Volkswagen Taos 2022

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is offered in the following trim levels:

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.