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With the all-new Volkswagen Taos 2022, VW is rounding off its SUV lineup with a new entry-level model that offers more style, interior space and driving pleasure than many competitors. Smaller and more affordable than the automaker's Tiguan, the Taos is sized and priced to rival the Honda HRVs and Mazda CX30s.
The Taos is awesome from the moment you sit down inside. All Taos models come standard with a digital instrument cluster that can be customized to display anything from the current song to turn-by-turn directions, both from the navigation system and from the phone via the integration of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone. . There are also beautiful materials, spacious seats and plenty of cargo space for a small SUV.
Overall, we think Volkswagen has a convincing SUV on its hands. The Taos offers comparable refinement and not a big compromise in cargo space compared to its stable companion Tiguan, but at a lower price point. Check out our expert review below for more details on Taos's strengths and weaknesses by our test team.
Our verdict 8.1 / 10
Volkswagen's little SUV is a big deal. The Taos brings together many modern technologies and safety features in one neat package. It also has excellent space for passengers and luggage. The transmission makes shifting sluggish or uncomfortable at times, but that's about the only weakness. Overall, this is one of the most comprehensive and family-friendly offerings in the category.
How does the Taos drive? 7.5
We were surprised to find that the Taos, one of the biggest SUVs in this small class, is also one of the fastest. speed, however, is only really attainable if the Taos' launch control is used, which we imagine few owners will. Cranking control is a feature usually reserved for sports cars, so of course that's a bit out of place here. We were also surprised at how stable and confident the Taos felt under hard panic braking, but it stops easily in less hectic situations.
The Taos also handles quite impressively in the corners, with well-controlled body roll and precise steering. In fact, the Taos gets top marks in every aspect of handling except what is perhaps most important for this category: handling. The combination of that powerful engine and a moderately unresponsive seven-speed transmission is a choppy affair. Power surges and gear changes can often feel delayed or awkward, making it difficult to enjoy driving at slow stopping and running speeds.
How comfortable is the Taos? 8.0
As for the comfort of the cabin, the Taos is doing quite well. The front seats have a sporty shape and offer surprisingly good support despite not having the full range of adjustments we would have liked. The air conditioning is easy to use and efficient in distributing the flow of air in the passenger compartment. We especially like the powerful ventilated front seats, which worked wonders in hot weather.
The Taos suspension is tilted slightly and doesn't isolate bumps in the road and some other cars we've tested, but it's also not hard enough to make us rethink recommending it for that reason. We also experienced a fair amount of ambient noise, which is not uncommon for this class.
How’s the interior? 8.5
The interior is one of the best in its class, from the ease with which you can get in and out of large door openings to ample room for passengers. The Taos almost looks like a class above the competition - the outward visibility is excellent thanks to the square windows and good mirror coverage, and we had no issues accessing the controls from the seat of the driver.
Some of Volkswagen's latest infotainment systems have failed. Fortunately, the Taos simplifies things a bit by limiting the touch buttons. This approach makes a huge difference in usability. Touch controls can be great when working, but most can't be compared to good physical buttons and knobs when you want to minimize distractions.
How’s the tech? 8.5
Fortunately, some of VW's new Touch Base controls didn't reach the Taos. Which made it a powerful Beats sound system that delivers more bass than we found comfortable for everyday use (in a good way). Our larger trim model also had an in-car navigation system which was a bit slow but had a nice user interface. We really like that you can also display the map in the center of the driver's dashboard.
Our vehicle had a total of three USBC ports for connecting devices, as well as a wireless charger and a 12 volt outlet. Integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphones via USB is standard and moves to wireless connectivity on the mid-range and higher SE model. A full suite of advanced driving aids is offered on all trims, and the reasonable price makes it a ridiculous option. Most of the aids worked fine, although adaptive cruise control sometimes tripped at slower speeds due to the clunky engine and transmission.
How’s the storage? 8.5
The shape and size of the Taos means that it is able to maximize interior space. With 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, the Taos is the leader in its class. The rear seats have a center buckle and the usual 60/40 split, and fold mostly flat, leaving a level change of about 2 inches from the cargo area. The release levers are on the seats but are close enough to be accessible if you are standing on the tailgate.
The storage options in the passenger section of the cabin are quite good. The front door pockets are generously sized, the cup holders have an anti-tip design to keep your drinks upright, and the square locker under the center armrest has some depth to compensate for its shorter length.
Since the Taos is on the widest side of the segment, there is more room for car seats. But these are also the little touches that we noticed, including even sleeker covers for the car seats and well-placed Top Tether anchors for easy access. It is certainly one of the more family-friendly options in the class.
How’s the fuel economy? 7.5
The Taos gets an EPA rating of 28 mpg combined (25 city / 32 highway), largely in line with its bigger competitors. We averaged 29.6 mpg over our 115 mile review cycle, which is a great result and proof that the estimate is achievable. Our only concern is that if you're inclined to ask for a lot of acceleration, fuel mileage won't be as good with such a powerful engine.
Is the Taos a good value? 7.5
Value is ultimately in the eye of the beholder, but for us the Taos seems reasonably priced for what you get. Its base price is quite competitive, but there are a lot of cool features that we'd like in the higher trim levels. Our SEL toptrim test car cost just under $ 35,000, which is certainly the most expensive line-up in this SUV class, but it also offers one of the most comprehensive packages. If you take a closer look you'll certainly find a little cheaper inside the Taos, but Volkswagen has spent the money in the areas that are affected most frequently.
VW warranties are typical for this segment, with four year / 50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage and seven years / 100,000 miles of rust coverage. On the bright side, VW offers free scheduled maintenance for two years / 20,000 miles and roadside assistance for three years / 36,000 miles.
Wildcard 8.0
When it came to designing the Taos, VW didn't bother to reinvent the wheel. It looks a lot like a reduced Atlas, that is to say clean and a little beefy. There are more daring designs that some may find more appealing, but we bet Taos' look will be more appealing to the masses.
The same goes for the driving experience. Some SUVs in this class are more fun to drive on twisty roads and less difficult at slower speeds, but the Taos offers a decent experience overall. And you just can't argue with the interior fittings. In a segment where space for passengers and cargo is scarce, the Taos seems to have plenty.
Which Taos do we recommend?
When choosing a Volkswagen Taos, the SE trim level offers the best combination of standard and available equipment. It lacks the best of infotainment technology, but offers the full collection of collision avoidance and driver assistance systems. And it's available with a panoramic sunroof and black wheels. All you need to know about the SEL trim is the premium audio system.
Volkswagen Taos models
Volkswagen offers the Taos 2022 in the S, SE and SEL trim levels , and each has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, (158 horsepower, 184 lb-ft of torque). The front-wheel drive versions feature an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the Taos all-wheel drive uses a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension which should offer slightly better handling in corners.
Volkswagen offers an affordable IQ Drive package for the S suspension. Contains: Front Collision Prevention (warns of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Active Blind Spot Monitoring (warns if a vehicle in the next lane is in your blind spot and may add steering assistance to discourage a lane change) Rear Cross Traffic Warning and # 40; warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while you are in reverse and # 41; Lane Keeping System and # 40; makes minor adjustments to the steering to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane and # 41; Adaptive cruise control with stop&go (maintains a distance defined by the driver between Taos and the car in front, can completely stop the Volkswagen and resume driving) Emergency assistance (identifies an unresponsive driver and stops the Taos completely safety with flashing hazard lights) SE When upgrading to the Taos SE you add the following equipment:18-inch alloy wheels Heated exterior mirrors and washer jets Hands-free keyless access Remote engine starting Leatherette seat cover with fabric inserts Power driver's seat Heated front seats Touchscreen infotainment system 8 inch.
Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Satellite radio Stereo, with six speakers Wireless charging for smartphones Forward smartphone charging.Active blind spot monitoring, with rear cross traffic alert Similar to the Taos S, the Taos SE is available with an IQ Drive package of driver assistance technology Includes other S-pack features that were not standard on the SE.SEL The Taos SEL includes all IQ Drive driver aids as standard equipment, as well as :18-inch black alloy wheels Illuminated grille bar Adaptive headlights (rotate by turning the steering wheel for better illumination in bends) Automatic high beams Rain windshield wipers Ambient interior lighting Heated steering wheel Dual-zone automatic air conditioning Large leather seats digital instrument display. Navigation system Premium eight-speaker audio system Rear park assist If you choose a Taos SEL with all-wheel drive, you also get: 19-inch alloy wheels Ventilated front seats.