Volkswagen’s lineup is already well-populated with SUVs, including the popular Tiguan. So, the arrival of the slightly smaller Taos raises questions. Is it different enough to justify its place, or is it just another crossover in an already crowded market? This review delves into the 2022 Volkswagen Taos Sel to see if it stands out in the competitive compact SUV segment.
Alt text: Volkswagen Taos SEL front exterior, showcasing its compact SUV design.
The High Points of the Taos SEL
Despite initial skepticism about its purpose, the Volkswagen Taos SEL does have some appealing qualities, particularly for budget-conscious buyers looking for efficiency and space in a smaller package.
Excellent Fuel Economy
One of the most significant advantages of the Taos SEL is its fuel efficiency. Powered by a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, this compact SUV sips gasoline, achieving an impressive 31 MPG overall. On highway stretches, that figure climbs to a remarkable 37 MPG. Compared to the larger Volkswagen Tiguan with its 2.0L engine, which struggles to reach 21 MPG overall and 31 MPG on the highway, the Taos offers a substantial improvement in fuel savings. While the engine’s acceleration might not be blistering, with a 0-60MPH time of 8.1 seconds for the front-wheel-drive model, it’s on par with other vehicles in its class.
Alt text: Volkswagen Taos SEL side profile, highlighting its compact crossover dimensions.
Surprisingly Spacious Interior
Don’t let the “compact” designation fool you; the Taos SEL offers a surprisingly roomy interior. Measuring 176 inches in length, it provides ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The cargo area is also quite usable, offering enough space for luggage and everyday gear. While the Tiguan does offer an optional third row (albeit a very cramped one), in terms of practical passenger and cargo space, the difference between the Taos and Tiguan isn’t dramatically noticeable from the inside.
Balanced Handling and Comfortable Ride
Built on Volkswagen’s versatile MQB platform, which underpins many VW models, the Taos SEL delivers predictable and competent handling. While the all-season tires may reach their grip limits relatively quickly, leading to tire squeal during spirited cornering, the overall chassis balance is commendable. In corners, the Taos exhibits a forgiving nature; lifting off the throttle allows the front tires to regain grip and helps rotate the vehicle, making it surprisingly adjustable and even a bit playful. Furthermore, the ride quality is comfortable, effectively absorbing road imperfections and providing a pleasant driving experience.
Alt text: Front three-quarter view of the Volkswagen Taos SEL, showcasing its Volkswagen family styling.
Understated but Handsome Design
The Volkswagen Taos SEL sports a handsome, if somewhat conservative, design. It aligns with Volkswagen’s understated styling ethos, which may appear less flamboyant compared to some rivals from Japanese and Korean automakers. However, the Taos embodies a recognizable VW aesthetic that brand loyalists will appreciate. Those seeking bolder, more expressive designs might need to look elsewhere, but the Taos presents a clean and appealing look.
The Low Points of the Taos SEL
While the Taos SEL has its merits, there are several drawbacks, particularly when considering the price of the higher trim levels.
Overly Loud and Annoying Warning Sounds
One immediately noticeable and irritating aspect of the Taos SEL is its excessively loud warning chimes and gongs. Actions like opening the door while the car is running trigger an obnoxiously loud beep. Frustratingly, there is no way to adjust the volume of these alerts through the car’s settings. This constant barrage of loud noises can detract significantly from the driving experience.
Price Creep at Higher Trim Levels
The base price of the Volkswagen Taos is attractive, falling comfortably under $25,000. Even the SE trim, around $28,000, represents a reasonable value. However, the top-of-the-line SEL model tested here approaches $34,000. This price point becomes problematic when considering that a similarly equipped, all-wheel-drive Volkswagen Tiguan SEL can be found for only slightly more. The price overlap between the Taos SEL and the larger Tiguan is too significant, diminishing the Taos’s value proposition, especially in the higher trims.
Alt text: Volkswagen Taos SEL interior, dashboard and infotainment system view from driver’s perspective.
Subpar Interior Material Quality for the Price
At the as-tested price of nearly $34,000, the interior quality of the Taos SEL feels underwhelming. While acceptable in lower trims under $30,000, the abundance of hard plastics and cheap-feeling materials is disappointing at this price range. Compared to rivals like the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, which offers a more premium interior feel for a similar price, the Taos SEL’s cabin falls short. The flat, unsupportive driver’s seat and the stark contrast in material quality between the front and rear door panels further contribute to this perception of cost-cutting.
Infotainment Glitches and Ergonomic Quirks
The Taos SEL’s infotainment system and ergonomics also present some issues. The system can occasionally lag, and in one instance, the entire audio system failed to function, requiring a prolonged stop to reset. While the steering wheel is comfortable, the steering feel itself can be nervous and overly light, making smooth, precise inputs challenging at times. The rear door handles also feel clunky and cheap in operation.
Alt text: Rear seats of the Volkswagen Taos SEL, showcasing passenger space.
Unrefined Throttle and Transmission Tuning
Perhaps the most significant driving complaint lies in the Taos SEL’s throttle response and transmission calibration. In city driving, achieving smooth acceleration requires conscious effort. The transmission tends to upshift very early in the interest of fuel economy. However, when slightly more throttle is applied to maintain acceleration after an upshift, the transmission is overly eager to downshift, resulting in abrupt jolts and surges. This behavior makes smooth, progressive acceleration challenging and can lead to an unrefined driving experience. While front-wheel-drive models use an eight-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive versions get a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and it remains to be seen if the latter offers improved responsiveness. Furthermore, some powertrain pulsations were noted during hard acceleration uphill.
Alt text: Volkswagen Taos SEL interior, close-up of the dashboard and controls.
Verdict: Best in Base Form
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos SEL presents a mixed bag. In its lower, more affordable configurations, it makes a compelling case as a fuel-efficient and spacious compact SUV. For buyers prioritizing fuel economy and don’t require all-wheel drive, a base or mid-trim Taos offers good value under $30,000. However, as the price climbs towards and beyond $34,000 for the SEL trim, particularly without all-wheel drive, the Taos becomes less convincing. The price overlap with the larger Tiguan, combined with the SEL’s interior material quality and unrefined powertrain behavior, makes it hard to recommend this top-tier trim.
Volkswagen needs to better differentiate the Tiguan from the Taos to justify both models in the lineup. As it stands, the Taos works best as a budget-friendly option, while those seeking a more premium experience or needing more space might be better served by considering other SUVs, including Volkswagen’s own Tiguan or even the more agile and engaging Volkswagen Golf hatchback.
2022 Volkswagen Taos 1.5T SEL Specs
As-tested price: $33,885
Pros: Affordable entry price; excellent fuel economy
Cons: Options are expensive; transmission programming; not worth it at this price
Verdict: Too much overlap in VW’s own model range, the Taos works best in its cheapest forms.
Alt text: Volkswagen Taos SEL in motion, road test image showing its handling on a curved road.
2022 Volkswagen Taos SEL road test
Alt text: Volkswagen Taos SEL exterior, parked on a scenic road during road test.
2022 Volkswagen Taos SEL road test
Alt text: Volkswagen Taos SEL driving on a paved road, showcasing its compact SUV size.
Alt text: Volkswagen Taos SEL front grille and headlight detail, highlighting its design features.
Alt text: Volkswagen Taos SEL wheel and tire detail, showcasing the wheel design.
2022 Volkswagen Taos SEL exterior image
Alt text: Volkswagen Taos SEL side mirror and window line, showcasing exterior design details.
2022 Volkswagen Taos SEL exterior detail
Alt text: Volkswagen Taos SEL taillight and rear badging, close-up of rear design elements.
2022 Volkswagen Taos SEL interior image
Alt text: Volkswagen Taos SEL dashboard and steering wheel, driver’s perspective of the interior.
2022 Volkswagen Taos interior image
Alt text: Volkswagen Taos SEL center console and gear shifter, interior detail shot.
Alt text: Volkswagen Taos SEL air vent and dashboard trim detail, close-up of interior materials.
2022 Volkswagen Taos interior review
Alt text: Volkswagen Taos SEL infotainment screen displaying navigation, interior tech feature.
Alt text: Volkswagen Taos SEL driver’s side door controls, interior detail of door panel.
2022 Volkswagen Taos SEL review | interior
Alt text: Volkswagen Taos SEL front seats and dashboard, panoramic view of the front interior.
2022 Volkswagen Taos SEL exterior | The Road Beat
Alt text: Volkswagen Taos SEL front exterior, parked in an outdoor setting.
2022 Volkswagen Taos SEL cargo space
Alt text: Volkswagen Taos SEL cargo area, showing trunk space with the tailgate open.
Alt text: Volkswagen Taos SEL front door panel, close-up of interior door materials.
2022 Volkswagen Taos SEL monroney
Alt text: Monroney sticker of the Volkswagen Taos SEL, showing MSRP and options pricing.
