Low price, spacious cabin make VW Taos compelling crossover
If you’re a fan of Volkswagen hatchbacks, no doubt you’re saddened that Volkswagen is no longer bringing the normally aspirated Golf to the United States; it’s now only available as the pricier, sportier GTI. But that doesn’t mean that VW is abandoning that part of the market. In its place is the new 2022 Volkswagen Taos, which starts at a reasonable $22,995.
But the new Taos isn’t a hot hatch inflated to 150 psi. In fact, it’s not sporting at all. Instead, it’s a wagon-like transportation appliance that competes in an increasingly crowded space against such players as the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford EcoSport, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Jeep Compass, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30 Nissan Kicks and Subaru Crosstrek. But unlike them, it sports handsomely uncluttered, refined styling that’s timeless and gratifyingly mature. It doesn’t look like an escapee from a video game. In fact, it resembles an Atlas Cross Sport that was left in the dryer too long, but that’s not a bad thing.
Open the door and you’ll be surprised by the Taos’ expansive cabin. Full-size
Americans can actually inhabit the back seat without complaint — head and leg room are generous. Seating is very comfortable and supportive. Ambience is similar to that of other VW SUVs, being a symphony of stark, hard plastic, albeit well assembled and designed with ergonomic simplicity.
Offered in ascending S, midrange SE and top-ofthe-line SEL trim, the Taos employs the MQB platform that underpins the larger Tiguan.
While you might be tempted by the S trim level’s low base price, it’s better to opt for the SE, which adds such niceties as full keyless access, remote start, an eight-way power driver seat with lumbar, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, heated washer nozzles, leatherette-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and privacy glass.
Lower-priced models come with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, a 6.5-inch center infotainment touch screen and two USB ports. Pricier models get a 10.3-inch instrument cluster and an 8-inch infotainment screen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and three USB ports. SEL models include navigation and a Beats audio system.
Acceleration is more than sufficient for daily driving duties despite its turbo lag, so planning is called for when you need a sudden dose of power — especially off-theline. However, that’s not unusual for this market segment. While there’s nothing wrong with the Taos’ overall behavior, it feels fairly vanilla for a Volkswagen.
Still, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos’ low price, spacious cabin and reasonable fuel economy make it well worth considering. Choose your options carefully and you’ll find the Taos to be an accommodatingly efficient crossover — and a very handsome one at that. Just don’t expect the fun driving experience of a GTI.