2022 Volkswagen Taos SE

2022 Volkswagen Taos is powered by an 1.5L DOHC turbocharged four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels, with 4MOTION AWD as an option.

The engine produces 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft torque, which is directed through an 8-speed automatic transmission. With the help of an engine auto stop/start system, the Taos achieves 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway for a combined average of 31 mpg.

Outside, automatic LED headlight, LED daytime running lights, and LED tail lights provides better safety by being able to see and be seen.

My Taos was painted in Dusk Blue Metallic resting with great poise on 18-inch alloy wheels wearing all-season tires.

The MSRP starts at $27,895 which is surprising since features like foldable power-adjustable heated side mirrors, rear window washer, and wiper nozzle are generally not standard in this price segment.

The tinted privacy glass for second-row and cargo area windows, topped by roof rails make for an excellent outside display with a menacing manner.

Taos is 175.8 inches long overall with a wheel base of 105.6 inches, 64.6 inches tall, and 72.5 inches wide. As you can see from these dimensions, Taos can provide roominess and overall grand comfort. More so if the seats were just a little larger.

Inside, Taos is quite attractive with manual climate control, second row vents, leatherette wrapped steering wheel, multi-functional tilting and telescopic adjustable column, and heated driver’s seat.

The 8-inch touchscreen with AM/FM/HD Radio and voice control complements the 8-inch digital instrument display. However, I found the font for useful data like outside temperature, mileage, and clock is simple too small to read with a casual glance.

The SE model upgrades the S trim’s cloth seating surfaces to CloudTex and cloth. Cup holders and armrest storage complete the driver’s essential environment. Admittedly the storage space was a bit small. The MIB3 touchscreen infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus three USB-C ports, although one of those is only for charging.

The cabin is surprisingly roomy; More than you would expect on a medium size vehicle. Leg room is 40.1 inches in the front and 37.9 inches in the rear. The cargo area with power liftgate can handle up to 27.9 cubic feet of luggage, thanks to the long wheelbase.

There is an extended list of standard safety features, branded as IQ.DRIVE. This safety & assist suite includes Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Braking (Front Assist), Active Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Keeping System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. The rear camera was especially welcome, showing great visual clarity and details.

Taos handles well — better than average, but doesn’t take a curve as well as I would have liked. And road noise is a little too much.

Taos is the ideal urban vehicle. Easy to park, great mileage and blessed with a “Perky Personality.” But inside roominess helps make Taos a vehicle for even an extended journey.

Warranty
4 years/50,000 mile New Vehicle Warranty Includes Powertrain Components
7 years/100,000 miles Corrosion Perforation Limited Warranty
3 years/36,000 miles 24-hour Roadside Assistance
2 years/20,000 miles Carefree Maintenance Program

Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this newspaper or [email protected].