2022 Volkswagen Taos 1.5L

Overview

The Volkswagen Taos debuted for the 2022 model year as a compact crossover SUV, positioned below the Tiguan in the brand’s North American lineup. Designed to compete in the high-volume subcompact and compact crossover segments, the Taos utilizes the modular MQB platform, which is shared with several other Volkswagen Group products. Its introduction served to replace the Golf hatchback in the United States market, reflecting the broader consumer trend toward SUVs and crossovers.

Manufactured at the Volkswagen de México plant in Puebla, the Taos emphasizes interior space and fuel efficiency. The vehicle features a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, an evolution of the EA211 engine family, engineered to provide a balance of power and economy. The exterior styling follows the brand’s contemporary design language, characterized by a wide grille and sharp body lines that align with the larger Atlas and Tiguan models. Inside, the cabin focuses on ergonomics and digital integration, featuring the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit as a standard component.

Marketed toward urban commuters and small families, the Taos offers a competitive footprint that maximizes cabin volume relative to its exterior dimensions. By focusing on a simplified trim structure and a singular powertrain option for the front-wheel-drive configuration, Volkswagen aimed to provide a value-oriented entry point into its SUV portfolio. Since its release, the model has established itself as a core component of the brand’s strategy to maintain relevance in the competitive crossover segment.

Vehicle Overview
Brand	Volkswagen
Model	Taos
Model Year	2022
Generation	1st Gen
Trim	S, SE, SEL
Body Style	4-door SUV
Vehicle Segment	Compact Crossover
Vehicle Class	Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Market	USA
Platform	MQB A1
Assembly Plant	Puebla, Mexico
Country of Origin	Mexico
Production Start	2021
Production End	–
VIN Identifier	3VW
Base MSRP	$23,495
Destination Charge	$1,195
Total MSRP	$24,690
Powertrain
Powertrain Type	Internal Combustion Engine
Engine Family	EA211
Engine Name	1.5L TSI
Engine Code	–
Engine Configuration	Inline-4
Displacement	1.5 Liters
Bore x Stroke	74.5 mm x 85.9 mm
Compression Ratio	11.5:1
Aspiration	Turbocharged
Fuel Delivery	Direct Injection
Valve Train	DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Engine Block Material	Aluminum Alloy
Cylinder Head Material	Aluminum Alloy
Oil Capacity	4.2 Quarts
Oil Specification / Viscosity	VW 508 00 / 0W-20
Horsepower	158 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm
Redline	6,000 rpm
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Transmission	Automatic 8-spd
Final Drive Ratio	–
Axle Ratio	–
Fuel Economy
Fuel Type	Regular Gasoline
Recommended Octane	87
EPA City MPG	28
EPA Highway MPG	36
EPA Combined MPG	31
Fuel Economy (L/100 km)	7.6 L/100 km
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)	13.2
Estimated Driving Range	409 miles
Annual Fuel Cost	$1,500
CO₂ Emissions	287 g/mile
Greenhouse Gas Score	7
Smog Rating	5
Performance
0-30 mph	3.1 seconds
0-60 mph	7.7 seconds
0-100 mph	22.5 seconds
Quarter Mile	16.0 seconds
Top Speed	125 mph
Braking Distance (60-0 mph)	122 ft
Lateral Acceleration	0.82 g
Power-to-Weight Ratio	0.05 hp/lb
Dimensions & Capacities
Length (in)	175.8
Width (Without Mirrors) (in)	72.5
Width (With Mirrors) (in)	82.0
Height (in)	64.4
Wheelbase (in)	105.9
Front Track (in)	62.4
Rear Track (in)	61.8
Ground Clearance (in)	6.7
Curb Weight (lbs)	3,054
GVWR (lbs)	4,255
Towing Capacity (lbs)	–
Payload Capacity (lbs)	1,100
Passenger Volume (cu ft)	99.5
Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft)	27.9
Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft)	60.2
Turning Circle	36.7 ft
Approach Angle	17.5 degrees
Departure Angle	25.0 degrees
Breakover Angle	15.0 degrees
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating	–
NHTSA Frontal Crash	–
NHTSA Side Crash	–
NHTSA Rollover	4/5
IIHS Award	–
Small Overlap Front	Good
Moderate Overlap Front	Good
Side Impact	Good
Headlights Rating	Acceptable
Front Crash Prevention	Superior
Technology & Connectivity
Infotainment Display	6.5 to 8.0-inch touchscreen
Instrument Cluster	8.0-inch Digital Cockpit
Apple CarPlay	Standard
Android Auto	Standard
Navigation System	Available
Audio System	BeatsAudio (SEL)
Speaker Count	6
Wireless Charging	Available
Wi-Fi Hotspot	Available
OTA Updates	No
Digital Key	No
Warranty & Ownership
Basic Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion Warranty	7 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance	3 years / 36,000 miles
Complimentary Maintenance	2 years / 20,000 miles
Specs.Autos Exclusive Data
Engine Assembly Plant	Silao, Mexico
Transmission Supplier	Aisin
Gear Ratios	–
Differential Type	Open
Cooling System Capacity	–
Roof Load Capacity (lbs)	165
Safety Recall Count	–
Production Volume	–
Units Sold in USA	55,000+ (2022)

## Consumer Insights & Market Appeal
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is generally regarded as a practical and fuel-efficient choice for buyers seeking a compact SUV with European-inspired driving dynamics. Its primary appeal lies in its spacious interior and high-quality infotainment interface, which often outshines competitors in the same price bracket. However, prospective buyers should be aware of early production reports regarding minor electrical glitches and occasional hesitation from the 8-speed automatic transmission during low-speed driving. As a used vehicle, the Taos maintains a solid reputation for reliability, though regular maintenance of the turbocharged engine is critical to prevent long-term carbon buildup and turbocharger wear. Overall, it remains a strong contender for those prioritizing cabin utility and highway fuel economy over raw performance.