Customers who are new to the area will be happy with more space and a slight increase of size.
While we mourn the loss of the Volkswagen Golf, the German manufacturer is surging on with a don’t-call-it-a-replacement replacement: the 2022 Volkswagen Taos. VW wants us to not think of the Taos the successor to the Golf, but the reps for the automaker say that there will be much overlap in the use cases.
This overlap could retain dissatisfied Golf shoppers. This seems possible, but more importantly, the Taos expands VW’s range of crossover vehicles. The entry-level high-rider Tiguan starts at almost $25,000. The Taos will bring that price down to $23,195, which is less than the Golf’s $23,195. Even though it lacks the Golf’s compact-hatchback appeal, this crossover should prove to be a winner for consumers.
Interior and exterior dimensions of Taos are a win
Taos, which is MQB-based, feels right for consumers. It divides the difference between the 167.6-inch Golf hatchback, and the popular 185.1-inch . At 175.8 inches long, it rides on a 105.9 inch wheelbase. What does all that noise mean? Although the Taos is larger than the Golf, it should still be as easy to park on the road as any compact. It’s 9.3 inches shorter that the VW compact Jetta.
This increases cabin space. With the rear seats in place, there are 99.5 cubic feet of space for passengers. There is 28.1 cubic feet of cargo area. Both numbers surpass the Golf (93.5, 22.8) and Jetta (94.7, 14.1).
Both the inside and outside design are familiar. The Tiguan’s exterior design was simplified by VW, while the T-Roc retained some of its flair. The bold light-up strip connecting the headlights to the badge in grille is striking, while the details of the headlights are colored Arteon. The side grille looks like Atlas, and the profile is simple and clean. A more aggressive rake to D-pillar and a faster rear windows would have added visual panache. It is possible that Volkswagen left the door open to accommodate a Cross Sport trim.
Although the cabin is not as modern as the Golf redesign or the forthcoming GTI, the digital instrument cluster with 8.0-inch touchscreen and section%22%3A%22448512%22%2C%22section%22%2C%22alias%22%3A%222020-volkswagen-cross-sport long term review%22%7D make for a very clean design. We are unsure about the material quality due to our experience with US VWs, and the large section of shiny plastic trim around the dash. However, the interior looks premium and clean. The images show that there is ample legroom in the second row.
Taos Active Safety Disappoints
Hein Schaffer, Volkswagen Senior Vice President for Product Marketing and Strategy, stated that “we believe that the American client wants a well equipped car.” The company isn’t giving away stuff.
All active safety gear such as AEB (automatic emergency braking) is available in an optional form. This is a disappointing decision by VW as Nissan and Honda all offer active safety without charge. For example, the Rogue Sport comes standard with AEB with pedestrian detection, while the Toyota CHR offers active safety free of charge.
The optional IQ.Drive safety suite includes forward collision warning with automated emergency braking, blind spot monitor, lane keeping assistance, full-speed adaptive cruise controller, automatic high beams, lane keeping aid, lane keep assist, lane keeping assistant, full speed adaptive cruise control and full-speed adaptive brake control. The lack of standard safety equipment might be a minor issue, provided that the Taos is less expensive than its rivals and VW doesn’t charge an arm and a leg to get IQ.Drive.
This compact SUV is a disappointment, but it has some great gear. Volkswagen has confirmed that the Digital Cockpit system will be available on select trims. It replaces the traditional instrument cluster dials with an adjustable 10.3-inch display on higher trims and an 8.0-inch standard display on lower trims. The Taos can also function as a WiFi hotspot, and comes with a wireless charging pad. Every model except the base will have an 8.-inch touchscreen and the most recent MIB3 infotainment program.
Taos Horsepower and Fuel Economy Should be Balanced
The standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine powering the Taos is the same as the Golf, Tiguan and Jetta. The 1.5-liter engine packs 158 horsepower and is capable of producing 184 pound-feet. Although VW has not revealed the Taos’ weight, these figures are more than the 141-hp Nissan Rogue Sport. The 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine can’t compete with the Jeep Compass (175 HP/184 lbft) or the new Hyundai Tucson (190 HP/182 lbft).
Depending on the power source, the turbocharged engine of the Taos can be used with one or both of two gearboxes. The front-drive models have an eight-speed manual transmission, while the 4Motion all wheel drive has a seven speed dual-clutch transmission. Although the 1.5-liter’s output is comparable to the Jetta’s turbocharged 1.4, we don’t expect a significant change in fuel economy from the Jetta’s EPA ratings of 30 MPG city, 40 highway and 34 combined.
Where can you buy a Tao?
Volkswagen has yet to announce pricing, but we expect prices to start at $21,000-$23,000 and peak at around $30,000 – The automaker confirmed that the new CUV will be available in dealerships by the end of 2021. In the coming months, we will have more information about the cost of ownership.
Correction: An earlier version of this report stated that the Taos had a 12.3-inch cluster of digital instruments. This was wrong. Standard displays have an 8.0 inch screen, while higher-end trims get a 10.3 inch screen. This has been corrected. We are sorry for the error.