The next big thing from Volkswagen is its smallest crossover, the 2022 Taos.
When you’re looking for a spacious three-row SUV or large compact crossover, VW has you covered. But if you wanted something smaller, you were out of luck until now. VW has a new smaller crossover.
Usually, a smaller crossover has one big drawback, lack of space. Nevertheless, the new VW Taos is here to alleviate some of those fears. This newest little crossover has reasonable room for front and rear-seat riders, and there is even some cargo space. The Taos SEL also comes nicely equipped with heated and ventilated leather seats. The driver has a high-tech digital cockpit display that gives you more information than a normal set of gauges.
When you are behind the wheel of a smaller crossover, the driving experience is usually a bit forgettable. The VW Taos is different in its approach. The small four-cylinder turbo engine does an admirable job of moving this little crossover most of the time. Occasionally, you wish the transmission would be quicker to find a lower gear when you need to accelerate. The ride is very agreeable with a body that handles smaller bumps very well. It’s one of the more comfortable small crossovers in its class. The mostly hushed cabin only lets some noise in at highway speeds.
The 2022 VW Taos sports an SUV look similar to the larger VW Atlas. This Taos body is more square and tougher looking than some other tiny crossovers. While the styling will not set any new standards with its looks, it’s very appealing for a wide variety of shoppers and should serve VW well. The top-of-the-line SEL trim level that I drove also sports large 19-inch wheels.
Cost: $33,645; as tested $36,535
MPG: 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway; I managed 25.4 mpg in 197 miles of mixed driving.
Safety: dynamic road sign assist; adaptive cruise control stop & go; park distance control front & rear; forward collision warning & autonomous emergency braking with a pedestrian monitor; lane-keep assist & traffic jam assist; active blind spot monitor & rear cross-traffic alert; high beam control; automatic post-collision braking system.
Options: $395 Pure Gray exterior; $1,200 power tilting & sliding sunroof; $1,295 destination charge.
Things to know: The new VW Taos is a tiny crossover that has more space than you might think a little crossover would.
Pros:
- Has adequate power and handles well for this class.
- Ample space for front and back seat riders for this class of vehicle.
- Many safety and driver assistance features.
Cons:
- Some road noise on the highway.
- Transmission can be slow shifting leaving the Taos feeling slow.
- Fuel economy fell short of the sticker for my week of driving.
