2022 Volkswagen Taos Review: Small SUV, Big Impact with Some Drawbacks

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos entered the compact SUV market as a little sibling to the VW Tiguan. Aimed at those wanting a practical ride without the bulk, the Taos brings plenty to the table. But, as with any car, it’s not without a few quirks. In this review, we’ll dive into its pros and cons with a human touch—while making some common mistakes, of course—and make sure you get the right perspective if you're thinking about adding this compact SUV to your garage.

Overview of the 2022 Volkswagen Taos

When Volkswagen launched the Taos, it promised a compact SUV that fits just right between the sedan and bigger SUVs. It’s a cool-looking ride designed to appeal to first-time buyers and city drivers. It’s got some charm for sure, with a modern interior and nice tech. But like your favorite pair of shoes that sometimes squeak, the Taos isn't perfect.

“Volkswagen was aiming to create a solid small SUV and, for the most part, they hit the mark. But, no car’s without its quirks—and I say that as someone who sells cars every day," shares Alex Collantes, owner of Avenue Motors.

Performance: Zippy but Needs More Oomph

The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine does a fine job at zipping around the city with its 158 horsepower. It feels responsive, especially at lower speeds, but push it hard on highways, and you'll notice it struggling a bit.

• Fuel Economy: 28 mpg city / 36 mpg highway
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic or a 7-speed dual-clutch for AWD

The Good

• Great fuel efficiency for a compact SUV.
• Smooth in urban environments—perfect for stop-and-go traffic.
• Optional all-wheel drive (AWD) for better control on rougher roads.

The Bad

• Can feel underpowered when fully loaded or on steep inclines.
• Dual-clutch transmission sometimes stumbles at low speeds, making it feel jerky.

Collantes comments, “The AWD version is cool but the engine sometimes feels like it’s out of breath when you’re climbing hills or overtaking. Not a dealbreaker but something to think about.”

Interior and Comfort: Cozy, but a Few Nags

The Taos offers a smart cabin layout, maximizing its small size. You get plenty of space for front and rear passengers, and the seats are surprisingly comfy for a compact SUV.

Cargo space is also pretty decent, offering 27.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanding to 65.9 cubic feet with them folded. But, some materials inside the cabin don't quite live up to expectations.

The Good

• Spacious interior for a small SUV—plenty of legroom even for backseat passengers.
• User-friendly infotainment system with available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Optional digital cockpit adds a modern touch.

The Bad

• Some plastics on the dashboard feel cheap and out of place.
• The base model lacks features like heated seats or premium sound systems.
• Infotainment software can lag sometimes, especially on colder mornings.

Collantes jokes, “For a car trying to feel premium, you’d expect the plastics to be less...well, plastic-y. I love the space inside, though—it’s like a small apartment in there.”

Driving Experience: Good in the City, Average on Highways

Behind the wheel, the Taos feels agile and light, which makes it fun to drive around town. The steering is responsive, and parking this little SUV is a breeze, even in tight urban spaces. On highways, though, it shows its limits.

The Good

• Easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces or crowded parking lots.
• Comfortable ride quality for everyday driving.
• AWD provides solid grip in wet or snowy conditions.

The Bad

• Road noise creeps into the cabin at higher speeds.
• On long drives, the seats can start feeling a bit stiff.
• Lacks the sporty driving feel some rivals offer, like the Mazda CX-30.

Technology and Features: Good Tech but Not Perfect

Volkswagen packed the Taos with enough tech to satisfy most drivers, though some features that are standard on competitors are only available on higher trims here.

• Infotainment Display: 6.5-inch touchscreen on the base model, 8-inch on higher trims.
• Driver Assistance Features: Lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning available.

The Good

• Available wireless charging and premium audio system.
• Adaptive cruise control makes highway driving easier.
• Digital cockpit on higher trims adds a futuristic feel.

The Bad

• Infotainment can glitch, especially after software updates.
• No standard blind-spot monitoring on the base model.

“Customers love the tech in the Taos—when it works. But, I've heard a few complaints about the screen freezing or the rear camera not showing up fast enough," says Collantes.

Reliability and Common Problems

The 2022 Taos is relatively new, so long-term reliability is still uncertain. However, some owners have reported a few early problems that potential buyers should know about.

Common Issues

• Transmission lag: Especially on AWD models with the dual-clutch system, there's a noticeable delay at lower speeds.
• Software bugs: The infotainment system occasionally freezes or requires a reboot.
• Brake noise: Some drivers report squeaky brakes, particularly in wet conditions.

Despite these issues, Volkswagen offers a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty, which adds peace of mind.

Safety: Solid, but Not Best-in-Class

The Taos comes with a decent suite of safety features, but some rivals offer more advanced systems as standard.

• NHTSA Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
• IIHS: Top Safety Pick (on higher trims)

The Good

• Adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking available.
• Strong crash test ratings from major safety organizations.

The Bad

• Lacks some standard safety features, like rear cross-traffic alert.
• Some safety features are only available on the top trims.

Maintenance and Ownership Costs: Affordable but Watch Out for Repairs

Maintenance for the Taos is relatively affordable, but some parts and repairs can get pricey since it’s still a newer model.

Routine Maintenance

• Oil changes: Every 10,000 miles
• Tire rotations: Every 5,000 miles
• Brake inspections: Annually or every 12,000 miles

The Good

• Decent gas mileage helps keep fuel costs low.
• Volkswagen Care plans offer prepaid maintenance packages.

The Bad

• Some repair parts may take longer to arrive, as the model is still fairly new.
• Occasional transmission maintenance may be needed on AWD models.

Should You Buy the 2022 Volkswagen Taos?

If you're looking for a compact SUV with good fuel economy, a spacious interior, and sleek tech features, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos makes a solid choice. It shines as a daily driver for city folk or small families who need more room without the bulk of a larger SUV. But, it’s not perfect. The transmission quirks and occasional tech bugs could frustrate some drivers.

“Honestly, if you want a stylish little SUV and don’t mind dealing with a few tech glitches here and there, the Taos is a good pick. It's not gonna blow your socks off on the highway but it’s fun enough,” says Collantes.

Pros

• Spacious interior for its class
• Excellent fuel economy
• User-friendly infotainment system

Cons

• Transmission can feel sluggish
• Some interior materials feel cheap
• Limited advanced safety features on lower trims

Final Thoughts

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is a well-rounded compact SUV with plenty of charm. It offers a great blend of practicality and style, though it's not without some flaws. If you’re okay with the occasional transmission hiccup or infotainment reboot, it’s worth considering. Just remember: no car is perfect—but that’s part of the fun of owning one, right?

For more information or to schedule a test drive, visit Avenue Motors or call 973-319-8566. And don’t forget, if you’re looking for more Volkswagen models, check out our full selection at Bell Mitsubishi.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 2022 Taos compare to the Tiguan?

• The Taos is smaller and more fuel-efficient than the Tiguan, making it a better fit for city drivers.

Does the Taos come with all-wheel drive?

• Yes, AWD is available as an option on higher trims.

What are some common problems with the Taos?

• Drivers have reported issues with transmission lag and occasional infotainment glitches.

Is the 2022 Volkswagen Taos fuel-efficient?

• Yes, it offers excellent fuel economy, especially for a compact SUV.

Does the Taos have a good warranty?

• Volkswagen offers a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty on the Taos.

This review of the 2022 Volkswagen Taos aims to be as honest and helpful as possible without sugarcoating the reality. Every car has its quirks, but knowing them upfront makes all the difference.