VW recently unveiled its new entry-level compact SUV crossover, the Volkswagen Taos. The new Taos slots underneath the Tiguan and ID.4 in the German automaker’s lineup, and will rival the Chevy Trailblazer in the crossover B-segment.
Outside, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos features a broad front fascia styling treatment, with LED exterior lighting and Adaptive Front-lighting System as standard on top trims. In the corners, 17-inch alloy wheels are standard, while 18-inch and 19-inch designs are offered as available options.
Under the skin, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos rides on VW’s MQB modular transverse architecture. Exterior dimensions include 175.8 inches for the overall length and 105.9 inches for the wheelbase, as well as an overall width of 72.5 inches and overall height of 64.4 inches.
Motivation is sourced from a new turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine, which features a variable-geometry turbocharger, an 11.5:1 compression ratio, and several high-tech features to enhance overall fuel economy. Output is rated at 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The ‘four connects to an eight-speed automatic transmission for FWD models, while AWD models come with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The new Volkswagen Taos also comes standard with two-tone upholstery in the cabin and Volkswagen Digital Cockpit technology, while the IQ.DRIVE driver assistance suite is optional. A panoramic sunroof is also optional.
Interior dimensions include 99.5 cubic feet of passenger space, as well as 28.1 cubic-feet of cargo space behind the second row and 66.3 cubic-feet of space with the second row folded.
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos will go on sale in the Summer of 2021, at which time both FWD and AWD models will be offered. Customers will have three trim levels to choose from, including S, SE, and SEL. Production will take place at VW’s Puebla, Mexico facility. Pricing info will drop closer to launch.
When it is released, the Volkswagen Taos will rival the Chevy Trailblazer in the crossover B-segment. To note, Chevy Trailblazer sales began to climb the ranks on Q3 of 2020, with the Jeep Compass taking the top slot in terms of sales.
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Comments
You know that you’re on to something good when everyone tries to compete against you with a new product; but if you put the VW Taos next to the Chevrolet Trailblazer, the Trailblazer is better looking while the Taos looks like a VW Rabbit on steroids.
the trailblazer is trying to copy the success of the jeep renegade that came out 5 years ago.
In reality, the Renegade’s direct competitor was Trax, which was replaced by Tracker in most markets. Trailblazer competes with Compass.
Comes standard with VW reliability……
Meanwhile, GM is only losing market in this category in South America, especially here in Brazil. Its current, the Jeep Compass, represents more than 60% of the models sold in its category. Toyota has already confirmed that it will launch the Corolla Cross, Ford died, just missing the Chevrolet drown. The Equinox, besides being ugly, hardly sells (19th place in 2019), trailblazer, which is beautiful, would be very expensive.
Every time I see an article on the VW Taos, my mind reads VW Tacos.
Have had all model VW’s starting in the 60’s up to 2013 – loved driving them but plagued with all kinds of little gremlins/problems. Lot’s of wasted time going back to the dealer. So I recently bought the best car GM ever made – a Buick Tourx – unbelievable car and bargain – gorgeous, fast, quiet, handles like a VW , made in Germany with a great turbo GM ecotec engine. Love, love, love the car. So I guess these are reasons why GM stopped making them. Too good of a car.
@Richard: I too have a similar story. 2002 brand new Passat. Great looks, nice driving. Horrendous in every other way. We had so many issues with that thing that my wife came home one night and slammed the keys on the counter and said “get rid of that fu—ng thing”!! I said ok, what do you want? She said, I want my old Buick (1999 Century Limited). I said that I couldn’t get her old car back, but can get her another Century. Next day, the VW was traded in and I parked her new (2003) Century in the garage. Happy wife, happy life.
I would say the Trailblazer is way more unique looking on the exterior Department.
But this Taos seems (from Pictures so I have to actually see it in person) to have better interior Materials and more Tech.
I would assume VW will see these in Droves as does Chevy with the Trailblazer.
Lol at the Trailblazer selling “in droves” It’s established a pretty solid foothold on basically last place in the segment.
I just don’t understand you most of the time. You keep saying the TB is last place. Some facts (don’t let them get in your way):
1. The all new TB is……wait for it……all new! It was just introduced and sales are certainly growing fast.
2. Covid: again, just like all brands, GM/Chevy have had setbacks with production and shipping.
3. Dealers just can’t keep the TB on lots. It’s been reported over and again how fast these things are selling and moving off the lots. Give the dealers 10x more to sell and they will have 10x more sales. It’s building.
So why so much hate? And why are you on this site if you dislike GM and everything they do so much?
It’s clear that h4cksaw’s opinions do not represent the viewpoints of the public at large. He / she is simply out of touch.
One statement shuts it down: the Trailblazer is the fastest-turning vehicle in the industry. Drops mic, exits stage left.
GM makes good vehicles. For the price, the Trailblazer just isn’t one of them. I’m entitled to my opinion.
h4chsaw, how about you go compare the TB to many others out there. I can tell you for certain that I’ve sat in and done a thorough walk-around of a TB sitting on the dealership showroom as I was waiting for my Spark paperwork to be ready. I also sell Mazda. The TB blows the CX30 out of the water in every way possible IMO. Have I driven the TB? No. But from what I’ve read, it drives very well. Does the CX30 drive well? Let’s say it drives well enough but the materials, recalls, seating position (very low with really high dash/door panels giving the feeling of claustrophobia) and outside panels that rarely match well only outweighs how it drives.
car and driver #1 subcompact cuv/suv, mazda cx-30.
And Car and Driver was able to “evaluate” the CX30 for what, a day or two? Try watching them roll back into the dealerships with the many recalls and cheap plastic trim falling off. Try living with one for a while as you sit very low in the seat with an extremely high dash and door panels. Open and shut the door on the CX30 next to the TB or Buick Encore. Zero comparison.
Mazda will never be GM and especially Buick.
The digital cockpit on this thing looks pretty good. Trailblazer kills it on exterior looks though.