VW Anchors Lineup With 2022 Taos Compact Crossover

It’s another week in the auto business so clearly that must mean it’s time to launch another crossover utility vehicle. Today, it’s Volkswagen’s turn again just weeks after they revealed the ID.4 electric CUV. The new 2022 VW Taos effectively takes the place of both the old first-generation Tiguan and the Golf in the brand’s lineup. 

In other parts of the world, VW sells the second generation Tiguan in two-different wheelbase lengths, but when it was launched in North America, we only got the longer version which stretches 185-inches from bumper to bumper putting it at the longer end of the compact crossover segment. The original Tiguan which stayed on for a couple of years as the Tiguan Limited measured 174.5-inches. The Taos measures up at 175.8-inches. For comparison, the Jeep Compass and Mazda CX-30 are both 173-inches long. 

So why not just offer the shorter Tiguan as well? According to VW SVP for product marketing and strategy Hein Schafer, the Tiguan couldn’t hit the price point they wanted to be competitive in the market. Instead, the Taos is based on a different crossover sold in China as the Tharu and in South America as the Tarek. 

All of these are based on VW’s MQB architecture but there are some different elements that can be substituted for various applications. In this case, the base front-drive versions of the Taos get a beam axle at the rear while the Tiguan uses a multi-link configuration. All wheel drive versions of the Taos do step up to the multi-link layout. 

Visually, the Taos is largely consistent with other current VW crossovers including the three-row Atlas. The only notable change from the Tarek and Tharu is in the fascia which draws more on the recently refreshed Atlas and the new Atlas Sport, particularly, the large lower-front corner air intakes. 

The upper grille has been simplified with just a single horizontal bar that is backlit on the upper trims similar to the ID.4 The overall effect is a bit more aggressive than its counterparts that share more with VW’s car lineup. Another element that connects the Taos to the Atlas are the more squared-off wheel arches rather than the round arches on the ID.4 and Tiguan. 

Inside, the Taos takes more inspiration from the current Jetta than it does from the Tiguan. While not exactly the same, the layout is similar to the sedan with standard 8-inch touchscreen integrated into the upper portion of the dashboard above the vents. Even the base Taos S gets a full digital instrument cluster and the VW Car-Net connectivity system. Car-Net includes a wifi hotspot that can be used for customers that subscribe to a data plan. The optional MIB3 infotainment setup adds a wireless phone charging pad and wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. 

VW is now using the IQ.Drive brand for its suite of driver assist features. While not six of the features will be standard on all models, they will be available even on the base S trim. VW is still finalizing the exact packaging for the Taos, but forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and possibly high beam control will likely be standard. Blindspot monitors, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and emergency assistance will probably be in option packages. 

Only one powertrain option will be available on the Taos, the updated 1.5-liter TSI turbocharged EA211 four cylinder. It’s similar to the 1.4-liter but features a number of upgrades including a Miller combustion cycle. Closing the intake valves earlier helps with fuel efficiency as does the new 350 BAR direct injection system but the turbocharging overcomes the torque that is lost. The aluminum cylinder bores get a plasma coating with iron powder for extra durability.  

The end result is 158-hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. That’s a bit less power, but comparable torque to the Mazda CX-30. Front-wheel drive variants of the Taos pair this engine with an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission while all-wheel drive models get a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. 

Despite its compact footprint, the Taos looks like it will be surprisingly roomy with 99.5 cubic feet available, just 1.6 cubic feet shy of the nine-inch longer Tiguan. With the rear seats up, there is 28.1 cubic feet for cargo and that grows to 66.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.  

On paper at least, the Taos looks like it should be reasonably competitive in its segment and it gives VW a fairly complete lineup of crossovers including the ID.4 Tiguan, Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. There is still a segment of small utilities one size class down that includes the likes of the Jeep Renegade and Hyundai Kona. For now at least, VW has no plans to bring in anything smaller than the Taos and doesn’t immediately plan to have any electrified powertrain options. 

The choice to go with the Tarek/Tharu as a starting point was driven by the need to get the price into the $23,000 range to compete with the likes of the Kia Seltos, Jeep Compass and Mazda CX-30. Final pricing won’t be announced until closer to launch in summer 2021. The Taos will be produced at VW’s Puebla, Mexico assembly plant.

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