2022 Volkswagen Taos: First Look

© Volkswagen of America2022 Volkswagen Taos
Volkswagen doubles down with a second entry in the compact SUV segment, adding the all-new 2022 Taos alongside the current Tiguan. The 5-seat Taos lands right in the middle of the compact SUV segment, slotting in below Tiguan — one of the larger vehicles in the segment with an available third row.

© Volkswagen of AmericaSmaller Compact Crossover
Smaller and more affordable than Tiguan, the 5-seat Taos is 175.8 inches long, which comes in 9.3 inches shorter than Tiguan. The 2022 Volkswagen Taos rides on a 105.9-inch wheelbase — 3.9 inches shorter than Tiguan’s wheelbase. Taos offers 99.5 cubic feet of passenger room — a mere 1.6 cubic feet less than the two-row Tiguan — with 28.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seat and 66.3 cubic feet with the second row folded.

© Volkswagen of AmericaAdditional Compact
Volkswagen’s addition of a second compact crossover vehicle, something that other automakers have done as well, confirms the importance of this segment in the U.S. market. Compact SUVs accounted for 4 million vehicles sales in 2019 — almost one quarter of the entire U.S. market.

© Volkswagen of AmericaFifth New SUV
“Taos is our fifth new addition to the Volkswagen SUV family in just four years, and we’re thrilled to keep finding new ways to meet the needs of American families,” said Scott Keogh, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. “Taos will bookend our compact SUV offering, giving buyers all the style, technology, and drivability that Volkswagen is known for at an even more affordable price,” Keogh enthused.

© Volkswagen of AmericaExterior Design
The new Taos design shares elements with the other Volkswagen SUVs, starting with a bold grille, sculpted hood and LED light signature similar to the Atlas Cross Sport. The top trim levels feature an illuminated light line from the VW logo in the center of the grille to the headlights — a design element first seen on the recently revealed ID.4 electric SUV. The side profile mimics Tiguan but incorporates squared-off wheel arches similar to Atlas. Top trim levels include LED headlights with an adaptive front lighting system.

© Volkswagen of AmericaUnder the Hood
Taos draws power from a 1.5-liter version of the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine currently offered in the VW Jetta, which produces 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The 2022 Volkswagen Taos will be available with both front-wheel drive or 4Motion all-wheel drive. When equipped with front-wheel drive, power gets delivered to the front axle through and 8-speed automatic transmission. With 4Motion all-wheel drive, the 1.5-liter engine gets combined with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.

© Volkswagen of AmericaInterior
Inside, Taos offers a modern, clean design with a standard Volkswagen Digital Cockpit configurable instrument cluster and an integrated infotainment screen. A horizontal dash element below the instrument cluster and center screen separates the upper dash from the climate control system and flows around into the doors. Two-tone seats are standard, starting with the base cloth seats, optional leatherette or top-of-the-line leather. Pushbutton start is standard equipment, and options include keyless access, an 8-way power driver seat, dual-zone Climatronic climate control, a heated leatherette steering wheel, heated / ventilated front seats and heated side mirrors.

© Volkswagen of AmericaInfotainment
Volkswagen Car-Net with in-car Wi-Fi capability is standard fare for Taos, although a data plan is required. The MIB3 infotainment system with wireless charging and wireless App-Connect for compatible devices is optional starting with mid-level trims. It also includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen with voice control, SiriusXM satellite radio and available navigation. Top trims add a premium BeatsAudio sound system with 8 speakers and 10-color ambient lighting.

© Volkswagen of AmericaDriver Assistance
The German automaker’s IQ.DRIVE suite of driver assistance technology will be available on all 2022 Volkswagen Taos trim levels. Driver assistance includes forward collision warning with autonomous braking, an active blind-spot assist, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, travel assist and emergency assist. Additional driver assistance options are high-beam headlight assist, an adaptive front lighting system and park distance control.

© Volkswagen of America2022 Volkswagen Taos
Buyers will get to choose from eight exterior paint options for the 2022 Volkswagen Taos, along with four wheel designs starting with standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Two optional 18-inch designs are available — either machine-faced or black. Nineteen-inch wheels are also optional, as well as a panoramic sunroof.

© Volkswagen of AmericaOn-Sale Date, Model Lineup
Scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. market in summer 2021, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos will be offered in three trim levels: S, SE and SEL. More details and pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date. Taos will be produced in the North American region at Volkswagen’s Puebla, Mexico, plant.

© Volkswagen of America2022 Volkswagen Taos
Illuminated grille

© Volkswagen of America2022 Volkswagen Taos
Two-tone seats

© Volkswagen of America2022 Volkswagen Taos
Cargo area

© Volkswagen of America2022 Volkswagen Taos
Bold front design

© Volkswagen of America2022 Volkswagen Taos
Taillight, rear spoiler

© Volkswagen of America2022 Volkswagen Taos
Volkswagen Digital Cockpit

© Volkswagen of America2022 Volkswagen Taos
Machined 18-inch wheels

© Volkswagen of America2022 Volkswagen Taos
LED headlights

© Volkswagen of America2022 Volkswagen Taos
Volkswagen’s new compact SUV

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