Review: 2022 Volkswagen Taos 1.5T SEL

The all-new 2022 Volkswagen Taos debuts with a bold exterior design, practical but refined interior, advanced technology, and available 4Motion® all-wheel drive. Based on the award-winning MQB platform, this five-passenger compact SUV is slotted within the VW lineup just below the Tiguan thus offering Volkswagen's same type of signature driving dynamics and effective packaging but now presented in a smaller package with a lower price tag.

Inside the cabin, a set of contemporary-looking two-toned seats and a two-layer interior treatment is designed to give the cockpit a wide, dynamic look. Two separate levels on the dashboard consist of a top décor element which surrounds the air vents and other similar components as well as a lower-level soft-touch surface which runs the width of the interior and continues through the door panels. A visual connection across all interior elements is achieved by using the same materials for seat covers and other soft décor components, while contrast stitching gives a visual pop as well. For further good-mood-inducing personal customizations, a panoramic sunroof is available on SE and SEL trims and 10-color ambient lighting is standard on top-of-the-line SEL trims.

Powered by a 158-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged and direct-injection EA211 TSI® engine, the Taos delivers a number of high-tech features designed to help produce spirited performance and an efficient fuel economy rating of 28 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined. Available in three trim levels—S, SE, and SE—the Taos S starts at $22,995 for front-wheel drive and $25,040 with 4Motion all-wheel drive. The vehicle's driving mode selection feature—standard on AWD models—offers three modes including Normal which has a different steering heft and throttle response and Sport mode which adds to that more aggressive shifts as well as Individual mode which allows drivers to tailor the steering and throttle map.

Expected to appeal mostly to a more youthful consumer base, the brand's current entry-level SUV boasts a tech-forward package with the latest standard and available driver assistance technologies offered such as Volkswagen's MIB3 infotainment system and the IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance suite. The vehicle's innovative Volkswagen MIB touchscreen infotainment system display also utilizes a capacitive-touch sensor rather than resistive touchscreens that require pressure, thereby enabling controls like swiping and even pinch zooming. With bold design DNA that is immediately present in the Taos exterior along with a stylish cabin and forward-thinking technology, the Volkswagen Taos is likely to be considered a value by incoming buyers.

The interior design of Taos reflects the simple yet modern shape of the sculpted exterior.
There's a clean and recognizable theme, which harkens to other models in the Volkswagen SUV family.

Dmitry Panov, Interior Designer for the Taos

In the News

Source: Volkswagen | Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced its changes for the 2022 model year today. Across the lineup, most models receive a standard Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and now offer IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance technology as standard or available equipment. The compact Taos SUV joined the Volkswagen family earlier this year; redesigned Golf GTI and Golf R models and refreshed Jetta, Jetta GLI, and Tiguan models round out the major changes. Volkswagen's IQ.DRIVE advanced driver assistance technology includes hands-on semi-automated capability. On the highway, IQ.DRIVE features lane centering and a capacitive steering wheel to make driving easier. Around town, IQ.DRIVE can alert you to surprise obstacles in front of you, and can keep an eye around you to help make driving safer. IQ.DRIVE technology 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).

Specifications

Engine: 158 horsepower 1.5L TSI
Torque: 184 pound-feet
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Wheels: 18" alloy
Sound: BeatsAudio™ premium sound system
Color: Cornflower Blue
Fuel: 28/36/31 (mpg city/highway/combined)
MSRP (starts): $31,490
MSRP (shown): $33,885

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
Volkswagen | Taos

About Volkswagen

Volkswagen of America, Inc. is an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, which is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Volkswagen Group of America's operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and a state-of-the-art assembly facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Arteon, Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, Golf, Golf GTI, ID.4, Jetta, Jetta GLI, Passat, and Tiguan vehicles through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.