Volkswagen wants us to view the 2022 Volkswagen Taos as a smaller version of its wildly popular Volkswagen Tiguan. This follows a similar, successful strategy with the Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport.
At 9.3 inches shorter than the Tiguan, the all-new Taos takes on the likes of the Jeep Compass, Hyundai Tucson, and the Subaru Crosstrek. It offers all-wheel drive (AWD), as do those key competitors.
Offering a surprising amount of head and legroom, front and rear, the five-passenger capacity refers to five adults. There’s also plenty of cargo space behind the split second-row seat. Folding it down opens up even more hauling space.
It’s remarkably quiet and comfortable. And, Taos handles exactly as a VW should. In other words, it’s a blast to drive in both FWD and AWD.
2022 Volkswagen Taos S (starting at $22,995)
A compact crossover, the Taos can seat up to five passengers. Riding on a shortened version of Tiguan’s platform, it gets its go from a 158-horsepower 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. An 8-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels. AWD versions use a 7-speed automatic tranny.
Even as the entry-level model, the S boasts LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights. Its 17-inch wheels are alloy and the windows, door locks, and outboard mirrors are power operated.
Bristling with connectivity features, it comes with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, two USB C-ports, and Car-Net (a car-to-device network) with Wi-Fi capability. The App-Connect feature includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, MirrorLink, and loads of other familiar apps.
Pony up $2,045 for AWD and VW tosses in an all-weather group with heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and heated washer nozzles. The AWD version also scores a second 12-volt outlet.
For another $995, Volkswagen bundles front-collision warning and emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane-keeping assist, lane following, and others. Yep, for under a grand, you get a full suite of driver’s-aid technologies.
Also included with the driver’s aid bundle: high-beam assist, rain-sensing wipers, and a heated steering wheel.
Adding the $1,195 destination fee brings the total base sticker price to $24,190. With no down payment and financed at 60 months with 3% financing, the monthly payment would be $391 per month. Find a 2022 Volkswagen Taos S for sale
2022 Volkswagen Taos S includes:
- LED exterior lights – Front, rear, and DRLs.
- Digital cockpit – A fully digitized color gauge cluster.
- App-Connect – Includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to other popular apps.
2022 Volkswagen Taos SE (starting at $27,245)
Taking the S and moving things up a few notches, the SE is the sweet spot in the trim lineup. It adds 18-inch alloy wheels, remote start, keyless access, heated washer nozzles, and heated outboard mirrors.
Heated front seats, two more speakers (making a total of six) for the audio system, a third USB port, voice recognition, wireless charging, wireless App-Connect, satellite radio capability, and an 8-inch touchscreen highlight the additional cockpit goodies.
Volkswagen makes front-collision warning with emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, and rear-traffic alert standard in the SE. Plus you can still get all of the other S options for $895. Adding AWD will set you back $1,450.
Tacking on the destination fee, the total base price for the SE is $28,440. Financing it for 60 months at a rate of 3% with no money down works out to a monthly payment of $488. Find a 2022 Volkswagen Taos SE for sale
2022 Volkswagen Taos SE includes:
- More connectivity – Wireless charging, wireless App-Connect, and voice control.
- Standard driver’s aids – front emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert.
- More convenience – Remote start and keyless access.
2022 Volkswagen Taos SEL (starting at $31,490)
Building on the S and SE, the SEL gets 18-inch black alloy wheels, upgraded LED projector headlights, rear parking sensors, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
A navigation system is standard, along with dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seating, ventilated front seats, and an 8-speaker BeatsAudio sound system.
Volkswagen makes all the driver’s aids bundle standard on the SEL. The only options are a $1,200 panoramic sunroof and AWD at $1,555.
With the destination charge, the SEL’s base bottom line is $32,685. At a finance rate of 3% for 60 months, the monthly payment works out to $562 with no down payment. Find a 2022 Volkswagen Taos SEL for sale
2022 Volkswagen Taos SEL includes:
- BeatsAudio premium sound system – Eight speakers and big base.
- Leather seating – When you need some pampering.
- Full suite of driver’s-aid features – With Road Sign Display and Traffic Jam Assist.
