History/Overview
The Volkswagen Taos is an all-new model for 2022 that competes in the fast-growing subcompact crossover market segment. It effectively replaces the Golf hatchback as the brand’s entry-level five-door model (though the sporty GTI and Golf R carry on for 2022).
Available Trims
VW offers the Taos in Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims. All use a 1.5L four-cylinder turbo engine. Trendline FWD gets an eight-speed automatic transmission; AWD models (it’s optional in Trendline and standard elsewhere) get a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Standard Features
Trendline trim comes with a four-speaker stereo, 6.5-inch touchscreen, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, an 8.0-inch digital gauge display, 17-inch alloy wheels, auto on/off LED headlights, LED taillights, heated side mirrors, heated windshield washers, air conditioning, and heated front seats.
Comfortline adds forward collision detection/automatic braking, blind spot monitor/rear cross-traffic alert, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging, a six-speaker stereo, power driver’s seat, dual-zone auto A/C, leatherette seating, and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter.
Highline models get a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, an eight-speaker stereo with subwoofer, navigation, 18-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, LED light-bar grille, panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, ambient cabin lighting, heated steering wheel, road-sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and 19-inch wheels.
Key Options
Comfortline can be optioned with a package bundling 18-inch wheels with a panoramic roof and LED reading lights.
Fuel Economy
Volkswagen estimates the Taos’ fuel consumption at 8.4/6.6 L/100 km (city/highway) with front-wheel drive, and 9.5/7.4 with AWD.
Competition
The VW Taos competes with a number of other small crossovers: Honda HR-V, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford EcoSport, Jeep Renegade, Mazda CX-30, Nissan Qashqai, Subaru Crosstrek, Mitsubishi RVR, Buick Encore GX, and Toyota Corolla Cross, which is also new for 2022.
