2022 Volkswagen Taos: A Comprehensive Overview
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos enters the highly competitive compact SUV segment as a fresh, stylish, and practical option. Positioned below the Tiguan, the Taos aims to deliver Volkswagen's signature blend of refinement, advanced technology, and user-friendly design in a more accessible package. It carves out its niche by offering a spacious interior for its class, a zesty turbocharged engine, and a strong suite of standard safety features, making it a compelling choice for individuals, couples, and small families.
Highlights
- Engine & Performance: The Taos is powered by a peppy 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing a healthy 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission for front-wheel-drive models, while all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants utilize a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The powertrain offers responsive acceleration for city driving and confident highway cruising, with the AWD system providing enhanced traction in various conditions.
- Safety Features: Volkswagen emphasizes safety, and the Taos comes equipped with a robust array of standard driver-assistance systems. These include:
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Alerts the driver to potential frontal collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Monitoring: Can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid a collision if the driver doesn't react to an FCW warning.
- Blind Spot Monitor: Detects vehicles in the driver's blind spots and provides a visual warning.
- Rear Traffic Alert: Warns of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space or driveway.
- Other standard features include: a rearview camera, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags.
- Optional safety features often found on higher trims or as part of packages include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping System, and Travel Assist (a combination of ACC and Lane Centering).
- Trim Summary: The 2022 Taos is offered in three distinct trim levels, each building upon the previous one:
- S: The entry-level trim provides an excellent foundation with its standard turbocharged engine, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the comprehensive suite of standard safety features.
- SE: This mid-tier trim adds significant value with features like an 8-inch touchscreen, keyless access with push-button start, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
- SEL: The top-tier SEL trim elevates the Taos with premium amenities such as a digital cockpit, LED headlights with integrated fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, leatherette seating surfaces, and premium audio.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Spacious Interior: For its compact footprint, the Taos boasts a surprisingly roomy cabin, especially in the rear seats, offering ample legroom for adult passengers.
- Generous Cargo Space: The cargo area is also competitive within its segment, providing plenty of room for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment.
- User-Friendly Technology: Volkswagen's infotainment systems are known for their intuitive menus and responsive touchscreens, making it easy to control audio, navigation, and connectivity features.
- Comfortable Ride: The Taos offers a composed and comfortable ride quality, absorbing road imperfections effectively, which contributes to a pleasant driving experience.
- Available All-Wheel Drive: The optional 4Motion all-wheel-drive system enhances capability and provides added confidence in inclement weather or on less-than-ideal road surfaces.
What to Expect
Owning a 2022 Volkswagen Taos is generally expected to be a positive and practical experience. Volkswagen vehicles are known for their solid build quality and German engineering, translating to a durable and reliable vehicle.
- Maintenance: Routine maintenance will likely involve oil changes, tire rotations, and filter replacements, following Volkswagen's recommended service schedule. These services are typically readily available at Volkswagen dealerships and independent repair shops. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is generally considered robust, and parts are widely available.
- Insurance: Insurance costs for the Taos will vary based on individual factors such as driving history, location, coverage levels, and the specific trim chosen. However, as a mainstream compact SUV from a reputable manufacturer, its insurance premiums are generally competitive with its segment rivals.
- Driving Experience: The Taos offers a refined driving experience for its class. The turbocharged engine provides adequate power for most situations, and the transmission shifts smoothly. The steering is precise, and the suspension is tuned for comfort, making it a pleasant daily driver. The interior is well-designed and quiet for its class, further enhancing the ownership experience.
Potential Considerations
While the 2022 Volkswagen Taos has many strengths, there are a few potential drawbacks or aspects buyers should be aware of:
- Infotainment Touch Controls: Some critics and owners have noted that the Taos, like other recent Volkswagen models, relies heavily on touch-sensitive controls for climate and audio functions. While aesthetically clean, these can be less intuitive and harder to operate accurately while driving compared to physical buttons and knobs.
- Engine Noise Under Load: While generally quiet, the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine can become somewhat noticeable when accelerating aggressively or under heavy load. This is a common characteristic of many turbocharged engines.
- Transmission Behavior (Dual-Clutch in AWD): While the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic in AWD models offers efficient operation, it can sometimes exhibit slight hesitations or a less-than-smooth engagement at very low speeds or during stop-and-go traffic.
- Lack of a Hybrid Option: In an era where hybrid and electric powertrains are becoming increasingly common, the Taos is offered solely with its gasoline engine. For those prioritizing fuel efficiency above all else, this might be a limiting factor.
- Rear Visibility: Some drivers may find the rear visibility to be slightly compromised due to the vehicle's styling and pillar design, making the rearview camera and blind-spot monitoring particularly useful.
Overall Summary
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is a highly competent and well-rounded compact SUV that successfully blends practicality, technology, and a touch of European flair. Its spacious interior, strong standard safety features, and peppy turbocharged engine make it a compelling choice for buyers seeking a versatile and user-friendly vehicle. While the reliance on touch-sensitive controls might be a point of contention for some, the Taos generally delivers a refined driving experience and a comfortable ownership proposition, solidifying its position as a strong contender in its segment.