SEL 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
S 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
S 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl 8A)
S 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl 8A)
S 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl 8A)
SE 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl 8A)
SE 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl 8A)
SE 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl 8A)
SE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
The Volkswagen Taos perfectly fits in between the bigger Atlas and the Tiguan. Volkswagen has adopted a compact design with the C-pillar almost vertical, embarking a boxy yet attractive exterior. The 2022 VW Toas is available in three trim levels- S, SE, and SEL. Taos offers a range of wheel sizes from 17-inch wheels to 19-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, you'll find a great placement of name with well-sculpted taillamps. We'll see the 2022 VW Taos competing against some prominent crossovers like Subaru Cros
The Volkswagen Taos is a brand new entrant into the compact SUV segment. It will be the smallest SUV in Volkswagen’s lineup after its launch later this year. The 2022 Volkswagen Taos slots below the Tiguan in the subcompact crossover segment. Only three trims will be available under the moniker S, SE, and SEL. The new 1.5L TSI engine is an upgraded version of the 1.4L unit found in the Jetta, but with slightly better performance.
All the trim levels of the 2022 Volkswagen Taos feature a 1.5-liter turbocharged direct-injected four-cylinder engine that makes 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Priced at an MSRP of $22,995, the base S model comes with 17-inch wheels, standard LED headlights and taillights, keyless entry, automatic headlights, and manual adjusting seats.
The S also offers an All-Weather Package that includes heated front seats, side mirrors, and washer nozzles. The S AWD variant costs $2,000 more than the FWD version.
Trims |
S |
SE |
SEL |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP (FWD) |
$22,995 |
$27,245 |
$31,490 |
MSRP (AWD) |
$24,995 |
$28,695 |
$33,045 |
Key Features |
LED headlights |
In addition to S |
In addition to SE |
LED tail lights |
Automatic headlamps |
Automatic headlights with smart Home feature |
|
Dual-zone climate control |
USB-C data ports |
Black roof rails |
|
Multi-functional steering wheel |
Ventilated front seats |
Front center armrest with storage compartment |
|
Manual air conditioning |
Leather upholstery |
Customizable ambient lighting |
|
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
Heated seats |
Dual-zone climate control |
|
Wireless charging |
WiFi Hotspot |
VW IQ Drive |
|
17-inch alloy wheels |
18-inch alloy wheels |
19-inch alloy wheels |
The SE trim with front-wheel drive costs $27,245 and adds features such as 18-inch wheels, a better infotainment system, wireless charging, a power front seat, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, and Front Assist. The range-topping SEL trim priced at $31,390 brings 19-inch wheels, a Beats audio system, ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and IQ Drive Assist.
We Recommend
We liked the SE trim as it is priced at a perfect slot putting an array of features that make the VW Taos a convenient car. The SE trim costs $27,245, which is just $3000 more than the S AWD model. The SE trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, wireless charging, a blind spot monitor, and better infotainment.
The Volkswagen Taos is surprisingly efficient with EPA ratings of 28 MPG and 36 MPG on the highway, which are higher than most of its rivals. The AWD models will cut the ratings down to 25 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. Even though there are no hybrid models in the lineup, the efficient 1.5L engine doesn’t warrant the need for one, at least in the coming years.
Model |
2022 Volkswagen Taos |
2021 Mazda CX-30 |
2021 Subaru Crosstrek |
2021 Hyundai Tucson |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (city) |
28 |
25 |
28 |
23 |
MPG (highway) |
36 |
33 |
33 |
28 |
MPG (combined) |
31 |
28 |
30 |
25 |
Fuel tank capacity (gallons) |
15 |
13.5 |
16.6 |
16.4 |
Range (city/highway) (miles) |
420/540 |
337/445 |
464/547 |
377/459 |
The Volkswagen Taos easily beats out all of its competitors in the FWD configuration, with a combined rating of 31 MPG. While the Subaru Crosstrek offers similar efficiency, both the Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Tucson guzzle a lot more fuel.
The interiors of the Volkswagen Taos look and feel eerily similar to the Volkswagen Jetta with a two-layer design. High-quality plastics cover most surfaces, along with glossy plastic trim to improve overall looks. The top portion houses the new MIB infotainment system and AC vents, while the climate controls are neatly tucked in the bottom portion with easy access.
All models of the Taos get Volkswagen's 10.25-inch digital cockpit as standard, which shows plenty of information. The interior packaging is well sorted with a surprising amount of space for the rear seat passengers. Leg space stands at 37.9 inches at the rear and 40.1 inches at the front, which are perfectly adequate even for bigger passengers.
The lower trims get comfortable cloth seats as standard, which are upgraded to leather in the top-end SEL trim. The Taos also gets a long feature list, with the higher trims getting ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats with 8-way power adjustability for the driver, a panoramic sunroof, and more.
Model |
2022 Volkswagen Taos |
2021 Mazda CX-30 |
2021 Subaru Crosstrek |
2021 Hyundai Tucson |
---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.) |
39.5/56.5/40.1 |
38.1/55.6/41.7 |
39.8/56.7/43.1 |
39.6/57.1/41.5 |
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.) |
38.8/55.2/37.9 |
38.3/53.6/36.3 |
38/55.6/36.5 |
39.2/55.5/38.2 |
Cargo Capacity (cubic feet) |
27.9 |
20.2 |
20.8 |
31 |
Although most of the specs are yet to be revealed, the Volkswagen Taos makes a solid case for itself with plenty of space on the inside and a long feature list, however, the Hyundai Tucson beats it with better space in both rows. The Subaru Crosstrek gets the most space at the front, while the Mazda CX-30 gets the least space overall.
The Volkswagen Taos offers an impressive 28.1 cubic feet of storage, which can be further expanded by folding the rear seats, The AWD models offer slightly less space at 24.9 cubic feet. Like the interior space, the Hyundai Tucson also gets the highest cargo capacity at 31 cubic feet. Both the Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek offer less than 21 cubic feet of storage.
Some notable interior features include:
The 2022 Taos gets Volkswagen's new MIB 3 infotainment system which gets a slick interface and includes all the latest features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Wi-Fi hotspot, and more. The lower trims get a 6.5-inch touchscreen as standard, while the higher trims get a bigger 8-inch system. The top-end SEL trim also gets navigation, wireless charging, app connect, multi-phone pairing, and several USB-C ports.
Volkswagen also offers an optional 8-speaker Beats audio system, the Volkswagen car-net system with remote access, Alexa, and family guardian features to further spruce up the Taos. Volkswagen’s digital cockpit includes a lot of useful features and is highly customizable with digital gauges, navigation, and more.
Some notable infotainment features include:
The exteriors get a typical Volkswagen design with edgy and modern styling. Viewed from the front, the Taos looks like a shrunk-down Atlas SUV with the same headlight and grille design, albeit a lot smaller. The rear looks like most other Volkswagen SUVs complete with dual fake exhaust tops and a diffuser. Both the headlights are connected by an LED strip on the grille, which gives the Taos a distinct light profile in the dark.
Alloy wheel sizes range from 17 to 19 inches, depending on the trim level. Volkswagen also offers the basecamp accessory pack which adds custom body cladding, fender flares with splash guards, and lower side plates to give the Taos a more rugged look. All these components will also be available individually upon launch.
Model |
2022 Volkswagen Taos |
2021 Mazda CX-30 |
2021 Subaru Crosstrek |
2021 Hyundai Tucson |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
3,175 |
3234 |
3188 |
3309 |
Length (in.) |
175.8 |
173 |
176.5 |
176.4 |
Width (in.) |
72.5 |
70.7 |
71 |
72.8 |
Height (in.) |
64.4 |
61.7 |
63.6 |
64.8 |
Ground Clearance (in.) |
6.4 |
8 |
N/A |
6.4 |
Wheelbase (in.) |
105.9 |
104.4 |
104.9 |
105.1 |
Track Width (in.) F/R |
61.9/60.5 |
61.6/61.6 |
61/61.2 |
63.3/63.8 |
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is larger than both the Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstek in terms of exterior dimensions, and also gets the longest wheelbase at 105.9 inches. The Hyundai Tucson beats it in terms of size but gets a slightly shorter wheelbase at 105.1 inches.
Exterior Features:
The new VW Taos features automatic post-collision braking, avoiding any chance of a second impact. In case of collision, it cuts off the fuel supply and unlocks all the doors, and also switches on the hazard lights via the Intelligent Crash Response System feature.
The SEL model comes with standard VW's IQ Drive that consists of front and rear radar, a front camera, and an array of ultrasound sensors. The Taos also offers Travel Assist, which is Volkswagen's homegrown automated driving setup that works in between 0 to 95 mph.
Notable safety features include:
Despite its late entry into the US market, the 2022 Taos has all the makings to be Volkswagen’s best-selling model by a long way. The compact crossover segment has become one of the most popular segments in recent years, and the Volkswagen Taos combines all the traits most customers are looking for at an affordable price. Regardless of its shortcomings like average handling and low power output, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos is definitely worth the wait and should be strongly considered if you’re in the market for a versatile and comfortable compact crossover.