A Reliable Companion: 2022 Volkswagen Taos Delivers with Style

Introduction to the 2022 Volkswagen Taos

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos has quickly become a favorite among compact SUVs with its sharp design and well-rounded capabilities. It aims to satisfy the growing demand for practical, stylish, and fuel-efficient vehicles without breaking the bank. While Volkswagen is known for its European flair, the Taos brings that heritage into a more affordable and accessible package for everyday drivers.

But how reliable is the 2022 Taos compared to competitors in the market? Is it really worth the investment, or are there trade-offs hidden beneath its refined exterior? This review dives deep into the reliability and user experience of the Taos to give readers a full picture—warts and all. We’ll cover pros and cons, explore real-world ownership experiences, and see how it stacks up over time.

What Powers the Volkswagen Taos?

Under the hood of the 2022 Taos lies a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is mated to either an eight-speed automatic transmission for front-wheel-drive models or a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic in all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions. This blend of performance and efficiency reflects Volkswagen’s approach to balancing economy with driving enjoyment.

Key Performance Specs at a Glance

• Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four
• Horsepower: 158 hp
• Torque: 184 lb-ft
• Fuel Economy: Up to 28 mpg city / 36 mpg highway (FWD models)
• Drivetrain Options: FWD or 4Motion AWD

Although the power figures may seem modest on paper, the Taos delivers punchy acceleration in city driving, thanks to the engine’s early torque delivery. That said, a few owners have mentioned the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission could feel a bit hesitant when switching gears at low speeds—a minor drawback some users noted during daily commutes.

Real-World Reliability Feedback

Volkswagen has taken several steps to ensure the Taos offers reliability comparable to its rivals in the compact SUV space. According to Alex Collantes, an owner based in Texas, "I’ve had my Taos for almost a year now and it’s been rock solid. No major issues and just routine maintenance so far. I was initially worried about the transmission based on some reviews, but I haven't experienced any problems."

Still, it's important to highlight some minor quirks. A few users have reported that the dual-clutch transmission in AWD models can feel jerky at low speeds, especially in stop-and-go traffic. Others noted occasional software glitches in the infotainment system—though these issues are relatively uncommon and were typically resolved with simple updates from the dealership.

How Reliable is the Volkswagen Taos Compared to the Competition?

When shopping for a new compact SUV, reliability is a significant factor—no one wants to be stuck in the shop every few months. In terms of overall reliability, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos performs well but isn’t without its shortcomings.

Where the Taos Excels

1. Engine Durability: The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine has shown resilience with minimal complaints about leaks or overheating issues.
2. Fuel Economy: With up to 36 mpg on the highway, the Taos beats many competitors, making it an economical choice for long-distance driving.
3. Interior Quality: Volkswagen’s commitment to cabin craftsmanship ensures that the interior holds up well over time, even with heavy usage.

Areas of Concern

• Transmission Issues in AWD Models: While the dual-clutch transmission offers quick shifts, it might feel clunky during slow-speed maneuvers.
• Infotainment Bugs: Some owners mentioned lagging or freezing screens, though these incidents appear rare and usually involve temporary software hiccups.
• Wind Noise at Highway Speeds: A handful of users noted that the Taos can produce more wind noise than expected during highway driving.

The Taos isn’t perfect, but Volkswagen’s 4-year/50,000-mile warranty provides a solid safety net for buyers concerned about reliability. Owners also appreciate the 2 years of free scheduled maintenance, which takes the sting out of regular service costs.

Driving Comfort and Practicality

Ride Quality and Handling

The suspension on the Taos is tuned for comfort, which makes it ideal for daily driving and road trips. However, don’t expect sporty handling—this SUV prioritizes ride comfort over dynamic cornering ability. It’s easy to steer and park in tight spaces, making it a good choice for city dwellers.

Cargo Space and Utility

One of the standout features of the 2022 Taos is its cargo space. Despite being a compact SUV, it offers 27.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, which expands to 65.9 cubic feet when the seats are folded down. Compared to rivals like the Honda HR-V or Mazda CX-30, the Taos feels roomier and more practical.

Rear passengers will also appreciate the generous legroom—a feature often overlooked in compact crossovers. However, taller adults might find the rear seat cushioning a bit too firm for long drives.

Infotainment and Technology

Volkswagen equips the Taos with a 6.5-inch touchscreen as standard, though higher trims receive an 8-inch screen with enhanced functionality. The Volkswagen Digital Cockpit also comes standard, providing a customizable driver display.

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come standard
• Optional BeatsAudio sound system for music lovers
• USB-C ports for fast charging

That said, some users mentioned that the infotainment system can be slow to respond occasionally, and a few drivers had trouble reconnecting their phones wirelessly. However, these issues seem to be more of a software hiccup rather than a widespread defect.

Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership Costs

Volkswagen offers an attractive maintenance package, including two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance. This adds value for buyers who want predictable ownership costs.

Routine services like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake checks are reasonably priced, especially compared to European rivals like BMW or Audi. Additionally, parts availability for the Taos is good, meaning repairs are generally quicker and more affordable than with some niche brands.

Potential Drawbacks of Ownership

• Higher Insurance Costs: Some owners reported that insurance premiums for the Taos are slightly above average due to Volkswagen’s European brand association.
• Resale Value: While Volkswagen vehicles hold decent resale value, the Taos might not retain its value as well as a Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V.

Final Thoughts: Is the Volkswagen Taos the Right SUV for You?

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offers a lot to love. It combines sharp styling, excellent fuel economy, and a comfortable interior into an affordable package. Owners like Alex Collantes have reported overwhelmingly positive experiences, with only minor complaints regarding transmission quirks or infotainment lag.

In the end, the Taos strikes a great balance between fun, practicality, and efficiency—making it a solid choice for singles, couples, or small families. If you’re in the market for a compact SUV with European flair and don’t mind the occasional software update or slightly jerky shift, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos is a reliable bet.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros

• Fuel-efficient engine with good performance
• Spacious cabin with excellent cargo capacity
• Standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration
• Competitive warranty with free maintenance for two years

Cons

• Transmission hesitation at low speeds in AWD models
• Wind noise could be better controlled on highways
• Infotainment system occasional lag

FAQs About the 2022 Volkswagen Taos

1. How reliable is the Volkswagen Taos over time?
   The Taos has received positive reviews from most owners, though some have experienced minor issues with the transmission and infotainment system.

2. What is the fuel economy of the 2022 Taos?
   The FWD version offers up to 36 mpg on the highway, making it one of the more fuel-efficient options in the compact SUV segment.

3. Is the Volkswagen Taos good for families?
   Yes. Its spacious rear seat and generous cargo area make it a practical choice for small families.

4. How does the Taos compare to rivals like the Mazda CX-30?
   The Taos offers more interior space and better fuel economy but lacks the sporty handling of the CX-30.

Conclusion

In a crowded segment, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos stands out for its blend of practicality, efficiency, and modern technology. While not without its quirks—like transmission hesitation and occasional tech bugs—these drawbacks are minor in the grand scheme of things. The Taos makes a compelling case for those seeking a reliable and versatile compact SUV that is affordable to maintain and enjoyable to drive.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is a small SUV that delivers big when it comes to reliability—a feature that sets it apart in a highly competitive segment.