2022 Volkswagen Taos Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Adding a new SUV to their lineup, Volkswagen is expanding its inventory offerings for 2022. Previously offering limited options in the subcompact SUV segment, the new 2022 Volkswagen Taos joins the ranks of the VW Golf. This newly-styled and sharp-looking subcompact SUV is gaining attention in the most recent Volkswagen lineup. Creating a space in which to compete with standard rivals, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos is one of the larger subcompact SUVs in its class. Creating new flair to add to an already saturated market, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos makes a statement with its attractive design and signature VW elements.

What's New for 2022?

As an all-new, entry-level subcompact crossover, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos is a completely new model that exciting, new facets. Everything about the 2022 Volkswagen Taos is unseen and fresh. Some of the best attributes this SUV will feature, though, include a turbocharged engine, 25 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats, and a combined average fuel efficiency of 31 mpg. As a larger model than most competitors, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos is gaining attention for its ample cargo area and comfortable passenger seating, too.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Volkswagen Taos – The Pros

There is plenty to adore about the 2022 Volkswagen Taos, and we list a few of this SUV's most notable attributes in the comprehensive listing below. In a crowded space, subcompact SUVs must stand out from the others, and the 2022 Volkswagen Taos has no problem doing that.

1. Available IQ. DRIVE as an Amenity Add-On.

The suite of intelligence assistive systems in the 2022 Volkswagen Taos has been deemed as Volkswagen's signature IQ. DRIVE. Creating the foundation for fully automated driving, this technology consists of exemplary features that assist in parking safely, changing lanes easily, and preventing accidents in the front. Self-parking and automated driving are intended future uses for Volkswagen IQ. DRIVE technology, too.

2. Enjoy a Standard Volkswagen Digital Cockpit.

As a vehicle operator your eyes need to be always on the road. Volkswagen makes that easy to accomplish in the 2022 Volkswagen Taos by bringing everything right into the driver's cockpit. A high-resolution display spans over a 10.25-inch screen provides fuel stats, navigation information, and more to drivers to help minimize driver distractions.

3. Take Advantage of Available 4MOTION All-Wheel Drive.

Ensuring safety on all driving surfaces and in all conditions, the signature 4MOTION All-Wheel Drive setup of the 2022 VW Taos governs power distribution as needed. Transferring power equally to the front and rear wheels, the Taos can make the most out of its traction and stability during your drive.

4. Useful All-Wheel Drive Modes to Customize Your Ride.

Some driving conditions call for special care to maintain safety for passengers within the 2022 Volkswagen Taos. Drive Modes paired with 4MOTION All-Wheel Drive make it easy for the Taos to adapt to snow, off-road travel, or highway travel based on driver preference. There is even an off-road custom mode for your convenience.

5. A Signature Illuminated Grille That Steals the Show.

Never have we seen an illuminated grille on a new auto model, but the 2022 Volkswagen Taos goes where no other vehicle has ever gone before. Creating a block of light that spans from the LED headlight across the grille, this feature has been deemed an Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS). It adds to both the safety and attractiveness of the 2022 Volkswagen Taos.

6. App-Connect Integration That Makes It Easy to Stay Entertained.

You don't have to choose specific apps to connect to in this subcompact SUV. The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offers an App-Connect feature that imports all your phone apps to the touchscreen and allows you to be in control of which ones you use. Providing access to all your features in one space allows you to stay focused on the road ahead.

7. Volkswagen Car-Net Further Automates Your Drive.

A key fob was required for locking and remote start functionality in previous years, but many automakers have developed phone apps to bring vehicle control right to the fingertips of drivers. For Volkswagen, this functionality is known as Car-Net. It allows drivers to lock and unlock their door remotely, as well as remotely start their vehicle. It doesn't end there, though. Mileage stats, family guardian alerts, and parking information are also integral parts of this app.

8. Feel Safe with a Strategically-Designed Safety Cage to Mitigate Collision Damage.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos relies on automated safety features to avoid accidents, but when the unexpected crash happens it is also there to keep you safe. Absorbing energy effectively through crumple zones in the front and rear, the Taos' body was made to protect passengers. A safety cage also assists in redistributing crash forces away from passengers within.

9. Automated Post-Collision Technology Comes Standard.

If you are in an accident and unable to get out of the vehicle or notify authorities, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos has your back. An Intelligent Crash Response System unlocks doors and turns off the fuel pump, while an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System slows the Taos down after a collision to avoid additional impacts and damage.

10. Stability Enhancement Systems That are Taken to the Max.

Offering six ways to make your drive more stable and controlled, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos monitors the way your vehicle interacts with the road. Throttle adjustments, corrective force provision, and stopping power maintenance are just a few ways the Taos looks out for you.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Volkswagen Taos – The Cons

The all-new 2022 Volkswagen Taos is a subcompact SUV model to keep your eye on. However, all new models could inevitably use some improvements that were either overlooked previously or not thought of before production began. Provided below is a short list of features the 2022 Volkswagen Taos could work on.

1. A Rigid Drive That Lacks Excitement.

Determined to make an impact and impress buyers, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos excels in most areas except its drive quality. Rigid and lacking exhilaration, the Taos is a bit serious for those looking for a peppy and enthusiastic ride.

2. Cabin Materials That Feel Cheap.

We can tell the 2022 Volkswagen Taos had good intentions to make its cabin just as modern as its exterior, but it fell short of that goal. Many of the materials and trims within its cabin feel cheap and plasticky. The Taos could use some refinement and upgrades in future models.

3. Difficulty Maneuvering and Parking Compared to Other Subcompact SUVs.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is larger and bulkier than most other subcompact SUVs, which makes it prone to the downfalls bigger SUV models experience. One of these is tight maneuverability into tight parking spaces and slower reaction to driving commands. Overall, this disadvantage is minimal and not enough to keep us from considering the 2022 Volkswagen Taos for purchase.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

There are many available subcompact SUV models that the 2022 Volkswagen Taos regularly competes with. Two of its most prevalent rivals consist of the Hyundai Kona and the Mazda CX-3. Each of these models have their own strengths, but the 2022 Volkswagen Taos does a good job of holding its ground.

2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

In general, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos is more advanced than the 2022 Hyundai Kona. It has sensors in its airbags to reduce their deployment force, if necessary, and maneuver braking that the Hyundai Kona doesn't offer. The VW Taos is larger in size than the Hyundai Kona, which makes it more comfortable for passengers and spacious for cargo. The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is also better quality than the 2022 Hyundai Kona, and therefore more reliable on many levels.

2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2021 Mazda CX-3

The 2022 Mazda CX-3 hasn't yet been released, but it is comparable to the 2022 Volkswagen Taos and will undoubtedly be a top competitor. Again, the airbag technology and post-collision features of the 2022 Volkswagen Taos stand out from the lack of such amenities offered by the Mazda CX-3. The Taos also comes with a better warranty and is more reliable than the CX-3, which means a lot to busy buyers. The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is also more powerful and produces 10 more horsepower than the Mazda CX-3, and its transmission is also more advanced. In virtually every aspect, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos is a better choice than the 2021 Mazda CX-3.

Conclusion

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was made for the consumer who is looking for something different in a small SUV purchase. Those who have a knack for modern developments and innovative automotive design will enjoy this subcompact SUV. Since the 2022 Volkswagen Taos is entering its first year of production, we expect to see even more enhancements to come in future years. Yet, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos is starting off strong, and we consider it to be one of the best subcompact SUVs available.