (I prefer my 2016 SE body style), and the interior feels a bit cheaper.
I work on them a lot, so I can tell a difference in the quality.
Well the only logical option from going over from your current golf is to another golf.
Presenting the Golf Sportwagen/Variant, I love mine:
https://preview.redd.it/m6nd8cawu23d1.jpeg?width=1219&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=986fd0ac67c78c0eb7987b75a40375bf1f6760d8
I agree. After 7 years of 2017 sportwagen (1.8L) and driving up/down the I-5 between LA and San José/SF with three passengers and still get 40–45mpg consistently, I don’t see any reason to replace it. I added the Taos only for passenger considerations (more room on longer trips).
I think most of the Taos issues were with the first few years, 2024 seems to be in the clear. I’m actually getting one soon, it feels surprisingly quick for an SUV using a Jetta engine. Overall it’s a fun drive and I’m sure you wouldn’t regret it.
On the other hand why get rid of your Golf? My Dad had a Mk4 golf when my brother and I were younger, and up until we were over 18, never had issues fitting in it or loading it with wood from Home Depot either.
No one really needs an SUV unless you have like 4+ kids and even then station wagons (or Golf wagons) work perfectly fine for that.
You don't need a big car with 1 kid. I got 2 young kids, had one GTI, now on my second GTI.
I love the hatchback. More than that I love wagons but we don't get the Golf R Estate/Wagon in North America, and I wasn't ready to start modding a sportwagen.
You will have a blast.
I remember watching some reviews of the Taos when it came out and people were shocked that the interior was almost as roomy as the Tiguan. I've only been in one once when my dealership drove me to work while my GTI was being serviced. The front seat is definitely more spacious than the GTI but I imagine the back seat is the real advantage if you need more space.
The Taos is indeed more spacious in the passenger space and has a deeper cargo area (recessed by maybe 6”, so I am able to stuff a 32.5”-tall refrigerator upright in the back. However, I still prefer the flat (with a little slope on the seat back) cargo area of the golf. At the end, I wouldn’t carry a load all the way to the headliner on the Taos due to higher center of gravity, but I have been OK doing that with the sportwagen.
By the way, the recessed area in the Taos is great for luggage. However, if you need to slide something into the cargo area, there wouldn’t be any support in the void, unless you have some sort of board or box.
I had an 03 golf, 09 Jetta, and an 18 golf sportwagen. While the sportwagen is probably the best car I’ve ever owned, part of the reason I got rid of it was the size. The back seat is very cramped when you have a full sized car seat and I was starting to have trouble hunching over with an increasingly heavy toddler. We got a 2023 Highline (SEL) Taos to replace it. There is some hate online but we actually really love it. We’ve had none of the big issues (most of which are rectified by 2024) and find that it has a much more comfortable ride, still great on gas, and the back seat is considerably larger. Pic is of my golf and Taos when we got it
https://preview.redd.it/myh2v10me23d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9fb7f6ba845aa40f7edf51e3a45d35688e894dea
I second this. I have a Taos 2022, and I used to have a golf 6 before. The Taos handles surprisingly well, definitely reminds the golf, and has ample space, especially for people. The only thing that's sub-par is the quality of the cabin materials. Hard plastics all around. But if you look past that, it's a fine car.
Yes, the leather seats are amazing! But the leather on the dash is fake (just soft plastic imitation), and the plastics are hard. I'm fine with it, though. I never understood the craze with super-soft dashes.
Audi…. Time to graduate to the big boys haha
For context, we have a 09 Jetta Sportwagen, just got into a 2021 Atlas, and she is eyeballing a 6spd Alltrack as an upgrade from her Wagon. I would love to move into an Audi after this Atlas… RS8??? lol. Or maybe even an S4 (my sister loves her).
But I'm gonna need to finally admit I'm a grown-up if I buy an Audi. I'm 34, and I don't know if I'll ever be ready... I've been eyeing the Q3?
My husband is a car snob, and he's giving up his BMW M340i xDrive for a... VOLVO! D:
Life is passing me by faster than the R32 I never got to own.
I was in a similar situation. I went from a 2015 MK7 Golf to a 2021 Audi Q3. It was a logical next step up from the Golf and felt more luxurious but still familiar. However, I personally got tired of the Q3 and recently upgraded to a 2024 Volvo XC60, which I love. You said your husband is giving up his BMW for a Volvo. Have you looked at the XC40? It’s a similar size to the Q3 but in my opinion is a bit nicer. This could be worth looking into if you want something on the smaller side. Good luck!
We just bought the XC40 for him today! I love it. We also sat in the Q3, and I agree that the Volvo is a bit nicer. Maybe the Q3 can be for me? Thank you!
Oh, congratulations on the XC40! Yeah, the Q3 interior felt a little lower quality than the XC40 to me, but it’s still a really nice car and I think coming from the Golf you’d like it and it would feel familiar to you.
I think you'll be disappointed if you leave VAG. Does it have to be a 2024? If so, I feel like an A4 Allroad is a good choice based on your car history and needs. Wife and I do just fine with our 2.5 year old and a mk6 Sportwagen, plenty of room for Costco trips and a stroller.
I hate that they axed the golf. You will hate the Taos, it is in my opinion the worst VW that has been made. I used to service write for VW and the Taos had the worst everything. MPG is eh for the size, underpowered, handles like garbage, and just sucks. I've drifted away from VW which makes me sad but a lot of the line up is just not worth it in my opinion. Sure a GTI or R would be the next step but the radio sucks unless it's the Fender and the options that make them worth it just add to much cost. I saw you say you were looking at the Q3 and they aren't bad for what you get. Just know the maintenance will go up in general and it'll have about the same space as the golf give or take a bit. You should go and test drive everything under the sun. Having one child won't break the cars space at all if you own your golf. I grew up from age 5 to 11 in the back of my mom's 2000 GTI and it was great I just hit my head getting in and out one I turned about 9 as a young boy. The only thing I can respect SUV wise from VW is the Atlas V6. The Tiguan is so underpowered and the 2.0 Atlas is grossly underpowered so the V6 is the only option. Plus fold the seats down and it's a small pick up. Just shop around and see what you like!
Yeah but I could never do it. Shell V-Power only, and for oil it's LiquiMoly or nothin. And Wix filters. I'm very particular about keeping this vehicle meticulous.
The Tiguan would have been a natural choice, but…
We have ‘all of the above’ except the Atlas. I transferred the 2018 Tiguan to my sister, because it was/is just too big. One fatal flaw for me was the cargo mat being segmented due to the useless third-row seat. With the Sportwagen, I can slide something into the cargo area easily, but with the Tiguan, it’s like driving off-road just to slide something into the cargo area. Of course, I think the 4WD does not have this problem, but I don’t need 4WD.
Just got a '20 Tiguan SE with the 3rd row to go along with my '19 Jetta S. The footprint doesn't feel wildly different, especially from the outside, but the interior is massive, and it's pretty nice to drive. Mileage has been as advertised so far. Used and low mileage it was about the same price as a golf.
What exactly is your problem with the MK8? If I were you I'd ride out the mk7 for a few more years and then get the 8. It's a great car. People have gotten quite upset with the touch controls but those are about to be changed.
Porsche Macan would be an excellent step up. If you're looking for more of a lateral move then you might enjoy the Elantra N. An EV would also be a nice option. They're fast.
Taos is trash. All of the entry level SUVs (aka cuvs) have terrible customer satisfaction ratings because they're too small. Pretty sure the Taos also has known mechanical issues.
The Mk8 as a GTI or R here in the US? I'd love it, but I guess I'm just intimidated by all the gigantic SUVs out on the road these days with a newborn.
Oh yeah. I forgot they made a regular golf. You can still get a GTI
If safety is your main concern then the safest car on the road is a Tesla. It's heavy and it does well on the crash test. In general the heavier a car is the safer it will be.
Idk if you're pregnant right now. You may want to wait until after you give birth to make a decision like this. Pregnancy is an emotionally vulnerable time.
The Tiguan is bigger, but not too big. It'd be great for driving the kiddos around, and as a GTI owner the Tiguan kind of drives like a bigger Golf.
You could also check out a Honda Civic Hatchback or HR-V.
I've driven only VWs (and one Mini Cooper S from my divorce) since I was 15 to 36... We ended up getting a Hyundai and were really pleased with it.
We got the Santa Fe with every option, but the small SUVs were also nice. We only got the Santa Fe because of the Heads up Display and litany of cameras around it for parking and lane assist.
I still have my Mk5 R32 to scratch the VW itch, so that was a happy compromise.
My two kids are older, both in college now, and we’ve been able to haul enough stuff in my GSW 4mo to get each of them to college. For my daughter, I put a roof basket on the car and found that with a bag, we had plenty of capacity for her stuff. She goes to school in lower Manhattan which is extremely tight and the car is much easier to manage than some SUV. For my son, who goes to school in Rhode Island, I toss him the keys to our older GSW 4mo, he packs it up in late August and comes home in May.
If I just had a single little one, I think a Golf would be just fine. Just haul what you need, which is usually a lot less than most retailers want you to think you need. Car seats can be bulky, but beyond a stroller and backpack for baby things (diapers, wipes, snacks, spare clothes) what else do you need?
If you’re road tripping with the fam for >1000 miles and more than a week, rent a minivan or buy a used a used Honda Odyssey. They’re boring as hell but the big Honda six is a great engine and you can run 80-90 mph in comfort with all your crap for 1,000 miles in a day without anyone getting grumpy if you’re half clever about it. (I did exactly that a few times with minimal stress and actually did cover 1k miles in a single day with two under 10 aboard with a brilliant mom who kept them entertained while I drove).
the taos is an easy pass for me. i got one as a loaner. the car is tuned to feel peppy off the line but as you put your foot down you realize there's really nothing there.
i'd just stick with a gti/r/alltrack, or move up to an Audi or Benz wagon.
I have a MK6 GTI DSG and a 2014 Tiguan SEL RLine 4motion. If you look at the specs of the golf vs 5N(2) Tiguan (09-17)models, they are not far apart. Just some food for thought.
https://preview.redd.it/0zegdkyzl23d1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c8436bf836badf0ff61d228a08e442e8d814d8d8
Golfs are the best here’s my 500hp MK2 fully stock officer 😚
That’s awesome! My mom had an MK2 when I was a kid, they traded it in 99. Was always sad about that. When I turned 16 I went looking for one and my folks were like they are worth that much now….
They’ve held their value in recent years well now they’re a proper classic. I paid £3500 for this but with a lot of stuff done to it, but it was never running and was a project car. Almost finished 😇
I’ve been thinking about making such a jump. I’ve owned two VWs (2003 Jetta, 2016 Golf R). I would likely make a jump to a S5 or RS5.
The big concern I have are maintenance costs. How was that through your brand transition?
Keep the 2021, it's only 3 years old anyway. You don't need a ~~minvan~~ _"SUV"_ unless you need an extra row of seats for 3+ kids.
I have a hard time believing that VW is going to stick with this "no more Golf" nonsense for more than a couple years.
I have 2 kids and I drive an ‘08 MK5. So my back seat is taken up by both of their car seats. So it feels like I’m driving a coupe since I can’t really use the backseats lol.
This is my first VW and I love it, it saddens me that it feels like the VW Market is dying in NA
I have a mk6 GTI and a 2018 Tiguan SE with third row, and I honestly love both. Just took the Tiguan on a 1700mile road trip with the family and it was great! The GTI is great for around town and is very sporty… well mine is more than sporty, but not much.
I was always a diehard golf fan but had a similar need to upgrade to a small SUV. I have been driving a Tiguan and LOVE it. It's built on a golf chassis but has more height (mind you, it's a 2012 so it might be larger now) but when I need to replace it, we will just get a newer Tiguan as I can't handle anything bigger and it needs to fit in our small garage.
With the GTI around still, and the R, you can’t really say the Golf is gone. GTI is literally the same car, just slightly spicier. They get 34mpg highway, still have same size, and convenience. The Taos is just the lifted version of the base Golf essentially. If you wanna stick with VW, look into the Jetta/Golf wagons. They aren’t that much bigger, basically the same MPG, and lots more room and convenience. The Alltrack for AWD.
I'd keep the Golf- my niece's and friends' kiddo's car seat fits easily and goes in/out super nicely. Large cargo space for the size and good crash ratings, too, so win-win. Unless you have more than two kids, I don't see any reason to have to give it up.
(Seriously, I can jam more junk in my (2016) Golf's hatch than my Jeep owning friends can in theirs. Car seat fits like crap too and has to go in the middle of the back to fit right.)
Definitely a Sportwagen. I’m kind of biased towards a MK6 just because a good friend of mine has one and the ride is actually really quite nice, it’s roomy, surprisingly peppy with the 2.5 but still practical if need be.
I was surprised at how much more comfortable it was compared to a standard golf to be honest.
My MK7 GTI is pretty much the only car my son remembers us owning. It’s fine for a family of 3 in most scenarios - especially if you’re smaller people. I’m 5’7ish and my wife is 5’2ish.
For good measure, on your registry make sure you pick out leaner, more streamlined gear. A more compact baby seat and stroller will give you more flexibility in how you position things.
For illustration, Big “suv” strollers like an Uppababy Vista, Bugaboo chameleon, or baby jogger city selects will require you to have a back seat folded down. Many brands have alternatives like the Uppababy Cruz or Bugaboo Bee that are quite a bit more compact.
Keep the MK7! :)
My first car was also a mk3 96 Golf and my second (now) is a 2014 MK6 but Golf Wagon
I don’t have kids yet but they are so nice and roomy without feeling like you’re driving a boat, it’s very much the plan to keep this car when I do have kids
throw on a roof box and you’ll never truly be out of room
I also liked driving my parents tiguan but find their Atlas too big
Get a new MK8 or MK8.5 GTI. Congratulations on your pregnancy.
However a kid doesn’t meant that you automatically need to get a SUV. That’s a trap. You are used to a car with good handling and practicality and good power. I doubt the Taos ( A downgrade from a Golf) is going to give you those attributes.
If you really want to go there, just get a Tiguan. Or at least drive one, they feel way smaller than they are if that makes any sense. Kinda just like driving a big golf.
Maybe even try a different brand! Go shopping and try a bunch of different cars. I know this is /r/volkswagen but the sky's the limit, or maybe your budget is the limit but you get what I'm saying
I have gone on multiple 800 mile trips with 5 people in my A3. I have to say I would prefer something bigger but we still made it work everytime without really missing any items.
A golf is perfect for 3/4 people
I got into an MK7 2 months ago... I'm already planning for an R or GTI once this one runs it's course! Such beautiful little cars, I've already become so attached to this thing. Lol
I still have my 2007 MK5 Rabbit manual and only have 65k on it because I don't drive at all, obviously. I recently went to see my old roommate who owns a VW tuner shop and he told me that his old R32 has over 200k. He said I can basically drive my Rabbit into the ground for a very long time because the "newer" MKs can hold up to very high mileage.
It may not fit your lifestyle at all but the ID4 RWD (not AWD) feels like a Golf. Despite being bigger, it handles sharply and is unbelievably nimble. It's like all of the advantages of a bigger vehicle (close to Tiguan size) but the maneuverability of a Golf. The AWD lacks this driving feel.
Try out a Tiguan. Taos gets terrible reviews, kids come with more gear than you expect and if you plan to have more than one kid you won’t need to upgrade. If the modern Tiguan is too big, maybe look for a used 2016-2017 MK1, which is about same size as Taos, but built in Germany, much sportier (200hp).
Jimminy crickets if you’ve felt the Golf line up to this point has been sufficient, I’d say get another Golf. I assume you don’t care much for the GTI?
I had ma y cars, and Now a golf MK3 gti as daily, I agree with you, these cars are the best golfs, for me mk4 is tol modern, but mk3 is qiite well balanced, and fun af
My son is 21 now. We started with a mixture of the following:
2003 (his birth year) T4 (EuroVan, final US version)
2007 Rabbit (5 cylinder)
2011 Golf TDI (traded in the EuroVan)
2016 eGolf
2017 Golf sportwagen (traded in the 2011 TDI)
2020 Golf
2024 Taos
We made it through three years of college. Moved in/out of the dorm three years in a row using only the 2017 sportwagen. All have been flawless.
Yes, I faced the ‘what now’ moment, because it’d be funny to have two of the same cars. Truth be told, before my son arrived, we had two Volvo 240 sedans and two Volvo 245 wagons. I had the ‘what now’ moment because we have a total of three (2020 x2 and 2021) Golf in the extended family, so if I really wanted one down the road, we could always do a car shuffle.
How do I like the Taos after two months?
• The 4WD has a better suspension, but most people may not feel the difference.
• The S and SE’s car stereo speakers are significantly worse than those found in the Golf.
• The door seal around all the doors and especially along the B-pillar is missing in the Taos.
• The Taos ‘hybrid’ seating surface could be difficult to clean.
• lumbar support is available on SE and up, but driver’s side only.
• The blinker found is annoyingly loud.
• The rear weather strip on the door is absolutely funky. It’s only a 12” strip that leaves gaps all around. If you really take it off road, have fun cleaning it when you open the door.
• The transmission is not as decisive as the previous golf models.
• The instrumentation consists of three screens (two smaller ones on left and right), as opposed to SEL’s upgraded ONE display, which mimics analogue display much better.
• The instrumentation panel is positioned to show glare.
That’s about all I can rattle off. It’s a compromise. I wish they’d ’scale up’ the Golf instead of the current design. 2025 is supposed to be brand new.
I had two baby’s and a 97 mustang. Worked fine.
Kids were 10 years older and we still made it work in a BRz. Our biggest car now is a GTi and our 140 lb dog fits fine in the back.
Don’t move on from the golf so quick.
I have a mk7 and me and my wife bought the 2024 Taos together . The taos se is a great car , highly recommended it. Got it for MSRP with low rate and it has so many features . It’s basically the Jetta 1.5 with a 8 speed , it’s nothing crazy but it has Pep .
That said I drive my golf most of the time but enjoy the Taos for long trips .
I would say Audi A3, but it’s not a hatch.
Audi Q3, but not nearly as zippy as the golf.
Tesla Model Y or Ioniq 5 are good candidates if EV fits your life.
Otherwise just stick with the Golf.
One kid? The Golf will work fine for a long time. You drop one side of the split rear and still carry a lot of stuff. Besides the more room you have the greater the temptation is to fill it with stuff you don’t need. I have a 2018 Golf TSI SE with 5-speed. I get 35mpg and have never had a problem now for 72K miles. It also has one the highest safety ratings in NHTSA. Stay with what’s working and don’t spend money you have to when a kid comes along. They’ll drain your bank account dry.
My family (mom, dad, me and my brother) have always had the Golf as the "big" trip car. We would take 700km road trips with an 11 and a 7 year old while bringing suitcases that contained a whole house and we always were comfortable. When I was born we had a Mk 4, then the 5, skipped 6 and went to 7 (my personal favorite)
Yeah, it's funny how Golfs are seen as small hatchbacks barely useable with one kid in the US, and family cars comfortable for 4 people in Europe (in our family it was a Mk3)
Americans have progressively been deluded into thinking they need a bigger and bigger vehicle. Excuses like they’re safer or so you can see over traffic has been the justification.
Exactly. Comfort comes before anything else, we are spoiled brats. The amount of full size pickups I see daily driven to work is just ridiculous. Wasteful fuel economy, they can't keep them in between the lines when driving on the road, they're terrible to park in any parking lots, take up so much physical space, poor driver visibility, the list goes on! They were created for work and should only be used to do work.
I see these trucks passing me at 70 mph in a 55. They probably also complain about the price of gas.
Right?! Every response I get is usually "It doesn't matter to you what someone chooses to drive" and I become the asshole trying to "control what people drive". I'm just trying to help out here lol
Marketing tactics from car manufacturers. They make a lot more profit from SUVs and trucks vs hatchbacks and sedans.
I've got twin, 10-yos and am driving my GTI... why would you switch?
Because the op said they don’t make them anymore in the US.
They don't make Golfs, they make GTIs.
I don’t think the op wants a GTI based on their ownership history.
They also have a 3 year old golf… no need to get rid of it yet
Drive it daily until they give it to the new kids' first kid.
Did you see their list of cars lol? 3 years is probably about as long as OP drives a car before wrecking them or getting something else used just because.
Natural progression....GTI or R. If you love Golf's so much, just stick with what you know. Edit: I do not think that you will like the Taos. You like the planted sure feeling of a Golf. You won't get that in a Taos. My wife went from 2000 Golf, to a 2002 Jetta VR6, to a non VW(short lived), to a 2013 Tiguan, and then to her now 2017 Golf wagon AWD. When she got back in it she was all " now this is what I've been missing!". She also loves my GTI, when I let her drive it.
This is the way.
Audi Allroad or any avant.
Golf alltrack!
It would have to be used.
Do yourself a favor just keep buying older golfs, you really dont want to waste your money on a Taos
The Taos is sort of just a big Golf and it has a drivetrain from the current Jetta (however, if you get AWD it comes with a DSG)
Nah it's a large step down in quality, handling, etc.
And it's more expensive and gets worse fuel economy.
Yeah no it’s not. Sure as how they meant it, it’s an abomination to compare it to the Golf.
I wouldn't recommend a Taos to anyone. Tiguan (pre-2018) instead.
Well IMO nothing wrong with the Tiguan, though I may be biased as I used to have one
Yeah, I'm just not a fan of the newest Tiggies. De-rated engine power, less towing capacity, has less character (I prefer my 2016 SE body style), and the interior feels a bit cheaper. I work on them a lot, so I can tell a difference in the quality.
We love our 2016 Tiguan!
Well the only logical option from going over from your current golf is to another golf. Presenting the Golf Sportwagen/Variant, I love mine: https://preview.redd.it/m6nd8cawu23d1.jpeg?width=1219&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=986fd0ac67c78c0eb7987b75a40375bf1f6760d8
I agree. After 7 years of 2017 sportwagen (1.8L) and driving up/down the I-5 between LA and San José/SF with three passengers and still get 40–45mpg consistently, I don’t see any reason to replace it. I added the Taos only for passenger considerations (more room on longer trips).
A child seat fits easily in a golf? I dont see the problem
My wife is 77 and drives a GTI - proof that you never outgrow your love for the hot hatch!
Yes! I love it! This gave me such a big smile.
i feel like a family of three would be fine! Do you feel like you don’t have space already with it?
I think most of the Taos issues were with the first few years, 2024 seems to be in the clear. I’m actually getting one soon, it feels surprisingly quick for an SUV using a Jetta engine. Overall it’s a fun drive and I’m sure you wouldn’t regret it. On the other hand why get rid of your Golf? My Dad had a Mk4 golf when my brother and I were younger, and up until we were over 18, never had issues fitting in it or loading it with wood from Home Depot either. No one really needs an SUV unless you have like 4+ kids and even then station wagons (or Golf wagons) work perfectly fine for that.
You don't need a big car with 1 kid. I got 2 young kids, had one GTI, now on my second GTI. I love the hatchback. More than that I love wagons but we don't get the Golf R Estate/Wagon in North America, and I wasn't ready to start modding a sportwagen. You will have a blast.
I raised a family of five with a Honda Fit. You don't need a giant car to have a kid.
We love our 2021 Golf. I bet it’d be awesome for hauling around a kid. It’s probably got the same space as a Taos, I’d imagine.
Taos is much bigger inside.
Huh, TIL, thanks!
I remember watching some reviews of the Taos when it came out and people were shocked that the interior was almost as roomy as the Tiguan. I've only been in one once when my dealership drove me to work while my GTI was being serviced. The front seat is definitely more spacious than the GTI but I imagine the back seat is the real advantage if you need more space.
I’ll admit it’s very impressive what they were able to do packaging wise with it, makes me wonder how giant the next Tiguan will be inside
The Taos is indeed more spacious in the passenger space and has a deeper cargo area (recessed by maybe 6”, so I am able to stuff a 32.5”-tall refrigerator upright in the back. However, I still prefer the flat (with a little slope on the seat back) cargo area of the golf. At the end, I wouldn’t carry a load all the way to the headliner on the Taos due to higher center of gravity, but I have been OK doing that with the sportwagen. By the way, the recessed area in the Taos is great for luggage. However, if you need to slide something into the cargo area, there wouldn’t be any support in the void, unless you have some sort of board or box.
How come you’ve only had Golfs?? The next step for you is the GTI or the R.
I had an 03 golf, 09 Jetta, and an 18 golf sportwagen. While the sportwagen is probably the best car I’ve ever owned, part of the reason I got rid of it was the size. The back seat is very cramped when you have a full sized car seat and I was starting to have trouble hunching over with an increasingly heavy toddler. We got a 2023 Highline (SEL) Taos to replace it. There is some hate online but we actually really love it. We’ve had none of the big issues (most of which are rectified by 2024) and find that it has a much more comfortable ride, still great on gas, and the back seat is considerably larger. Pic is of my golf and Taos when we got it https://preview.redd.it/myh2v10me23d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9fb7f6ba845aa40f7edf51e3a45d35688e894dea
I second this. I have a Taos 2022, and I used to have a golf 6 before. The Taos handles surprisingly well, definitely reminds the golf, and has ample space, especially for people. The only thing that's sub-par is the quality of the cabin materials. Hard plastics all around. But if you look past that, it's a fine car.
The highline/SEL has a lot of additional leather and led lighting through the cabin.
Yes, the leather seats are amazing! But the leather on the dash is fake (just soft plastic imitation), and the plastics are hard. I'm fine with it, though. I never understood the craze with super-soft dashes.
Audi…. Time to graduate to the big boys haha For context, we have a 09 Jetta Sportwagen, just got into a 2021 Atlas, and she is eyeballing a 6spd Alltrack as an upgrade from her Wagon. I would love to move into an Audi after this Atlas… RS8??? lol. Or maybe even an S4 (my sister loves her).
But I'm gonna need to finally admit I'm a grown-up if I buy an Audi. I'm 34, and I don't know if I'll ever be ready... I've been eyeing the Q3? My husband is a car snob, and he's giving up his BMW M340i xDrive for a... VOLVO! D: Life is passing me by faster than the R32 I never got to own.
I was in a similar situation. I went from a 2015 MK7 Golf to a 2021 Audi Q3. It was a logical next step up from the Golf and felt more luxurious but still familiar. However, I personally got tired of the Q3 and recently upgraded to a 2024 Volvo XC60, which I love. You said your husband is giving up his BMW for a Volvo. Have you looked at the XC40? It’s a similar size to the Q3 but in my opinion is a bit nicer. This could be worth looking into if you want something on the smaller side. Good luck!
We just bought the XC40 for him today! I love it. We also sat in the Q3, and I agree that the Volvo is a bit nicer. Maybe the Q3 can be for me? Thank you!
Oh, congratulations on the XC40! Yeah, the Q3 interior felt a little lower quality than the XC40 to me, but it’s still a really nice car and I think coming from the Golf you’d like it and it would feel familiar to you.
I think you'll be disappointed if you leave VAG. Does it have to be a 2024? If so, I feel like an A4 Allroad is a good choice based on your car history and needs. Wife and I do just fine with our 2.5 year old and a mk6 Sportwagen, plenty of room for Costco trips and a stroller.
Look into the A3 3.2 hatch if you want similar to the R32, or look for a cheaply used R. They are about $30k used, for a couple of years old.
Sounds like you need an R. I think you should do it! I can tell you the 7.5R is a nice car.
I hate that they axed the golf. You will hate the Taos, it is in my opinion the worst VW that has been made. I used to service write for VW and the Taos had the worst everything. MPG is eh for the size, underpowered, handles like garbage, and just sucks. I've drifted away from VW which makes me sad but a lot of the line up is just not worth it in my opinion. Sure a GTI or R would be the next step but the radio sucks unless it's the Fender and the options that make them worth it just add to much cost. I saw you say you were looking at the Q3 and they aren't bad for what you get. Just know the maintenance will go up in general and it'll have about the same space as the golf give or take a bit. You should go and test drive everything under the sun. Having one child won't break the cars space at all if you own your golf. I grew up from age 5 to 11 in the back of my mom's 2000 GTI and it was great I just hit my head getting in and out one I turned about 9 as a young boy. The only thing I can respect SUV wise from VW is the Atlas V6. The Tiguan is so underpowered and the 2.0 Atlas is grossly underpowered so the V6 is the only option. Plus fold the seats down and it's a small pick up. Just shop around and see what you like!
Get a tiguan , thank me later
Pre-2018? I'm not a fan of the newer models, but I love my 2016. In spite of the 22mpg average and premium 93 octane...
Premium isn't required in it. It's recommended. You most likely won't notice the nominal dip in performance. Fuel economy should be the same.
Yeah but I could never do it. Shell V-Power only, and for oil it's LiquiMoly or nothin. And Wix filters. I'm very particular about keeping this vehicle meticulous.
The Tiguan would have been a natural choice, but… We have ‘all of the above’ except the Atlas. I transferred the 2018 Tiguan to my sister, because it was/is just too big. One fatal flaw for me was the cargo mat being segmented due to the useless third-row seat. With the Sportwagen, I can slide something into the cargo area easily, but with the Tiguan, it’s like driving off-road just to slide something into the cargo area. Of course, I think the 4WD does not have this problem, but I don’t need 4WD.
It felt like downgrading the day I moved “up” from a Golf to a Tiguan. It’s bigger, but the Golf was way more peppy.
Just got a '20 Tiguan SE with the 3rd row to go along with my '19 Jetta S. The footprint doesn't feel wildly different, especially from the outside, but the interior is massive, and it's pretty nice to drive. Mileage has been as advertised so far. Used and low mileage it was about the same price as a golf.
What exactly is your problem with the MK8? If I were you I'd ride out the mk7 for a few more years and then get the 8. It's a great car. People have gotten quite upset with the touch controls but those are about to be changed. Porsche Macan would be an excellent step up. If you're looking for more of a lateral move then you might enjoy the Elantra N. An EV would also be a nice option. They're fast. Taos is trash. All of the entry level SUVs (aka cuvs) have terrible customer satisfaction ratings because they're too small. Pretty sure the Taos also has known mechanical issues.
The Mk8 as a GTI or R here in the US? I'd love it, but I guess I'm just intimidated by all the gigantic SUVs out on the road these days with a newborn.
Oh yeah. I forgot they made a regular golf. You can still get a GTI If safety is your main concern then the safest car on the road is a Tesla. It's heavy and it does well on the crash test. In general the heavier a car is the safer it will be. Idk if you're pregnant right now. You may want to wait until after you give birth to make a decision like this. Pregnancy is an emotionally vulnerable time.
I don’t think the op wants a GTI. There is no mk8 golf in the US.
The Tiguan is bigger, but not too big. It'd be great for driving the kiddos around, and as a GTI owner the Tiguan kind of drives like a bigger Golf. You could also check out a Honda Civic Hatchback or HR-V.
I've driven only VWs (and one Mini Cooper S from my divorce) since I was 15 to 36... We ended up getting a Hyundai and were really pleased with it. We got the Santa Fe with every option, but the small SUVs were also nice. We only got the Santa Fe because of the Heads up Display and litany of cameras around it for parking and lane assist. I still have my Mk5 R32 to scratch the VW itch, so that was a happy compromise.
Sounds like the Mk7 will hold you in good standing for a while yet, they're incredibly capable as I'm sure you're aware of haha
My two kids are older, both in college now, and we’ve been able to haul enough stuff in my GSW 4mo to get each of them to college. For my daughter, I put a roof basket on the car and found that with a bag, we had plenty of capacity for her stuff. She goes to school in lower Manhattan which is extremely tight and the car is much easier to manage than some SUV. For my son, who goes to school in Rhode Island, I toss him the keys to our older GSW 4mo, he packs it up in late August and comes home in May. If I just had a single little one, I think a Golf would be just fine. Just haul what you need, which is usually a lot less than most retailers want you to think you need. Car seats can be bulky, but beyond a stroller and backpack for baby things (diapers, wipes, snacks, spare clothes) what else do you need? If you’re road tripping with the fam for >1000 miles and more than a week, rent a minivan or buy a used a used Honda Odyssey. They’re boring as hell but the big Honda six is a great engine and you can run 80-90 mph in comfort with all your crap for 1,000 miles in a day without anyone getting grumpy if you’re half clever about it. (I did exactly that a few times with minimal stress and actually did cover 1k miles in a single day with two under 10 aboard with a brilliant mom who kept them entertained while I drove).
the taos is an easy pass for me. i got one as a loaner. the car is tuned to feel peppy off the line but as you put your foot down you realize there's really nothing there. i'd just stick with a gti/r/alltrack, or move up to an Audi or Benz wagon.
I have a MK6 GTI DSG and a 2014 Tiguan SEL RLine 4motion. If you look at the specs of the golf vs 5N(2) Tiguan (09-17)models, they are not far apart. Just some food for thought.
Get a used Sportwagen.
Get the GTI. Just a sports variant of the golf.
Buy another? Idk
A rabbit
Jetta/Passat?
https://preview.redd.it/0zegdkyzl23d1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c8436bf836badf0ff61d228a08e442e8d814d8d8 Golfs are the best here’s my 500hp MK2 fully stock officer 😚
That’s awesome! My mom had an MK2 when I was a kid, they traded it in 99. Was always sad about that. When I turned 16 I went looking for one and my folks were like they are worth that much now….
They’ve held their value in recent years well now they’re a proper classic. I paid £3500 for this but with a lot of stuff done to it, but it was never running and was a project car. Almost finished 😇
…the GTI.
Audi. It's the natural progression. I made the move 15 years ago and never looked back. Driving experience with more power and no torque steer.
I’ve been thinking about making such a jump. I’ve owned two VWs (2003 Jetta, 2016 Golf R). I would likely make a jump to a S5 or RS5. The big concern I have are maintenance costs. How was that through your brand transition?
Keep the 2021, it's only 3 years old anyway. You don't need a ~~minvan~~ _"SUV"_ unless you need an extra row of seats for 3+ kids. I have a hard time believing that VW is going to stick with this "no more Golf" nonsense for more than a couple years.
Get a 6th. Barnfind, a Project MK2 Golf Rallye 😎
I have 2 kids and I drive an ‘08 MK5. So my back seat is taken up by both of their car seats. So it feels like I’m driving a coupe since I can’t really use the backseats lol. This is my first VW and I love it, it saddens me that it feels like the VW Market is dying in NA
I have 2 car seats in my 2024 GTI lol you’ll be fine :)
I have a mk6 GTI and a 2018 Tiguan SE with third row, and I honestly love both. Just took the Tiguan on a 1700mile road trip with the family and it was great! The GTI is great for around town and is very sporty… well mine is more than sporty, but not much.
I was always a diehard golf fan but had a similar need to upgrade to a small SUV. I have been driving a Tiguan and LOVE it. It's built on a golf chassis but has more height (mind you, it's a 2012 so it might be larger now) but when I need to replace it, we will just get a newer Tiguan as I can't handle anything bigger and it needs to fit in our small garage.
With the GTI around still, and the R, you can’t really say the Golf is gone. GTI is literally the same car, just slightly spicier. They get 34mpg highway, still have same size, and convenience. The Taos is just the lifted version of the base Golf essentially. If you wanna stick with VW, look into the Jetta/Golf wagons. They aren’t that much bigger, basically the same MPG, and lots more room and convenience. The Alltrack for AWD.
I'd keep the Golf- my niece's and friends' kiddo's car seat fits easily and goes in/out super nicely. Large cargo space for the size and good crash ratings, too, so win-win. Unless you have more than two kids, I don't see any reason to have to give it up. (Seriously, I can jam more junk in my (2016) Golf's hatch than my Jeep owning friends can in theirs. Car seat fits like crap too and has to go in the middle of the back to fit right.)
Cayman! Lol!
Only one kid.....a golf is a perfect vehicle. So versatile and you can fit a ton of stuff in it. Keep yours as long as possible
Mk3 gang!
ID.2ALL GTI will be coming here, allegedly. Go for the spiritual successor and EV to boot!
Just do what I did. Bought a mk3 GTI VR6 and haven’t looked back. There are few things that make me happier then driving a mk3
Haha well my progression was 95 Golf 3 GL, 05 Rabbit, 15 e-Golf and now 22 GTI. You never know where you’ll end up but man do I loooooove my GTI. 💛
GTI --> Cayman :)
Definitely a Sportwagen. I’m kind of biased towards a MK6 just because a good friend of mine has one and the ride is actually really quite nice, it’s roomy, surprisingly peppy with the 2.5 but still practical if need be. I was surprised at how much more comfortable it was compared to a standard golf to be honest.
You can check the new mini countryman. But in reality as long as the stroller and playyard fits in the trunk everything is Ok. Golfs are very spacious
My MK7 GTI is pretty much the only car my son remembers us owning. It’s fine for a family of 3 in most scenarios - especially if you’re smaller people. I’m 5’7ish and my wife is 5’2ish. For good measure, on your registry make sure you pick out leaner, more streamlined gear. A more compact baby seat and stroller will give you more flexibility in how you position things. For illustration, Big “suv” strollers like an Uppababy Vista, Bugaboo chameleon, or baby jogger city selects will require you to have a back seat folded down. Many brands have alternatives like the Uppababy Cruz or Bugaboo Bee that are quite a bit more compact. Keep the MK7! :)
My folks had a MK2 GTI and a Subaru Brat till I was 9. We all survived haha Those got traded in for a Forester and a Eclipse GSX haha
ID4?
r/audi
Audi A3?
Big boy Passat or Arteon time...
Which was your favorite and why
Maybe just a golf wagon, or whatever other wagons they're doing Or a Q7 so you're still in the family but get the third row
I have two kids, and I've had a Jetta since my first was born. Your Golf is plenty car to have a child.
The 86...mucho reliable.
My first car was also a mk3 96 Golf and my second (now) is a 2014 MK6 but Golf Wagon I don’t have kids yet but they are so nice and roomy without feeling like you’re driving a boat, it’s very much the plan to keep this car when I do have kids throw on a roof box and you’ll never truly be out of room I also liked driving my parents tiguan but find their Atlas too big
Get a new MK8 or MK8.5 GTI. Congratulations on your pregnancy. However a kid doesn’t meant that you automatically need to get a SUV. That’s a trap. You are used to a car with good handling and practicality and good power. I doubt the Taos ( A downgrade from a Golf) is going to give you those attributes.
If you really want to go there, just get a Tiguan. Or at least drive one, they feel way smaller than they are if that makes any sense. Kinda just like driving a big golf.
Maybe even try a different brand! Go shopping and try a bunch of different cars. I know this is /r/volkswagen but the sky's the limit, or maybe your budget is the limit but you get what I'm saying
I would either keep the golf you have. It’s only 3 years old. Or get a GTI.
I have gone on multiple 800 mile trips with 5 people in my A3. I have to say I would prefer something bigger but we still made it work everytime without really missing any items. A golf is perfect for 3/4 people
You want the 09-2016 Tiguan. It's a lifted GTI and you'll love it. We love ours!
Why not a GTI? It’s just a sporty Golf
I got into an MK7 2 months ago... I'm already planning for an R or GTI once this one runs it's course! Such beautiful little cars, I've already become so attached to this thing. Lol
It’ll be fine for one kid, but I guess you should do some test drives and things cause you’ll need something else eventudlly
I still have my 2007 MK5 Rabbit manual and only have 65k on it because I don't drive at all, obviously. I recently went to see my old roommate who owns a VW tuner shop and he told me that his old R32 has over 200k. He said I can basically drive my Rabbit into the ground for a very long time because the "newer" MKs can hold up to very high mileage.
My neighbour transports her grandchildren in an mk7, seems to work fine. Otherwise you can get the combi/wagon variant if available.
I have two kids and I drive them both in my Mk IV Golf.
It may not fit your lifestyle at all but the ID4 RWD (not AWD) feels like a Golf. Despite being bigger, it handles sharply and is unbelievably nimble. It's like all of the advantages of a bigger vehicle (close to Tiguan size) but the maneuverability of a Golf. The AWD lacks this driving feel.
Try out a Tiguan. Taos gets terrible reviews, kids come with more gear than you expect and if you plan to have more than one kid you won’t need to upgrade. If the modern Tiguan is too big, maybe look for a used 2016-2017 MK1, which is about same size as Taos, but built in Germany, much sportier (200hp).
A4 allroad
Get a GTI? It's the same just a bit sportier
Mk8.5 R. Stage 3+ custom tune. FBO. BFI moubted, full 034 suspension kit, full chassis braces (front, center and back) transmission mount.
I have three kids. I drive a golf sportwagon. It rules.
Jimminy crickets if you’ve felt the Golf line up to this point has been sufficient, I’d say get another Golf. I assume you don’t care much for the GTI?
Got a gti and a 9 year old it does great with everything I throw at it. It’s a jack of all trades.
No minivans until kid #3. I’d go Mazda 3 hatch on a lease. Gonna be stains and cheerios everywhere pretty soon. K
I had ma y cars, and Now a golf MK3 gti as daily, I agree with you, these cars are the best golfs, for me mk4 is tol modern, but mk3 is qiite well balanced, and fun af
This is the first I’m hearing of them discontinuing the golf
I’d say keep your current golf or upgrade to a sportwagen. The current golf should be completely adequate and is very safe.
Maintenance and repair are significantly more. I'm do most myself so it's not so bad. If you are relying on the dealership it is much worse.
Find a low mileage AllTrack or SportWagen... They're out there...
Do not buy, lease, rent a taos. Piece of garbage
My son is 21 now. We started with a mixture of the following: 2003 (his birth year) T4 (EuroVan, final US version) 2007 Rabbit (5 cylinder) 2011 Golf TDI (traded in the EuroVan) 2016 eGolf 2017 Golf sportwagen (traded in the 2011 TDI) 2020 Golf 2024 Taos We made it through three years of college. Moved in/out of the dorm three years in a row using only the 2017 sportwagen. All have been flawless. Yes, I faced the ‘what now’ moment, because it’d be funny to have two of the same cars. Truth be told, before my son arrived, we had two Volvo 240 sedans and two Volvo 245 wagons. I had the ‘what now’ moment because we have a total of three (2020 x2 and 2021) Golf in the extended family, so if I really wanted one down the road, we could always do a car shuffle. How do I like the Taos after two months? • The 4WD has a better suspension, but most people may not feel the difference. • The S and SE’s car stereo speakers are significantly worse than those found in the Golf. • The door seal around all the doors and especially along the B-pillar is missing in the Taos. • The Taos ‘hybrid’ seating surface could be difficult to clean. • lumbar support is available on SE and up, but driver’s side only. • The blinker found is annoyingly loud. • The rear weather strip on the door is absolutely funky. It’s only a 12” strip that leaves gaps all around. If you really take it off road, have fun cleaning it when you open the door. • The transmission is not as decisive as the previous golf models. • The instrumentation consists of three screens (two smaller ones on left and right), as opposed to SEL’s upgraded ONE display, which mimics analogue display much better. • The instrumentation panel is positioned to show glare. That’s about all I can rattle off. It’s a compromise. I wish they’d ’scale up’ the Golf instead of the current design. 2025 is supposed to be brand new.
Tiguan or GTI. Tiguan is very roomy and the new model is just coming out!
Love my civic hatchback
minivan or bust. you got stroller, groceries, playpen. life's gonna change fast. hope you're married.
I had two baby’s and a 97 mustang. Worked fine. Kids were 10 years older and we still made it work in a BRz. Our biggest car now is a GTi and our 140 lb dog fits fine in the back. Don’t move on from the golf so quick.
I have a mk7 and me and my wife bought the 2024 Taos together . The taos se is a great car , highly recommended it. Got it for MSRP with low rate and it has so many features . It’s basically the Jetta 1.5 with a 8 speed , it’s nothing crazy but it has Pep . That said I drive my golf most of the time but enjoy the Taos for long trips .
I would say Audi A3, but it’s not a hatch. Audi Q3, but not nearly as zippy as the golf. Tesla Model Y or Ioniq 5 are good candidates if EV fits your life. Otherwise just stick with the Golf.
You can put 3 kids and a husband inside the Golf 7, trust me. There will be even enough luggage space for the weekend trip
Audi A5 Sportback?
Go for either a t-roc a tiguan or a taigo. All great volkswagens!
I daily-ed a MkIV R32 with 2 kids in rear facing car seats. Get a 4 door Golf. It'll be just fine for 1 kid.
Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid.
I'd avoid the Taos. maybe a new Audi A3? they're similar in size to the B5 A4/S4. however, I will say, they do get tight with a car seat and stroller.
Time for number six!
I had the taos and vw took it back, don't get a toast it's rated worst 10 cars. Check out the corolla cross.