The 2022 Volkswagen Taos crossover has been unveiled ahead of its arrival in Canada in the summer of 2021.
This new subcompact crossover slots in underneath the popular Tiguan in the German automaker's growing crossover lineup. VW says the Taos is "small in stature but big on value," offering up many of the same features as the Tiguan but in a more compact and affordable package.
Entry-level 2022 VW Taos models will ship with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. This engine, essentially the same as the turbo four found in the latest VW Jetta sedan, produces 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive will also be available for extra, with these models trading the eight-speed automatic for a more advanced seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
As for the exterior styling, the Taos stays true to the rest of the VW crossover range. It appears a bit like a smaller, shrunken down version of the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport from the front, mostly due to the similar LED headlight signature, while the side profile is more heavily inspired by the Tiguan. VW says the 2022 Taos will be available in eight different exterior colours and with three unique wheel designs. A 17-inch aluminum wheel will be standard, while 18-inch and 19-inch alloys will be available for extra.
VW promises the Taos' cabin will offer a blend of "modern design as well as premium fit and finish." The fairly minimalist interior is highlighted by its large eight-inch colour touchscreen display with voice control, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless charging, wireless app connect, and available navigation. Joining the eight-inch screen is a standard digital cluster display. Even the most stripped-out Taos base model will eschew traditional analogue gauges for this fully configurable high-resolution digital screen, a generous offering that we hope extends to other VW models in the future.
Also available on the Taos will be VW's suite of driver assistance technology, which it calls "IQ.Drive." Among the features included in this package will be forward collision warning with autonomous braking, active blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop and go, among more.
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos will be offered in three trim levels in Canada: Trendline, Comfortline, and range-topping Highline. Pricing for the new crossover, which will be built at the automaker's plant in Puebla, Mexico, will be disclosed in the coming months.
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