As SUVs continue to take over the sales landscape, more and more options are becoming available, especially in the crazy popular compact segment, like this all-new 2022 Volkswagen Taos.  

A bit over 9-inches shorter than the Tiguan, this 5-passenger Taos certainly looks like a scaled-down version of the Tiguan; but also features LED lighting and a front-end treatment that reminds us of the recently released Atlas Cross Sport midsize utility.  

Power comes from the Jetta’s 158-horsepower 1.5-liter I4-turbo engine; and is paired to either an 8-speed automatic transmission if you stick with front-wheel-drive, or a 7-speed DSG with all-wheel-drive.  

Greg Carloss: "It is a bit unusual that Volkswagen is switching up the transmission options between front-wheel drive model and the all-wheel drive model with the same engine. Although the 8 speed uses a torque converter, the fuel economy will likely benefit from the extra gear ratio. But I expect the 7-speed DSG paired with 4-Motion all-wheel drive to be the more engaging setup."

In this case, small doesn’t mean de-contented, as Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit is not only available, but standard. As are 2-tone seats, push-button start, and a power driver’s seat.  

And it’s not tiny either; with the Tiguan being quite big for the Compact class, there was plenty of room for the Taos to slot under, yet still provide adequate space for young families and their gear, with over 28 cubic-ft. of luggage space behind the seats.    

Brian Robinson: “As much as I have a tendency to bristle whenever I hear of yet another small utility vehicle; when it’s done right it’s hard to argue with the results.  And the Taos, like a lot of recent VWs seems to truly be done right. It’s amazing how much space they were able to get out of what is a fairly small footprint. It should shake the segment up a bit.”

The Taos is set to arrive next summer; and while we don’t have pricing info yet, it will be notably less than Tiguan, and based on recent Volkswagen utilities, it’s sure to be very competitive.  

We'll have more on the all-new Volkswagen Taos soon. Until then, stay safe and keep it locked on MotorWeek!