A practical and efficient yet unsurprising subcompact SUV
Price From $24,490 – To $32,985
Source: www.vw.com
by SUViews Editor | Jan 30, 2022
Overview
For those looking for a small vehicle that’s somewhat bigger than a passenger car but isn’t as massive as a full-fledged sports utility vehicle, subcompact SUVs are a great choice. This Volkswagen Taos 2022 review delves deep into the mechanism of the subcompact SUV– evaluating its engine and performance, interior, safety features, market price, and warranty. Read the review carefully to find out if the 2022 Volkswagen Taos is the right option for you.
Enthusiasts will probably contort in disgust, but the cold, hard truth is that the Taos makes a much more suitable occupant to the position where the Golf used to stay. The automotive market has completely changed in the past years and so did people’s standards. Considering a car “better” than others is a subjective matter, but it is impossible to deny that the Taos is more appropriate as the entry-level contender for the current times.
Now, what makes it earn such a title? In short, it does just everything its target audience wants, not a bit more or a bit less. There is SUV design but not coupé flair; the powertrain is efficient and does not trade reliability for performance; typical items are present but only as options, so the base price stays low; and the overall project is modern enough to stay in line for years, yet old enough not to have high development costs to return.
While the Volkswagen Golf has always been widely acclaimed for its driving verve, the best people to whom the Taos should be recommended are those who just do not care about driving – or anything else about cars. It is the type of car that the target user will buy, use and eventually sell without ever having learned any details of it. That is not bad, of course; it is just interesting to see how Volkswagen managed to create such an anti-enthusiast car.
Pros
Cons
Performance, Engine, and Comfort
No surprises at all. That can be good because you will be driving a reliable and efficient SUV with pretty much no noticeable flaws, but it can also be bad if you are looking for anything that makes you stand out in the crowd. Everything in the Taos seems to have been designed to fly under the radar; this is the typical car for people who do not really care about car models and versions.
Engine & Performance
If your previous car was a Volkswagen, there will be absolutely no surprises here. Not only because the dynamic behavior is firm and predictable as the company loves, but also because the Taos uses many parts which are already employed in many other cars around the world. A good consequence is that it should be quite easy to find spare parts in the future.
Engine and gear
The only engine available is a turbocharged, four-cylinder 1.5L which generates 158 hp of power and 184 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive models use an eight-speed automatic transmission while those with AWD use a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Suspension
Just like with the transmission, the Taos offers different layouts for the rear suspension according to its traction system. Front-wheel drive versions use a torsion-beam system while AWD models are equipped with a multilink rear suspension.
Handling
Typical Volkswagen behavior here. Body roll is controlled, and the overall feeling is of firmness even though SUVs are taller than average. Those characteristics make the Taos great for the highway.
Vibration & Ride
The impressions published by the specialized press so far are quite positive, mentioning that the Taos has vigorous responses and a composed ride on regular surfaces.
Safety & Reliability
Only the basic minimum is available here. The Taos is either the smallest or the second smallest SUV for Volkswagen depending on the region, so it has price constraints that limit the number of items it can offer. It follows the pattern defined by its direct competitors without ever standing out.
Brakes
There are disc brakes on all wheels as standard. The Taos may also come with automated emergency braking, along with other electronic safety systems.
Airbags
Even the standard version comes with front and side airbags for driver and front passenger with dual-stage deployment. There are also curtain airbags for the first and second seat rows.
Electronics
The typical suite of electronic assists can equip the Taos, but most items are offered as add-on options for the upscale trim versions at extra cost.
Lights
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos comes with LED headlights and taillights, the former including automated activation of the high beam function.
Traction control
The standard equipment list includes both traction and stability control. All-wheel drive is an optional feature.
Fuel Economy
Another Volkswagen model created with many parts drawn from the corporate bin. While the TFSI engines are efficient and reliable, the fact that such a new SUV comes with nothing in terms of electrification gives it a strong cash-cow character which is not really appealing to customers.
Engine size
The only engine available is a 1.5L with four cylinders, 16 valves, direct injection, and a turbocharger. It is good for 158 hp of power and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Gas per mileage consumption
According to the EPA, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos makes 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway when using the front-wheel drive. Opting for the all-wheel drive system lowers those figures to 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
Interior
Customers looking for value will have a great time here. The Volkswagen Taos 2022 offers a surprisingly roomy cabin and makes sure to bring all the desirable features of the latest generalist cars. Besides, that is all wrapped in a simple, yet attractive design. It’s a shame that many of those items are sold at extra cost, though.
Driving seat
Upscale trim levels are going to pamper the driver with eight-way power adjustment, heating and ventilation of the seat, heating of the steering wheel, and an exclusive zone for climate control.
Dashboard
Yet another aspect in which the Taos will only cause any surprise in people who have never seen or driven other recent Volkswagen models. The value-oriented equipment list features a digital gauge cluster as standard and a minimalist design centered on the infotainment system. The latter comes in standard 6.5” size but can be upgraded for an 8” unit.
Passenger seats and extras
While the design is not really special, rear-seat passengers will enjoy plenty of legroom; it is just a little shorter than the bigger brother Tiguan. Depending on the trim level, the cabin may feature leatherette or leather upholstery and customizable ambient lighting.
Overall height and space
With an overall height of 64.4 inches, this model offers a total of 99.5 ft³ for its occupants. It seats five people in two rows. This car is not available with a third row of seats.
Trunk space
The base volume for the 2022 Volkswagen Taos is 27.9 ft³. If you fold down the rear seat row, you can increase it to 65.9 ft³.
Price and Extras
Volkswagen would never be crazy to overcharge in such a competitive category. The Taos comes with three trim levels which differ in content, rather than image, and offers a nice warranty plan with complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Market Price
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is offered in the following trim levels:
Version | Starting price |
S | $24,490 |
SE | $28,740 |
SEL | $32,985 |
The only difference from one trim level to the others is the level of standard equipment; the Taos is not concerned with the emotional appeal of performance or off-road variations.
AWD/FWD
The standard setup for this model is front-wheel drive. All trim levels available can be upgraded with all-wheel drive, which Volkswagen names 4Motion, for an extra cost of up to $2,000.
Warranty
Both limited and powertrain coverage are of four years or 50,000 miles, which places Volkswagen in an average position compared to the competition. However, there is also complimentary scheduled maintenance for two years or 20,000 miles.
Verdict
Highly recommendable for people who want nothing but a means of transportation which will do its job perfectly and demand as little attention as possible day after day. Now, if you have even the smallest interest in cars, the mediocrity which surrounds the Taos will make the emotional side of your brain scream.