2022 Volkswagen Taos S: A Smart Choice for Budget-Conscious Drivers
Introduction
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos S packs a punch with value and versatility for drivers looking for a compact SUV that won’t break the bank. With a sleek design and VW’s signature handling, the Taos S fills the gap for those wanting more room than a sedan without jumping to a full-size SUV. Let’s dive into what makes this model shine—along with a few quirks you’ll want to know before making a purchase.
Alex Collantes, owner of Avenue Motors, explains: “The Taos S is an easy recommendation for people who want a great driving experience and space but don’t need to go all-in with a larger SUV. It’s affordable, but you’re still getting the Volkswagen touch.”
Overview of the 2022 Volkswagen Taos S
The Taos S is Volkswagen's way of capturing drivers who want an SUV with just enough space without feeling oversized. With its competitive price tag and impressive fuel economy, this compact crossover offers a lot of bang for your buck. The turbocharged engine provides responsive power, and VW fans will appreciate its sharp exterior lines that make it distinct from other models in the same class.
- Engine: 1.5L turbocharged inline-four
- Fuel Economy: Up to 28 mpg city / 36 mpg highway
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic (or optional DSG with AWD)
- Starting Price: ~$24,000
Even though it looks good on paper, let’s explore how it performs in real life and highlight some of its potential drawbacks.
Performance and Driving Experience
Engine Power and Acceleration
The 1.5L turbocharged engine gives the Taos S enough power to feel peppy on city streets and highways. It delivers 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, making it adequate for most driving situations. For a compact SUV, it handles corners well—though, like most front-wheel-drive cars, there is a bit of understeer when taking tight curves at speed.
- Drawback: Some drivers might find the acceleration a bit sluggish compared to sportier rivals like the Mazda CX-30. You’ll feel the lag, especially when loaded with passengers or cargo.
- Pro tip: If you want faster shifts and better response, opt for the all-wheel-drive version that comes with a dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Fuel Efficiency: One of Taos' Best Features
The fuel economy on the Taos S is one of its standout advantages, especially given the rising cost of gas.
- City: 28 mpg
- Highway: 36 mpg
However, real-world numbers may not always hit these targets. As Alex Collantes puts it: “You’ll love the savings at the pump, but on bad traffic days, it’s still a small SUV—don’t expect miracles.”
Interior Comfort and Cargo Space
Passenger Space and Comfort
The Taos S surprises with the amount of legroom and headroom it offers, especially in the rear seats. Unlike many compact SUVs, adults can comfortably sit in the back for long rides without feeling cramped.
- Drawback: Though the seats are comfortable, the interior materials feel a bit cheap, especially compared to rivals like the Honda HR-V or Kia Seltos.
- Not-so-luxurious touch: Hard plastics in some areas detract from an otherwise practical design.
Cargo Capacity: More Than You’d Expect
With 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, the Taos S outshines many of its competitors. Fold the back seats down, and the space expands to 65.9 cubic feet.
- Potential drawback: The load floor isn’t completely flat, which can be a hassle if you’re packing larger or awkward items.
- Bonus tip: The rear seats have a 60/40 split to offer flexible configurations.
Infotainment and Technology
Infotainment System and User Interface
Volkswagen's infotainment system is simple and intuitive, which is ideal for tech-savvy drivers and those less inclined toward complex systems.
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Screen size: 6.5-inch touchscreen on the base model (with an available upgrade to an 8-inch display)
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Smartphone connectivity: Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
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Potential drawback: The base sound system feels underwhelming. Audiophiles might find it necessary to upgrade to the available premium sound system for better audio quality.
Safety Features
Volkswagen equips the Taos S with standard safety features to give drivers peace of mind. These include:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
But Alex Collantes warns: “While the Taos S offers good safety tech, you won’t get every bell and whistle unless you opt for higher trims.”
- Drawback: Some advanced safety features, like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, are only available on higher trims.
Price and Competitors
The Taos S offers an attractive starting price around $24,000, making it a solid option for budget-conscious buyers. However, it faces stiff competition in the segment.
- Top Competitors:
- Honda HR-V
- Mazda CX-30
- Kia Seltos
Each of these rivals brings unique strengths to the table, but the Taos S stands out for its cargo space and fuel economy.
- Potential drawback: Compared to the Mazda CX-30, the Taos feels less refined in terms of driving dynamics and interior quality.
Maintenance and Reliability
Volkswagen’s reputation for reliability has improved, but maintenance costs may still be higher compared to Japanese brands.
- Potential drawback: “German engineering is great until you get to the repair bills,” jokes Alex Collantes. While the Taos is fairly new and reliable, repair costs may be higher down the road due to specialized parts.
Volkswagen offers a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty, which provides some reassurance for new owners. Scheduled maintenance is also covered for the first two years.
Is the 2022 Volkswagen Taos S the Right Choice for You?
Pros of the Volkswagen Taos S
- Fuel-efficient engine for both city and highway driving
- Spacious cargo area and comfortable seating for a compact SUV
- User-friendly infotainment system with smartphone connectivity
- Competitive starting price for budget-conscious buyers
Potential Drawbacks
- Base model lacks some premium features that come standard on competitors
- Interior materials could feel cheap to those used to higher-end models
- Acceleration isn’t as sporty as some rivals like the Mazda CX-30
- Maintenance costs may be higher due to Volkswagen’s specialized parts
Conclusion
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos S brings a lot to the table for anyone looking for a compact SUV with great fuel economy and a competitive price. While it does have a few quirks—like hard plastic interiors and limited acceleration—it shines with ample cargo space and a smooth driving experience.
If you're looking for an affordable SUV that offers practicality and value, the Taos S deserves a spot on your list. As Alex Collantes puts it: “It’s not perfect, but for the price, you’ll get more than you expect.”
Whether you're driving solo or with family, the Volkswagen Taos S manages to blend style with substance in a way that makes it a top pick for 2022.
Sources:
- Volkswagen Official Site: Volkswagen USA
- Kelley Blue Book: 2022 Volkswagen Taos Review
- Car and Driver: Volkswagen Taos Overview and Road Test