2022 Volkswagen Taos 4motion 1.5L

Overview

The Volkswagen Taos entered the North American market for the 2022 model year as a compact crossover SUV, positioned below the Tiguan in the brand’s lineup. Developed to compete in the high-volume subcompact and compact SUV segments, the Taos utilizes the Volkswagen Group MQB A1 platform. This architecture allows for a balance of interior space and maneuverability, catering to urban commuters and small families who require utility without the footprint of a mid-size vehicle.

Manufactured primarily at the Volkswagen de México plant in Puebla, the Taos features a design language consistent with the broader Volkswagen SUV family, characterized by clean lines and a functional cabin layout. The 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, paired with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, provides a specific configuration aimed at regions requiring enhanced traction. By replacing the Golf in the North American market, the Taos serves as the entry point for Volkswagen’s utility vehicle strategy, emphasizing standard technology and fuel efficiency over high-performance metrics.

Vehicle Overview
Brand	Volkswagen
Model	Taos 4motion
Model Year	2022
Generation	1st Generation
Trim	S, SE, SEL
Body Style	4-door SUV
Vehicle Segment	Compact Crossover
Vehicle Class	Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Market	USA
Platform	MQB A1
Assembly Plant	Puebla, Mexico
Country of Origin	Mexico
Production Start	2021
Production End	–
VIN Identifier	3VW
Base MSRP	$24,195
Destination Charge	$1,195
Total MSRP	–
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	6,500 rpm
Drivetrain	All-Wheel Drive
Transmission	Automatic 7-spd DSG
Final Drive Ratio	–
Axle Ratio	–
Fuel Economy
Fuel Type	Regular Gasoline
Recommended Octane	87
EPA City MPG	25
EPA Highway MPG	32
EPA Combined MPG	28
Fuel Economy (L/100 km)	8.4 L/100km (Combined)
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)	13.2
Estimated Driving Range	370 miles
Annual Fuel Cost	$1,650
CO₂ Emissions	318 g/mile
Greenhouse Gas Score	6
Smog Rating	5
Performance
0-30 mph	3.1 s
0-60 mph	7.4 s
0-100 mph	21.5 s
Quarter Mile	15.8 s
Top Speed	125 mph
Braking Distance (60-0 mph)	122 ft
Lateral Acceleration	0.82 g
Power-to-Weight Ratio	20.8 lbs/hp
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)	62.3
Rear Track (in)	61.8
Ground Clearance (in)	6.7
Curb Weight (lbs)	3,437
GVWR (lbs)	4,519
Towing Capacity (lbs)	–
Payload Capacity (lbs)	1,100
Passenger Volume (cu ft)	99.5
Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft)	24.9
Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft)	60.2
Turning Circle	36.7 ft
Approach Angle	18.5°
Departure Angle	26.5°
Breakover Angle	17.0°
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating	–
NHTSA Frontal Crash	–
NHTSA Side Crash	–
NHTSA Rollover	–
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-inch or 8.0-inch
Instrument Cluster	8.0-inch Digital Cockpit
Apple CarPlay	Standard
Android Auto	Standard
Navigation System	Optional
Audio System	BeatsAudio
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	Volkswagen
Gear Ratios	–
Differential Type	Electronic Limited Slip
Cooling System Capacity	7.5 Quarts
Roof Load Capacity (lbs)	165
Safety Recall Count	–
Production Volume	–
Units Sold in USA	52,983 (2022)

Consumer Insights & Market Appeal

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is generally regarded as a practical, fuel-efficient choice for buyers seeking a European-engineered feel in a compact package. Its primary appeal lies in its spacious interior relative to its exterior dimensions and the standard inclusion of the Digital Cockpit. On the used market, owners often report satisfaction with the vehicle’s ride quality and the responsiveness of the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. However, prospective buyers should be aware of potential early-production electrical glitches and the occasional hesitation from the 7-speed DSG transmission in stop-and-go traffic. Maintenance history is critical, as the direct-injection engine requires strict adherence to oil change intervals to prevent carbon buildup. Overall, the Taos remains a competitive option for those prioritizing cargo versatility and modern connectivity over raw performance.