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The VW Taos
Volkswagen
For 2022, Volkswagen VWAGY, -1.87% commits more heavily in the SUV space with its all-new small compact crossover the Taos. In an already crowded segment, the Taos hopes to outshine the competition with its more efficient and powerful engine. Challenging the likes of the Nissan NSANY, +4.76% Rogue Sport, Kia Seltos, Hyundai HYMTF, -2.17% Tucson, and Subaru FUJHY, +4.37% Crosstrek, the Taos has its work cut out for it.
The VW Taos
Volkswagen
The Taos should make a compelling prospect in the larger subcompact segment. The exterior design language of the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport is followed closely by the diminutive Taos. Body styling feels understated, giving the small SUV a simple but handsome appearance. Expect something akin to the interior of the Jetta to make an appearance.
What’s new
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is all-new to the U.S. It marks VW as a serious player in the still-growing subcompact-SUV market.
What we like
- Designed, engineered, and built in the U.S.
- Volkswagen’s smallest crossover SUV in the U.S.
- Excellent all-new powerful and efficient engine
- Handsome exterior styling
What we don’t
- The shape is familiar and a bit risk-free
How much?
$23,000-$30,000 (estimated)
Fuel economy
Volkswagen’s new 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder TSI engine makes 158 horsepower. That’s 11 hp greater than the outgoing 1.4-liter mill it replaces.
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As well as VW’s claims of its high efficiency when it comes to mpg, the German car maker notes that the improved low-end torque and decreased turbo response time make this engine noteworthy. They would not be wrong, as we discovered plenty of power to enjoy on our early drive of the Taos in Southern California.
Standard features and options
Expect the base S trim to get Volkswagen’s standard 6.5-in touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto standard. That’s upgradeable to an 8.5-inch screen. Some other additions will likely include a high-end audio system and creature comforts, including leather interiors, heated seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
As for options, VW is still sorting the Taos out.
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Safety
Volkswagen’s safety tech will definitely find a home in the Taos in both the standard and optional categories. Those include features such as automatic emergency braking, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, and adaptive cruise control.
Behind the wheel
Acceleration from the 1.5-liter turbo-4 feels substantial and energetic. Mated to Volkswagen’s excellent 8-speed automatic transmission, with smooth and quick shifts, delivers power evenly and expediently.
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The ride quality feels composed and nicely balanced, even around turns. Overall, the driving experience excites and feels as though you’re in a much more expensive car. VW’s 4-Motion all-wheel-drive system should also be optional for those wanting more traction at all four tires.
No official date has been announced, but we expect to see the new 2022 Taos on the road by summer 2021.
This story originally ran on Autotrader.com.
