2022 Volkswagen Taos
In recent years, we witnessed how Volkswagen has turned its attention towards introducing new SUVs and Crossovers, while maintaining its car lineup. The German company understands that the way to an American’s heart is with a versatile vehicle that can be filled with people and their vacation in one small package.
That small package is called the Taos. The newest Volkswagen for 2022 arrived to give us a choice in small SUVs using their signature design and know-how to entice you to own one.
We were curious about the 2022 Volkswagen Taos. We wanted to know if this is the right small SUV for you.
Design-wise, it looks like a shrunken version of the Volkswagen Tiguan and Atlas. The roofline and side glass profile almost look the same. The front end also has Volkswagen signatures with the new logo and deeper grille area. The rear end also follows brand design standards, with horizontal taillights, logo, and badging font.
Our SE tester wore the available 18-inch glossy black painted alloy wheels, which made our King’s Red Taos stand out even more. It is a handsome small SUV with a signature modern Volkswagen look.
The interior also follows current Volkswagen design elements. There are a few twists, such as an eight-inch digital instrument cluster with a few screen choices. It is not as customizable as we like, and you can only get a tachometer on one screen. It will provide you with some key information, however.
Our tester had the eight-inch infotainment screen that offers smartphone integration wirelessly as well as through two USB-C ports. The center vents are located below the screen, which could be a challenge for taller front occupants. We like the quick shifter and steering wheel, both are newly designed for Volkswagen.
The seats wore three different upholsteries: A leatherette surround with a CloudTex type material and small cloth inserts. While the seats are comfortable, they could use a bit more support up front. In the SE model, the driver’s seat only gets power adjustments.
The second-row seat space is large for a vehicle in its class. A tall person can get comfortable in the second row behind an equally tall driver. That is even with our tester equipped with the panoramic sunroof.
Rear cargo space is very generous for a vehicle in its class. There is 27.9 cubic feet behind the second-row seats. Fold those seats down to get a maximum cargo space of 65.9 cubic feet. However, it is not a completely flat floor from the bumper to the front seats, especially when dealing with longer items.
Powering our SE tester is a new 158-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. With 184 pound-feet of torque, there is plenty of pulling power for merging onto the highway or for passing. Our tester was the front-wheel drive model, equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission. You can get a Taos with the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, in which you get a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission instead.
We did observe some very good fuel economy for our front-drive Taos SE model, turning in an average of 34.3 MPG.
The driving experience was made for fun excursions. The ride quality was very good on smooth surfaces, while absorbing rougher spots very well. The handling is on the soft side, so a bit more care when managing evasive maneuvers and tight situations.
The steering system is responsive with some feedback from the wheels. On-center feel is on the light side, but it can be weighed down when using the Adaptive Cruise Control system. It can do tight turns just fine. The brakes are also fine, with good pedal feel. We did find some stops in normal and panic situations to be just OK.
Pricing for the 2022 Volkswagen Taos starts at $22,995. You have a choice of three trim levels in either front-wheel drive or the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. Our front-drive SE tester came with a sticker price of $31,325.
The Volkswagen Taos is the newest entry in the small SUV segment. It now joins the ranks with the Jeep Compass, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Subaru Crosstrek, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Nissan Rogue Sport, Mazda CX-30 and Ford Bronco Sport.
While it offers some advantages compared its competitors, the Volkswagen Taos might just be your choice in the small SUV segment. It offers a lot for those looking for a solid commuter with generous space for passengers and cargo.
Story Credits: CarSoup Editors
