2022 Volkswagen Taos SE: The Brand’s Entry-Level Crossover

Highlight:  The Taos, which is pronounced like the word toss, is the least expensive crossover in VW’s portfolio.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $31,325 (Base model S: $24,190)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; an electronic stability control; a rearview camera; an automatic post collision braking system; an intelligent crash response system; a hill hold control feature; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (S): 17-inch wheels; a 7-speed automatic transmission; an engine start-stop system; black roof rails; LED exterior lights; power adjustable side folding mirrors; a manual operated tilt and telescopic steering wheel; manual operated front seats; cloth seats; carpeted cargo area with tie-down hooks; a push button ignition system; a manual operated a/c system; and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system

Standard Equipment (SE): 18-inch wheels; heated side mirrors; body color side mirror caps; tinted privacy glass for second row and rear privacy glass; silver roof rails; a power driver’s seat; heated front seats; a leather-like steering wheel; a leather trimmed shifter; USB-charging port second row seating; metal door sill scuff plates; a pedestrian detection braking system; a rearview camera with dynamic line; heater front windshield washer nozzles; keyless entry front doors and liftgate; an 8-inch infotainment screen with a MP3 player; voice control system; a 6-speaker AM/FM/HD audio system with SiriusXM; a remote engine start feature; and a wireless charger

Options: 18-inch black alloy wheels; special exterior paint; power panoramic sunroof; an adaptive radar-activated cruise control system; a lane keep assist system; an electronic blind monitor system; and front and rear assist system

Other Trims:

SEL

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: AM/FM radio

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes
                                                                                                        
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, 158-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular Unleaded

Standard Fuel Mileage:
28-city/36-hwy

What’s New: The Taos is an all-new entry to the brand’s line up. Its based of the same platform as its larger siblings, the Atlas Cross and the Atlas.

Why:

A roomy compact crossover 

Nimble

Styling resembles that of the larger Atlas crossover

Front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration

A variety of driving modes available on AWD models only

A peppy engine

A crash system that unlocks all doors, activates the hazard lights and shuts off the fuel pump --- standard across all trims

An easy-to-use infotainment system

A host of features, depending upon the trim

An oversized panoramic moonroof available

An 8-speaker, 400-watt audio system available on higher-level trim

An available with a number of safety driving aid features, ranging from a radar-activated cruise control to a lane keep assist system

But: 

No standout features or design cues… VW is playing it safe!

Verdict:  This seemingly solid vehicle slots right below the compact Tiguan, which has a $3,000 higher starting price. The all-new Taos, which is pronounced like the word toss, is a basic and uneventful design. In fact, both the exterior and the interior styling cues mimic that of its larger sibling, the Atlas. Moreover, like the Atlas, the Taos does not standout in its segment.

Furthermore, the Taos is available in three trims, with either a front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration. 

Overall the all-new Taos provides a roomy interior and a great ride. The American designed crossover, with its German roots, is available with a host of desirable features, depending upon the trim.

Competition: Chevy Equinox; Ford Escape; GMC Terrain; Jeep Cherokee; Subaru Crosstrek  and Toyota RAV4