The all-new 2022 Volkswagen Taos, VW is filling out its SUV lineup with a new entry-level model that provides more style, interior room and driving satisfaction than many rivals. Smaller and more affordable than the automaker’s Tiguan, the Taos is sized and priced to compete against the likes of the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-30.
The Taos is impressive from the moment you sit inside. All Taos models come standard with a digital instrument cluster that can be customized to display anything from the song that’s playing to turn-by-turn directions, whether from the navigation system or from your phone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration. There are also some nice-looking materials, roomy seating, and lots of cargo space for a little SUV.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos will be powered by VW’s new turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It makes 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Front-drive versions will feature an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel-drive models will have a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The front-drive and all-wheel-drive Taos also have different rear suspensions, with the former using a torsion-beam setup and the latter using a more sophisticated multilink design.
A set of 17-inch wheels are standard, but 18- and 19-inches are also available. While we’ve had the opportunity to drive a prototype Taos, the event didn’t give us much insight into the tiny crossover’s performance. However, we appreciated the engine’s low-speed thrust, the transmission’s unobtrusive operation, and the suspension’s composure on even roads.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Neither the EPA nor Volkswagen have announced fuel-economy estimates for the upcoming Taos. Once those ratings are reported—and we have a chance to put one through our extensive testing regimen—we’ll evaluate its real-world mpg on our 75-mph highway route. For more information about the Taos’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, there’s nothing overtly special about the Taos. The design and materials look to mimic the modern aesthetic found on other VW models. A fully digital gauge cluster is fitted to every dashboard and the standard two-tone seats are covered in cloth. However, leatherette and leather upholstery are both available, too. There’s no shortage of popular options, either.
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos cabin can be equipped with customizable ambient lighting, an eight-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Taos boasts 37.9 inches of rear-seat legroom, which is only 0.8 inch less than the two-row Tiguan. The Taos also has 28 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seatbacks and 66 cubes with them folded flat.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Taos features a slick-looking infotainment system with a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. A 6.5-inch touchscreen is standard, and an 8.0-inch version is optional. The system can also be equipped with built-in navigation, an eight-speaker BeatsAudio stereo, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless smartphone charging.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The smallest VW crossover will be available with a variety of driver-assistance technology, too, including forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. For more information about the Taos’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Volkswagen Taos models
Volkswagen offers the 2022 Taos in S, SE and SEL trim levels, and each has a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (158 horsepower, 184 lb-ft of torque). Versions with front-wheel drive feature an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the all-wheel-drive Taos employs a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic as well as a more sophisticated rear suspension that should provide slightly better handling composure around turns.
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