VW Taos 2020+ How to Remove Bumpers

Model Name and Code

The Volkswagen Taos is a compact crossover produced by the German automaker since 2021. The model code varies by market: in North and South America, it is designated as B2, while in some other regions, it is C2. The name "Taos" comes from the city of Taos in New Mexico (USA), emphasizing the model's focus on the American market.

Production Years and Facelift

The Volkswagen Taos was first unveiled in October 2020. As of 2025, the model has not yet undergone a full facelift, but an updated version is expected to arrive in 2025–2026 with changes to the exterior, interior, and technology.

Body Type and Modifications

The Taos is offered exclusively as a 5-door SUV (crossover). Key modifications include:

• FWD (front-wheel drive) – the base version.
• 4Motion (all-wheel drive) – available for top trim levels.

Depending on the market, the model may be equipped with different engines:

• 1.5 TSI (1498 cc, 158 hp) – a turbocharged gasoline engine with ACT (cylinder deactivation).
• 1.4 TSI (1395 cc, 150 hp) – available in some Latin American countries.
• 2.0 TSI (1984 cc, 187 hp) – for the Chinese market (Volkswagen Tharu, a Taos equivalent).

Transmissions:

• 6-speed automatic (AQ250) – for base versions.
• 7-speed DSG (DQ381) – for all-wheel-drive modifications.
• 8-speed automatic (AQ200) – in China.

Bumper Plastic Marking: >PP+E/P-TD10<

How to Remove the Front Bumper

1. Open the hood.
2. Under the hood, unscrew four Torx screws securing the radiator grille. If you need to remove the grille separately, release its clips. Grab the lower part under the headlight and pull sharply toward yourself parallel to the ground, releasing the clips as you move toward the other headlight.
3. Turn the wheels inward one at a time.
4. Unscrew three screws on each side securing the front part of the plastic wheel liners.
5. On each side, bend back the edge of the wheel liner and unscrew the screws (inserted from bottom to top) securing the corners to the fenders.
6. From underneath, unscrew eight Torx screws (inserted from bottom to top) securing the lower part.
7. Release the clips in the fenders (marked with blue arrows on the diagram; pull the corners toward yourself).
8. Now the most challenging part: release six clips behind the radiator grille (marked with blue arrows on the illustration) securing the upper part. If you removed the grille separately, release the clips with a flathead screwdriver. If the grille is still in place, sharply push the entire bumper forward (ensure you don’t tear any wires).
9. Disconnect electrical connectors.

How to Remove the Rear Bumper

1. Open the trunk lid.
2. Remove the trim near the taillights.
3. Under the trim, unscrew two screws on each side and remove the taillights (in the Volkswagen Tharu, the taillights are screwed in from inside the trunk).
4. In the wheel arches, unscrew four screws on each side securing the rear part of the wheel liners (Torx screws).
5. Behind the wheel liners, unscrew one screw on each side (inserted from bottom to up) securing the corners to the fenders.
6. At the bottom, unscrew six screws and remove two push pins (inserted from bottom to up).
7. Release the clips in the fenders (marked with blue arrows; pull the corners toward yourself).
8. Release the clips under the taillights (marked with blue arrows; lift the retainers with a flathead screwdriver and pull the sides toward yourself).
9. (A second person may be needed) Pull the bumper backward (watch out for wires).
10. Disconnect electrical connectors (if present).

Model Description

The Volkswagen Taos sits between the T-Cross and Tiguan in the brand's crossover lineup. Its dimensions are:

• Length: 4465 mm
• Width: 1841 mm
• Height: 1632 mm
• Wheelbase: 2690 mm

The exterior follows VW's signature style, featuring a narrow radiator grille, LED lighting, and clean lines. Top versions come with 19-inch wheels.

The interior seats five, with high-quality materials and technologies:

• 8-inch or 10.25-inch infotainment screen (MIB3).
• Digital instrument cluster (Digital Cockpit).
• Heated seats, climate control, wireless charging.
• Driving aids: adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring.
• The trunk holds 488 liters, expanding to 1540 liters with the rear seats folded.

Interesting Facts

• Different Names for Different Markets
  In China and Russia (until 2022), the Volkswagen Tharu was sold—nearly identical to the Taos but with a different front-end design.
• MQB Platform
  The Taos is built on the modular MQB A1 platform, also used in the Golf VIII, Audi A3, and Skoda Octavia.
• Fuel-Efficient Engine
  The 1.5 TSI with ACT (Active Cylinder Management) deactivates two cylinders during steady driving, reducing fuel consumption to 5.9 L/100 km (claimed for FWD versions).
• No Hybrid Versions
  Unlike competitors (Toyota Corolla Cross, Hyundai Tucson), the Taos has no hybrid or electric powertrain.
• Assembly in Different Countries
  • For the USA and Canada: Mexico (Puebla plant).
  • For Latin America: Argentina (Pacheco plant).
  • For China: FAW-Volkswagen (Chengdu).
• Competes with Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-30
  Positioned as a more affordable alternative to the Tiguan, yet more efficient than the Mazda CX-5.
• Not Sold in Europe
  In Europe, the Taos is not offered, as its niche is filled by the T-Roc and Tiguan.
• Safety
  NHTSA (2022) awarded the Taos 5 stars in crash tests, while IIHS named it a "Top Safety Pick."

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Taos is a practical crossover with a successful blend of efficiency, technology, and build quality. Though smaller than the Tiguan, its price and features make it an attractive choice for urban use. After the facelift, the Taos is expected to gain more electrified options and advanced driver-assistance systems.