Volkswagen Taos: Was It Worth the Wait?

In the fiercely competitive world of compact SUVs, Volkswagen has, perhaps, been a little late to the party. While other manufacturers have rapidly expanded their utility vehicle portfolios to meet insatiable customer demand, the Wolfsburg-based giant seemed to take its time. However, the wait is finally over. The 2022 Volkswagen Taos has arrived, offering a compelling new choice in the segment, and it appears the delay was well worth it. This compact SUV doesn't promise endless thrills or excessive frills, but it expertly nails the fundamental requirements that matter most to drivers.

A Fresh Face in the Compact SUV Arena

The Taos steps into the compact SUV spotlight with a quiet confidence that belies its relatively late arrival. It’s a vehicle that checks all the right boxes for the discerning modern motorist. From its incredibly spacious interior and impressive comfort levels to its remarkable fuel efficiency and accessible pricing, the Taos presents a well-rounded package. Add to this a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems, and you have a contender that comfortably stands shoulder-to-shoulder with established rivals such as the Honda HR-V, Jeep Compass, and Subaru Crosstrek. In certain aspects, the Taos even manages to challenge more premium offerings like Mazda's elegant CX-30.

Unlike some of its more visually flamboyant competitors, such as the Chevrolet Trailblazer or Hyundai Kona, the Volkswagen Taos opts for a more subdued, yet undeniably attractive, aesthetic. It’s a design that prioritises clean lines and careful execution over ostentatious flair. The front end strikes a perfect balance, appearing assertive without being aggressive, while the body lines are crisp and precise. A testament to Volkswagen’s meticulous engineering, all panel gaps are laser straight and millimeter precise, imbuing the Taos with a palpable sense of fastidious craftsmanship. One particularly striking option, especially on the range-topping SEL variant, is the Cornflower Blue paint job. Despite its quaint name, this colour is truly electric, adding a vibrant pop. For those who prefer a more understated look, a range of conservative colours are also available.

Design and Interior Space: Bigger Than It Looks?

Beneath its refined exterior, the 2022 Taos is built upon the ubiquitous Volkswagen Group's MQB architecture. This platform is renowned for its versatility and refinement, and in the Taos, it contributes to an astoundingly spacious and comfortable ride. Despite being over nine inches shorter than its larger sibling, the Tiguan, the Taos manages to offer nearly as much interior volume. This remarkable packaging means the Taos punches above its weight in terms of practicality.

Boot space is particularly generous, offering nearly 28 cubic feet of luggage room behind the second-row seats. For those moments when you need to haul larger items, simply fold down the 60/40 split rear backrest, and you're greeted with just shy of 66 cubic feet of junk-hauling capacity. It's worth noting, however, that all-wheel-drive models are slightly less capacious, though not by a significant margin. The Taos’s passenger accommodations are equally impressive. The front bucket seats are notably cushy, providing ample support for long journeys. Buyers opting for the SE or SEL models benefit from an eight-way power driver’s chair, complete with adjustable lumbar support, ensuring optimal comfort for the driver.

The rear bench is where the Taos truly shines, offering an abundance of space in all directions. Even taller adults will find ample legroom and headroom, making long trips comfortable for all occupants. From front to back, the sheer cavernous interior of this Volkswagen is seriously impressive for its class, making it an excellent choice for families or those who frequently transport passengers or cargo.

Inside the Cabin: Comfort Meets Compromise

While the Taos’s interior is undoubtedly spacious and accommodating, some of the cabin materials don't quite reach the same praiseworthy heights. The top of the dashboard, for instance, is covered in a large expanse of hard, rather cheaply textured plastic. Similarly, the shiny painted trim that stretches from door to door and the climate controls can feel a little low-rent. These elements are somewhat offset by the decent quality leather used on the seats and softer plastics on the upper door panels, so it's not entirely a case of cost-cutting. However, it's fair to say that the Taos feels considerably less premium than the Mazda CX-30 in this regard.

Infotainment and Digital Displays

Technology in the Taos is a mixed bag of intuitive features and curious design choices. An 8-inch digital instrument cluster comes as standard, providing clear and concise driving information. However, SEL models elevate the experience with a fully reconfigurable 10.3-inch panel that is both crisp and colourful, allowing for greater customisation of the driver's display. For infotainment, three setups are available:

The Taos’s infotainment system, while not immediately intuitive, is generally simple enough to decipher after a few minutes of exploration. However, one perplexing design choice is the dial located to the right of the screen. It visually resembles a tuning knob, leading one to believe they can twirl it to change radio stations. Yet, despite any attempts, the radio stations remain unchanged. Instead, this dial functions as a control knob, allowing you to cycle through certain infotainment settings and menus – a function that proves as inconvenient as it is unintuitive. Thankfully, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard equipment across the range, simplifying smartphone integration considerably.

Connectivity and Audio

Connectivity options are well-catered for, with up to three USB Type-C ports available. The mid-range SE and top-shelf SEL trims also come equipped with a wireless charging plate, a convenient feature for keeping your devices powered up on the go. Setting the SEL trim further apart, it boasts an eight-speaker Beats audio system that delivers a surprisingly good sound experience. For those seeking maximum comfort, ventilated seats are offered in the Taos, though this premium feature is exclusive to the SEL trim and only when paired with all-wheel drive.

Performance and Driving Dynamics: Getting You There Efficiently

Under the bonnet, the Volkswagen Taos offers a singular engine choice: a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four cylinder. This compact yet potent dynamo, running on a modified version of the Miller cycle and fitted with a variable-geometry turbocharger, produces a respectable 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. While this engine is reasonably smooth and provides ample power for everyday driving, it doesn't particularly stand out from the powertrains found in competing vehicles.

Transmission Choices and Throttle Response

Two different transmissions are available, depending on the drivetrain. Front-wheel-drive models, like the one tested, are paired with a conventional eight-speed automatic gearbox. This unit is generally quick, smooth, and responsive, though it can occasionally be a little overeager to upshift. However, this is a minor quibble compared to the vehicle's initial throttle response. When pulling away from a standstill in 'Drive' mode, the Taos can feel absolutely lethargic, as if it’s reluctant to move unless you push the accelerator halfway down or more. Fortunately, there's a simple solution to this: engaging 'Sport' mode with a click of the shifter significantly improves the Taos's responsiveness at low speeds, making for a much more engaging driving experience.

Fuel Economy and Ride Quality

When equipped with front-wheel drive, the Taos is expected to return impressive fuel economy figures of 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on highway drives. Combined, this compact SUV is rated at a respectable 31 mpg. What’s even more impressive is that during mixed driving, it has been observed to achieve just shy of 36 mpg without any concerted effort, highlighting its real-world efficiency. While the Taos’s interior is wonderfully capacious, the driving position can feel a little 'off' for some, with the relationship between the steering wheel and seat not quite feeling ideal, almost as if the instrument cluster is too low and the wheel too high.

Make no mistake, this compact SUV is certainly no sports car, but it drives well enough for its intended purpose. The steering is light and leans towards the vague side, which might not appeal to those who prefer more feedback. However, the ride quality is superb. It feels firm yet is entirely free of any harshness, absorbing larger impacts without flinching. The chassis does an excellent job of filtering out vibrations and road grittiness, imparting the Taos with a ride quality that practically rivals that of a German luxury car.

Safety and Technology: Driving with Confidence

Volkswagen’s comprehensive IQ Drive safety suite is available on S and SE models and comes as standard on the top-tier SEL version. This advanced technology package significantly enhances safety and convenience, including crucial amenities such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The ever-useful adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability is also bundled within this suite. It operates smoothly and inspires confidence, performing almost exactly as advertised. SEL models further benefit from standard automatic high beams, rear parking sensors, and road-sign recognition, adding another layer of safety and convenience to the driving experience.

Value Proposition: Is the Taos Right for You?

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is currently available at dealerships in three distinct trim levels: S, SE, and SEL. This compact SUV starts at a competitive price of £24,190, which includes a £1,195 destination fee. For those who desire the added traction and stability of all-wheel drive, expect to pay approximately £2,000 more. A front-wheel-drive SEL variant, as featured in this review, comes in at just £32,685 when close to fully loaded. This represents a remarkably affordable price for such a spacious and highly functional vehicle, offering excellent value in its segment.

Taos: Key Pros and Cons

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Volkswagen Taos spacious?

Yes, the Volkswagen Taos is remarkably spacious for a compact SUV. Despite being shorter than the Tiguan, it offers nearly 28 cubic feet of boot space with the rear seats up, expanding to almost 66 cubic feet with them folded down. Passenger accommodation, particularly in the rear, is also very generous, providing ample legroom and headroom for adults.

What engine does the Volkswagen Taos have?

The Taos is powered by a single engine option: a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four cylinder. This engine produces 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, offering a good balance of power and efficiency for everyday driving.

What are the fuel economy figures for the Taos?

Front-wheel-drive Taos models are rated at 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, with a combined rating of 31 mpg. Real-world driving has shown even better results, with figures close to 36 mpg in mixed driving conditions.

Is the Volkswagen Taos good value for money?

Absolutely. Starting at £24,190 (including destination fees), the Taos offers a compelling blend of space, comfort, efficiency, and advanced features at a competitive price. Even a near-fully loaded SEL front-wheel-drive variant comes in at just over £32,000, making it a highly functional and affordable option in its class.

What safety features does the Volkswagen Taos offer?

The Taos offers Volkswagen’s IQ Drive safety suite, which includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The SEL trim adds automatic high beams, rear parking sensors, and road-sign recognition as standard.

Volkswagen may have been conspicuously late to the burgeoning compact SUV party, but the arrival of the Taos proves that good things come to those who wait. While it may not be the most exhilarating vehicle on the road, this SUV excels at its core mission. It delivers practicality, comfort, efficiency, and a solid driving experience wrapped in understated styling. The Taos is poised to be a significant seller for Volkswagen, appealing to a wide range of drivers who prioritise sensible design and dependable performance over flashy gimmicks.

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