By Peter Perrotta
While not one of the biggest sellers in the United States, Volkswagen (VW) is certainly a major player on the global stage.
The VW nameplate sells quite well throughout Europe and Asia as well.
This week’s column is going to take a look at two models from the VW lineup that I recently road tested for one week: the 2022 VW Taos SE and the 2022 VW Tiguan SE R-Line Black.
2022 Volkswagen Taos SE
This is classified as a sub-compact crossover or SUV that seats five.
Overall, I’d have to rate this vehicle as an eight out of 10. It has a huge back seat for a sub-compact and a lot of storage area for cargo. It is also fairly economical in the gas mileage department as the all-wheel drive version gets 25 miles per gallon (mpg) in city driving and 32 mpg on the highway.
The 2022 Taos is a new model for the VW lineup that is smaller than the more familiar Tiquan model.
This new model is available in three different trim levels starting with the S (base price $24,790). The SE I tested has a base price of $29,190 and the top-of-the-line SEL starts at $33,385.
This new Taos model is powered by VW’s new 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo charged engine that makes about 158 horsepower at 184-pound feet of torque.
To be honest, you aren’t going to be winning any races with this new VW model, the acceleration isn’t very spunky.
Moreover, while the exterior look of the new Taos is appealing, once inside you might find it could use a bit of spice.
However, overall, for the money there is a lot to like in this new Taos especially when it comes to spaciousness and fuel economy.
The ride and sight lines on the Taos are good. It’s a fairly easy vehicle to adapt to quickly and feel comfortable in.
Every Taos model comes equipped with an upscale looking infotainment system with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen – an 8-inch version can be had as an option.
You can also add a subscription-based Wi-Fi Hot Spot. This new Taos is in a very competitive segment as it will be competing with the likes of the Mazda CX-30 and Chevy Trailblazer.
If you are in the market to lease or purchase a sub-compact crossover, then I would say give this new model a look.
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line Black
The Tiguan is a tad bigger than the new Taos, so VW puts it into the compact SUV or crossover category. I recently road tested the SE R-Line Black with four motion.
Overall, I’d have to give this crossover a bit higher rating than the Taos. I’d give it an 8.5 out of 10.
For me the Tiguan is a bit bigger, more stylish and definitely a faster vehicle when it comes to acceleration.
The four-cylinder engine VW outfits for the Tiguan puts out a much needed 184 horsepower, making it not as sluggish as the Taos.
The Tiguan is available in four trim levels: S, Se, SE R Line Black and the top-of-the-line SEL R-Line.
The base prices for each model before options are as follows: $27,785 for the S; $31,415 SE; $34,245 SE R-Line Black and $38,615 for the SEL R-Line.
The Tiguan is not new to the VW line. But for the 2022 VW gives it a stylish refresh which includes new LED headlamps, revised more rugged grille and bumpers and new more modern looking wheel designs.
Moreover, there are interior upgrades for the restyled Tiguan as well. Inside there is a new steering wheel design with touch sensitive controls. Heated seats and a digital gauge display are now standard features on all trim levels.
Also, all models (except the base S) now get a touch sensitive climate control panel, adaptive cruise, lane keeping assist and a semi-autonomous driving mode.
Standard on all Tiguans is a two-row five-seat configuration. However, a third row of seats is available as an option.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the four-wheel drive model that I tested gets 23 mpg in city driving and 30 mpg on the highway.
The folks at Car and Driver gave the Tiguan high marks for its “sporty handling, spacious cabin and available third row of seats.”
Overall, Car and Driver says, “the Tiguan’s stylish appearance and refined driving experience give it a distinctly European charm.”
I’d have to agree.
Peter Perrotta’s On The Road column appears every other week. He can be contacted at pperrotta@comcast.net.
On The Road is sponsored by Capital Motor Cars of Springfield NJ – one of the leading new car leasing agencies in the Tri-State area.
