With Volkswagen discontinuing the regular Golf hatchback in the U.S., the mid-year release of its Taos small SUV becomes even more critical as a less-big, five-door alternative. In a recent marketing video, the manufacturer presents a concise—and not too salesy—look at the 2022 Volkwagen Taos (rhymes with  “house”).

A Recycled Tiguan Exterior

Company executive Hein Schafer opens the video by acknowledging how competitive the compact SUV market is in the U.S. and that the Taos will “do battle in this segment alongside its larger sibling, the Tiguan.”

The Taos featured in this video is painted in a bright blue that looks like it came from a C8 Corvette or Mustang Mach-E. The color is hard to miss. And, unless you put the Taos next to the eleven-inch longer Tiguan, you’d think the Taos was just a Tiguan with a new front end. No one will mistake the Taos for anything other than a Volkswagen. That isn't a bad thing, it is just that VW didn’t venture too far off the corporate design road. Schafer comments on the Taos’ “muscular” exterior, but it’s really a repeat episode of the Tiguan show.

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The Engine And Interior Are The Stars Of The Taos Show

2022 VW Taos SUV Walkaround
Volkswagen

However, the star of the Taos show is a new engine. Based on the 1.4L turbo found in the Golf, the Taos’ sole power plant is a turbo 1.5L 4-cylinder with TSI-branded direct fuel injection. The engine produces 158 hp and a respectable 184 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel-drive is standard for the Taos with VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system an option.

The interior deserves equal billing with the engine—the cabin looks exceptional. Of course, VW interiors are usually very nice, but company designers deserve credit. Seating material appears upscale, and the contrast stitching adds excellent attention to detail to the spacious cabin. The 8-inch infotainment screen looks modern and well-placed in the center stack. The technology list continues with a standard digital gauge cluster, dual USB-C ports, and wireless phone charging dock.

Three Trim Levels For the VW Taos

2022 VW Taos SUV Walkaround
Volkswagen

The video details the Taos’ three trim levels. The base S trim will include 17-inch aluminum alloys, all-LED exterior lighting, push-button start, and a 6.5-inch infotainment screen. The IQ.Drive suite of advanced driver aids is optional. The mid-tier SE adds 18-inch wheels, remote start, keyless entry, heated front seats, wireless phone charging, and an 8-inch infotainment screen. Options include the IQ.Drive package and a panorama sunroof. The top-of-the-line SEL model adds adaptive headlights, upgraded wheels, leather seating, heated steering wheel, and navigation. Volkswagen has not confirmed pricing yet for the Taos.

Source: Volkswagen

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