2022 Volkswagen Taos Review: A Winning First

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos gives a winning blend of benefit, know-how, and spaciousness that other modest SUVs cannot match. The Taos is a five-seat crossover producing its debut for the 2022 product yr. It slots in under the as well as-sized Tiguan but the two could be mistaken with VW’s conservative styling approach. The Taos delivers a substantially more spacious inside than competition these kinds of as the Ford Bronco Activity, Jeep Compass, Kia Seltos, and Mazda CX-30, between others. VW sells it in S, SE, and SEL trim amounts with entrance-wheel travel common and all-wheel generate optional on all grades.

The Taos won’t convert heads, but it has some appeal in that minimalist, Volkswagen way. The Taos does not consider quite a few styling pitfalls inside or out, maintaining the minimalist type that Volkswagen is identified for. Styling borrows closely from other autos in Volkswagen’s lineup. Its in general shape is extremely reminiscent of the Tiguan and it keeps that vehicle’s flat aesthetic primarily intact. The easiest way to convey to the Taos apart is the light-weight bar that has been included to the “X” formed grille (borrowed from the Atlas Activity Cross), but from the sides and rear there is not a lot going on.

Even with a new engine, acceleration feels muted. The Taos debuts a new turbocharged engine for Volkswagen, but it falls a small flat on acceleration. Ride good quality is a spotlight, specifically for all-wheel-drive products that occur with a extra advanced suspension. Entrance-wheel travel arrives normal, but all-wheel generate is offered throughout the board.

Below the hood of just about every Taos is a 158-hp 1.5-liter turbo-4 that tends to make 184 lb-ft of torque. This is the first software of this motor, which will sooner or later proliferate all-around the relaxation of the smaller autos in Volkswagen’s lineup. FWD types function an 8-pace automatic transmission, though the AWD comes with a 7-pace dual-clutch automated.

FWD models have a bit extra pep from a prevent, though the AWD has additional kick to it in 2nd and third gears. Neither transmission shines on passing maneuvers and the engine seems to run out of breath at highway speeds. The two products do feature an “S” transmission mode that holds gears extended, but only the AWD styles occur with selectable generate modes.

AWD styles have just one more benefit: a multi-hyperlink rear suspension replaces the rear torsion beam found in FWD versions. There’s a first rate total of system roll in equally automobiles as the Taos is surely sprung with consolation in head. But the AWD versions sense extra composed on the road and more stable in turns. With FWD, the Taos appears to drag its rear wheels about fairly limply, which hurts the vehicle’s dynamics. Steering, in genuine Volkswagen style, feels way too mild and overboosted by default but only AWD styles supply the skill to increase steering excess weight dependent on generate method.

There is a extensive gap in fuel financial state in between front- and all-wheel-travel types. The Taos gives first rate gasoline economy for this class, though there’s a sizable hole in between FWD and AWD products. We give the Taos a 6 for gasoline economic climate on the energy of the FWD’s EPA scores of 28 mpg town, 36 highway, 31 combined. AWD designs fall down to 25/32/28 mpg, thanks to variances in the transmission and the reality that it weighs 255 kilos far more.

Crash tests are pending for the Taos. The all-new Taos has not but been crash examined by the NHTSA. The IIHS experiences it with some “Good” scores but an “Acceptable” in entrance-overlap tests. The foundation product is lacking numerous security options. Computerized emergency braking (AEB) is presented as part of the IQ.Drive S bundle that also adds energetic lane control, blind-location screens, computerized higher beams, and, bizarrely, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-trimmed shifter. That’s a whole lot of machines for only $995, but it stays disconcerting that some of these capabilities aren’t conventional when several competition supply them as these types of.

SE versions add the AEB and blind-location screens conventional, although it also features a safety package of its own to include the other safety options talked about previously mentioned. It is all typical on the SEL, together with rear parking sensors and an automobile dimming rearview mirror.

The inside retains factors simple with a good deal of black plastic trim and muted styling. The middle stack is organized in an straightforward-to-use fashion, with physical weather controls that we want to touch-delicate buttons. The exact indent properties the 6.5- or 8.-inch multimedia screens, with the greater display screen coming on SE versions and higher than. For a smaller SUV, the roomy Taos has good place for passengers and cargo. The Taos delivers compact SUV dimensions for a less than compact price tag, and its spacious back seat and cargo spot.

The Taos’ wheelbase of 105.9-inches (FWD) or 105.6-inches (AWD) is only about 4 inches shorter than that of the Tiguan, although it’s 9.3 inches shorter general. This keeps the interior size of the Taos closer to the jumbo-sized Tiguan and presents the Taos a single of the segment’s couple backseats that can match a pair of grownups comfortably. The 37.9 inches of backseat leg area feels expansive, but shoulder and hip area keep the Taos back again from fitting three travellers. Rear leg space exceeds the subcompact Ford Bronco Activity (36.9) and even the compact Toyota RAV4 (37.8).

Powering the second row is 27.9 cubic feet (FWD) or 24.9 cubic ft (AWD). That’s almost 3. cubic feet far more than the Chevy Trailblazer and about a cubic foot additional than the Jeep Compass with AWD. But, these figures never rather examine as favorably to compact crossovers these types of as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Fold down the rear seats and it expands to 65.9 cubic ft (FWD) or 60.2 cubic toes (AWD).

S styles appear with standard cloth seats and the SEL receives leather-based, but the SE debuts a new wide variety of synthetic leather-based for Volkswagen that is intended to experience like Alcantara. It has improved breathability and fewer of that slick, artificial feeling than VW’s other artificial surfaces. Backseat travellers also get a pair of air vents and a USB-C port for unit charging.

The Taos is perfectly-geared up aside from protection attributes on all a few trim concentrations, offering it strong benefit. The S starts at $24,190 (which include vacation spot prices) and is nicely geared up, with an 8.-inch electronic cockpit screen, LED headlights and taillights, a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Android Vehicle/Apple CarPlay, two USB-C charging ports, keyless get started, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Adding AWD on the S is high priced at $2,045, in component due to the fact it adds a chilly weather conditions offer that features heated entrance seats, heated facet mirrors, and heated windshield washer nozzles.

Bounce a person phase up to the SE for $28,440 to come across the Taos that will offer the ideal benefit and technologies. The display screen will get upgraded to 8. inches and adds wi-fi Android Automobile/Apple CarPlay, alongside with a wi-fi charging pad. Seating surfaces are lined in the new, far more at ease artificial leather and 18-inch alloy wheels are extra as effectively. AWD charges an excess $1,450 on the SE.

The SEL tops off the range at $32,685 for FWD or $34,240 with AWD. AWD SEL designs also get more substantial 19-inch alloy wheels and cooled entrance seats, which are weirdly only readily available on AWD styles. Also conventional on the SEL is a Beats Audio program, 10.3-inch instrument display with significantly additional customizability, leather-based upholstery, navigation, rear parking sensors, and an automobile-dimming rearview mirror. A panoramic moonroof is optional for $1,200.

Volkswagen delivers its A-match with its new little Taos SUV. Muscular styling, substantial inside home, and a very long checklist of typical functions are just the beginning. Incorporating in a German driving dynamics and a wonderful guarantee only sweeten the deal and make the 2022 Volkswagen Taos even superior.