Automotive Fleet recently had the opportunity to test drive the all-new 2022 Volkswagen Taos compact SUV, which is the newest member of the VW’s SUV lineup. It is available in either a front-wheel-drive (FWD) or an all-drive configuration. I had an opportunity to drive both models. The FWD version is powered by a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 158 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque paired with an 8-speed automatic. The 4Motion all-wheel-drive model has the same engine, but is mated to a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic.

My driving experience showed that the turbocharged engine provides quick acceleration when merging into traffic with all-round good performance. Behind the wheel, the Taos conveys a feeling of being solidly built. The cabin is quiet and does a good job in insulating the driver from outside road noise. The interior is roomy and it provides good road visibility. The second row seat is large with plenty of legroom and headroom for a compact SUV. 

The VW Taos is available in three trim levels—S, SE, and SEL. It is based on Volkswagen’s MQB architecture and is slotted under the Tiguan.

The Taos is 175.8 inches long, just 9.3 inches shy of Tiguan. The front-wheel-drive Taos has a wheelbase of 105.9 inches; it is 72.5 inches wide and 64.4 inches tall. The all-wheel-drive Taos has a wheelbase of 105.6 inches; it is 72.5 inches wide and 64.6 inches tall.

Thanks to its long wheelbase, the Taos has 99.5 cubic feet of cargo space—just 1.6 cu ft less than the two-row Tiguan front-wheel-drive model. From an ergonomic standpoint, the Taos has a  low lift-over height of its cargo floor, which will be welcomed by salespeople or service techs who require frequent access the trunk area.

Passive and Active Safety

The Taos provides a combination of passive and active safety systems. It features six airbags as standard (front and side airbags for front passengers and side curtain airbags for outboard seating positions), along with a number of electronic safety systems, such as an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

A standard feature on the 2022 Taos is VW’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. The Taos also includes VW’s Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions.

Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE advanced driver assistance technology features hands-on semi-automated capability. On the highway, IQ.DRIVE features lane centering and a capacitive steering wheel to make driving easier. It is available on S and SE models in packages, and is standard on SEL models. The system utilizes front and rear radar, a front camera and several ultrasound sensors to collect data from the surrounding area, enabling Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance); Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring); Active Blind Spot Monitor; Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Go; Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System); and Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency).

Warranty & Maintenance

The 2022 Taos has a bumper-to-bumper for four years or 50,000-miles and can be transferred to a subsequent owner throughout the remainder of its duration. The Carefree Maintenance Program provides scheduled maintenance services for two years or 20,000 miles at no additional charge and can be transferred to a subsequent owner.