Automakers have embraced the thought of larger is healthier, and this has resulted in compact crossovers which are removed from compact.

Nevertheless, the section is rightsizing because of current entries such because the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Kia Seltos. They’re so-called goldilocks fashions that are affordably priced and never too small or too massive.

The newest crossover to hitch the membership is the 2022 Volkswagen Taos, which slots beneath the Tiguan and begins at an affordable $22,995. The mannequin will go on sale in the USA subsequent month and, judging by our temporary time with it, the Taos seems fairly promising.

A Sensibly Sized Crossover

Entry-level crossovers aren’t identified for his or her seems to be and that development continues with the Taos because it gained’t be turning any heads. Whereas it’s not terribly thrilling to take a look at, the mannequin attire the half because it’s outfitted with plastic physique cladding, roof rails and pretend silver skid plates.

They’re joined by a sculpted hood and a particular entrance fascia with black accents in addition to a three-bar grille. Different notable highlights embody squared-off wheel arches, outstanding character strains and a gently sloping roof. Moreover, even the bottom mannequin comes outfitted with LED lighting models and 17-inch alloy wheels.

When it comes to dimension, the Taos measures 175.8 inches (4466 mm) lengthy, 72.5 inches (1841 mm) huge and 64.4 inches (1636 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 105.9 inches (2689 mm). This makes it 9.3 inches (236 mm) shorter than the Tiguan, however there’s solely a 3.9 inch (99 mm) distinction of their wheelbases. The beneficiant dimensions additionally make the Taos bigger than the Trailblazer and Seltos.

A Roomy Inside With Loads Of Tech

In an effort to maintain costs low, a lot of small crossovers skimp on inside high quality and gear. Not Volkswagen because the Taos comes customary with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, a push-button ignition and a 6.5-inch infotainment system. Larger-end variants go even additional as they’re outfitted with a ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a bigger 8-inch infotainment system.

Sticking with the tech theme, the entry-level Taos could be outfitted with a $995 IQ.Drive S bundle which provides a blind spot monitor, entrance help, emergency help, journey help and lane help. The bundle additionally contains rear site visitors alert and an adaptive cruise management system with a cease and go perform.

Designers didn’t simply give attention to know-how because the Taos comes with a handful of particular touches together with two-tone seats with gray distinction stitching. This helps to make the cabin really feel extra upscale and consumers can get high-end choices equivalent to heated / ventilated entrance seats.

Talking of the entrance seats, they’re properly padded and supply supportive bolstering. This makes it straightforward to get comfy behind the wheel and drivers will discover headroom worthy of an NBA participant.

Because of the sizable wheelbase, second-row passengers can journey in consolation as there’s a formidable 37.9 inches (963 mm) of rear seat legroom. This dwarfs key rivals, however it falls wanting the Jeep Compass which is likely one of the fashions that Volkswagen is concentrating on.

On the subject of area, front-wheel drive variants have a cargo capability of 27.9 cubic ft (790 liters) and that may be expanded to 65.9 cubic ft (1866 liters) by folding the rear seats down. All-wheel drive fashions are a bit much less accommodating as their most cargo capability tops out at 60.2 cubic ft (1705 liters).

Given the inexpensive price ticket, it shouldn’t be shocking to study the inside isn’t overly luxurious. That being stated, materials high quality is respectable and the Taos advantages from a properly designed cabin. Talking of the latter, there’s a tiered dashboard with an upholstered accent in addition to a large swath of shiny trim. Drivers may also discover a good three-spoke steering wheel, high-quality switchgear and metallic accents.

A Correct Engine And Transmission

In the USA, the Taos is powered completely by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 158 hp (118 kW / 160 PS) and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) of torque. It has loads of energy and outguns the Trailblazer’s turbocharged three-cylinder engines that produce as much as 155 hp (116 kW / 157 PS) and 174 lb-ft (236 Nm) of torque. The Taos additionally has extra customary energy than the Seltos, however that exact mannequin could be outfitted with an non-obligatory turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine creating 175 hp (130 kW / 177 PS) and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque.

The engine is an upgraded model of the Jetta’s 1.4-liter four-cylinder and it includes a bigger displacement, the next stress gasoline injection system and a variable turbine geometry. Thanks to those and different adjustments, the engine is environment friendly as front-wheel drive variants have an EPA-estimated gasoline economic system score of 28 mpg metropolis, 36 mpg freeway and 31 mpg mixed. That drops to 25 mpg metropolis, 32 mpg freeway and 28 mpg mixed with all-wheel drive.

One other notable factor in regards to the Taos is ‘correct’ gearboxes. Whereas a lot of small crossovers have a repeatedly variable transmission, Volkswagen opted for a easy shifting eight-speed computerized. All-wheel drive variants are barely totally different as they’ve a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which guarantees to ship a sportier driving expertise.

It’s A Pleasure To Drive

Whereas most entry-level crossovers aren’t terribly thrilling to drive, the Taos is an honest performer and plenty of that may be chalked as much as the MQB platform.

Throughout our temporary time with the mannequin, the Taos dealt with admirably on rural Michigan roads and felt barely sporty. That’s a attribute which is commonly lacking in its section.

Moreover, the mannequin rides comfortably and includes a responsive steering system. The steering is a bit gentle on front-wheel drive variants, however all-wheel drive fashions have a drive mode selector with Regular, Sport and Particular person settings. Sport mode is the star of the present because it provides heft to the steering, improves throttle response and optimizes gear adjustments for a sportier driving expertise.

We didn’t have a lot want for the Taos’ non-obligatory all-wheel drive system, however it’s eco-minded and decouples from the rear wheels when not wanted. Nevertheless, when additional traction is required, the system engages in “fractions of a second” and may ship as much as 50% of engine torque rearward.

Talking of the all-wheel drive system, it has Onroad, Snow, Offroad and Customized Offroad settings which modify parameters for the engine, transmission and steering in addition to the adaptive cruise management system and traction management programs. All-wheel drive fashions even have a multilink rear suspension, as a substitute of the torsion beam setup used on front-wheel drive variants.

Lastly, the Taos options 12.3 inch (312 mm) ventilated entrance and 10.7 inch (272 mm) strong rear brake discs. We didn’t check them to extremes, however they’re greater than able to bringing the crossover to a halt.

It Prices $2,250 Much less Than The Tiguan

One of many greatest benefits of the Taos is that pricing begins at $22,995 earlier than a $1,195 vacation spot cost. That’s $2,250 lower than the Tiguan, however Volkswagen officers urged the facelifted crossover will probably be receiving a worth hike when it goes on sale later this yr.

The entry-level Taos S comes outfitted with LED lighting models and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Patrons may also discover an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, a 6.5-inch infotainment system and a four-speaker audio system. The mannequin additionally has fabric seats, a push-button ignition and heated entrance seats on the all-wheel drive variant.

Shifting up the trim ladder is the $27,245 Taos SE. It includes a extra upscale exterior with silver mirrors and roof rails in addition to bigger 18-inch alloy wheels. Patrons may also discover an eight-way energy driver’s seat, fabric / leatherette upholstery and a leatherette-wrapped multifunction steering wheel. Different niceties embody heated entrance seats, a six-speaker audio system and a bigger 8-inch infotainment system with wi-fi app-connect. Rounding out the highlights are a keyless entry system and a wi-fi smartphone charger.

The range-topping Taos SEL begins at $31,490 and it’s distinguished by an illuminated gentle bar within the grille. The mannequin additionally has fancier LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers and 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels.

In addition to the styling adjustments, the SEL comes outfitted with leather-based, a dual-zone local weather management system and heated / ventilated entrance seats (AWD solely). Drivers may also discover a bigger 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, GPS navigation and a heated leatherette steering wheel. Rounding out the highlights are an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an eight-speaker Beats audio system and a plethora of driver help programs.

Entrance-wheel drive comes customary, however all-wheel drive can be out there. It prices a further $2,045 on the bottom mannequin, however the worth drops to $1,450 and $1,555 on the higher-end variants.

A Good All-Rounder

The Taos fills a big hole in Volkswagen’s lineup and makes a superb first impression. Extra importantly, it prices lower than the Tiguan with none main tradeoffs.

Particularly, the Taos has a spacious and high-tech inside that may comfortably seat 4 adults. This makes it a sensible choice for younger households and empty nesters, who don’t want a ton of cargo area.

That being stated, the Taos is a bit boring however that’s just about par the course for the section. Nevertheless, if you will get previous the underwhelming seems to be, there’s loads to love.

Image credit: Michael Gauthier for CarScoops