2022 VW Taos: The Sporty SUV You'll Love

by Alex Braham 41 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into everything you need to know about the 2022 Volkswagen Taos, a sporty SUV that’s been making waves. Whether you're a seasoned car enthusiast or just looking for your next ride, this review is tailored to give you all the juicy details. We’ll cover everything from performance and design to technology and safety, so buckle up and get ready for a comprehensive tour of the Taos!

What Makes the 2022 VW Taos Stand Out?

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos hits the sweet spot between a compact car and a larger SUV, offering a blend of versatility and efficiency that's hard to beat. It's designed to appeal to a wide range of drivers, from young professionals to small families. The Taos distinguishes itself with its nimble handling, comfortable interior, and a host of tech features that keep you connected and safe on the road. The design is unmistakably Volkswagen, featuring clean lines and a modern aesthetic that stands out without being overly flashy. Inside, you’ll find a well-thought-out cabin with quality materials and an intuitive layout, making every drive a pleasure. What really sets the Taos apart is its value proposition; it offers a lot of features for its price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on quality or style. Plus, with Volkswagen's reputation for reliability and a solid warranty, you can drive with confidence knowing you're covered. So, if you're in the market for a sporty SUV that's both practical and fun, the 2022 VW Taos is definitely worth a look. It’s a vehicle that understands the needs of modern drivers and delivers on all fronts.

Performance and Powertrain

When it comes to performance, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos doesn’t disappoint. Under the hood, you’ll find a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers a punchy 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine is designed to provide a great balance of power and fuel efficiency, making it perfect for both city driving and long road trips. The turbocharger ensures that you have plenty of low-end torque, so you can accelerate quickly and confidently merge onto the highway. The Taos comes standard with front-wheel drive, but you can also opt for the available 4Motion all-wheel-drive system for enhanced traction and stability in all weather conditions. The front-wheel-drive models are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the all-wheel-drive versions get a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Both transmissions offer smooth and responsive shifts, contributing to a refined driving experience. Fuel economy is another strong point for the Taos, with front-wheel-drive models achieving up to 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel-drive models offer slightly lower but still respectable numbers. On the road, the Taos feels nimble and composed. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride without sacrificing handling, making it enjoyable to drive on twisty roads. The steering is precise and well-weighted, giving you a good sense of control. Overall, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos offers a well-rounded performance package that's both fun and practical. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a weekend adventure, the Taos has the power and efficiency to get you there with ease. It’s a sporty SUV that doesn’t compromise on performance, making it a great choice for drivers who want a little bit of everything.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2022 Volkswagen Taos, you'll immediately notice the attention to detail and the focus on comfort. The cabin is designed to be both functional and stylish, with a clean and modern aesthetic. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, making long drives a breeze. You can choose from cloth, leatherette, or leather upholstery, depending on the trim level. The front seats offer ample headroom and legroom, even for taller passengers. In the back, there’s plenty of space for adults to sit comfortably, making the Taos a great option for families. One of the standout features of the Taos is its cargo capacity. With the rear seats up, you get a generous 27.9 cubic feet of space, which is more than enough for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. Fold the rear seats down, and the cargo area expands to an impressive 65.9 cubic feet, giving you plenty of room for larger items. The interior of the Taos is also packed with convenient features. You’ll find plenty of storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a large glovebox, door pockets, and a center console with cupholders. The dashboard is well-organized and easy to use, with intuitive controls for the climate control and infotainment system. Higher trim levels offer additional features like a panoramic sunroof, which lets in plenty of natural light and enhances the sense of spaciousness. Overall, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos offers a comfortable and practical interior that's perfect for everyday driving. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip, you'll appreciate the well-designed cabin and the thoughtful features that make every journey more enjoyable. It’s a sporty SUV that prioritizes comfort without sacrificing style, making it a great choice for drivers who value both.

Technology and Features

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is equipped with a wide range of technology features designed to keep you connected, entertained, and safe on the road. The centerpiece of the infotainment system is a touchscreen display, which comes in either a 6.5-inch or 8-inch size, depending on the trim level. The touchscreen is responsive and easy to use, with a clear and intuitive interface. Standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car’s infotainment system. You can access your favorite apps, make calls, send texts, and stream music directly from the touchscreen. Higher trim levels offer additional features like a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless charging, and a premium BeatsAudio sound system. The Taos also comes with a range of advanced driver-assistance features. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and a rearview camera. Available features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These features help to enhance your awareness of your surroundings and can help prevent accidents. One of the standout tech features of the Taos is the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, which is available on higher trim levels. This system replaces the traditional analog gauges with a digital display that can be customized to show a variety of information, including speed, fuel economy, navigation directions, and more. The Digital Cockpit is easy to read and adds a high-tech touch to the interior. Overall, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos offers a comprehensive suite of technology features that enhance the driving experience. Whether you're looking for connectivity, entertainment, or safety, the Taos has you covered. It’s a sporty SUV that embraces technology without being overwhelming, making it a great choice for drivers who appreciate modern conveniences.

Safety and Driver-Assistance

Safety is a top priority for the 2022 Volkswagen Taos, and it comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance features designed to protect you and your passengers. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a full complement of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags. These features work together to help prevent accidents and minimize injuries in the event of a collision. In addition to these standard features, the Taos also offers a range of advanced driver-assistance systems. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, which can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate an accident. Forward collision warning alerts you to potential hazards in front of the vehicle, giving you time to react. A rearview camera is also standard, making it easier to back up and park safely. Available driver-assistance features include adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Lane-keeping assist helps you stay in your lane by providing gentle steering corrections if you start to drift. Blind-spot monitoring alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, making it safer to change lanes. Rear cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing out of a parking space. These features can significantly enhance your awareness of your surroundings and help prevent accidents. The 2022 Volkswagen Taos has also been subjected to crash testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). While the official ratings may vary, the Taos is designed to meet or exceed industry safety standards. Overall, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos offers a strong safety package that provides peace of mind for you and your family. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip, you can drive with confidence knowing that the Taos is equipped with the latest safety technology. It’s a sporty SUV that prioritizes safety without compromising on style or performance, making it a great choice for drivers who value both.

Trim Levels and Options

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is available in three main trim levels: S, SE, and SEL. Each trim level offers a different combination of features and options, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.

  • Taos S: The base S trim comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and a rearview camera. It also includes LED headlights and taillights, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
  • Taos SE: The SE trim adds a larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. It also includes heated front seats, a wireless charging pad, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
  • Taos SEL: The top-of-the-line SEL trim includes all of the features of the SE trim, plus leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a premium BeatsAudio sound system, and the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. It also includes 19-inch alloy wheels and automatic high beams.

In addition to these trim levels, you can also choose from a range of optional features and packages. These include the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, which is available on all trim levels, as well as various appearance packages that allow you to customize the look of your Taos. When choosing a trim level, it’s important to consider your priorities and budget. If you’re looking for the most affordable option, the S trim is a great choice. If you want more advanced safety features and technology, the SE trim is a good value. And if you want all the bells and whistles, the SEL trim is the way to go. No matter which trim level you choose, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos offers a lot of value for the money. It’s a sporty SUV that’s well-equipped, fun to drive, and safe, making it a great choice for a wide range of drivers.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the 2022 Volkswagen Taos:

Pros:

  • Spacious Interior: The Taos offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for families.
  • Fuel-Efficient Engine: The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine provides a great balance of power and fuel economy.
  • Available All-Wheel Drive: The 4Motion all-wheel-drive system enhances traction and stability in all weather conditions.
  • User-Friendly Technology: The infotainment system is easy to use, and the available Digital Cockpit adds a high-tech touch.
  • Comprehensive Safety Features: The Taos comes with a wide range of standard and available safety features.

Cons:

  • Base Trim Lacks Features: The base S trim is a bit sparse on features compared to the higher trim levels.
  • Some Interior Materials Feel Cheap: While the interior is well-designed, some of the materials feel a bit low-rent.
  • All-Wheel Drive Reduces Fuel Economy: The all-wheel-drive models offer slightly lower fuel economy than the front-wheel-drive versions.

Overall, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos is a well-rounded sporty SUV that offers a lot of value for the money. While it has a few minor drawbacks, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. If you’re looking for a small SUV that’s fun to drive, practical, and safe, the Taos is definitely worth considering.

Is the 2022 VW Taos Right for You?

So, is the 2022 Volkswagen Taos the right car for you? If you're in the market for a sporty SUV that combines practicality, style, and technology, the Taos should definitely be on your list. It’s perfect for young professionals, small families, and anyone who wants a versatile vehicle that’s fun to drive. With its spacious interior, fuel-efficient engine, and available all-wheel drive, the Taos is well-suited for both city driving and long road trips. And with its comprehensive suite of safety features, you can drive with confidence knowing that you and your passengers are protected. Of course, no car is perfect, and the Taos does have a few minor drawbacks. But overall, it’s a well-rounded vehicle that offers a lot of value for the money. If you’re looking for a small SUV that’s both practical and fun, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos is definitely worth a look. So go ahead and take one for a test drive – you might just fall in love!