2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover was a symbol of luxury and sophistication, a far cry from its rugged origins. Once a utilitarian vehicle, it evolved into a high-end SUV with a starting price of $92,000, which could soar to $250,000 with premium options. The test model, priced at $106,715, featured the HSE Westminster special-edition trim, offering a blend of elegance and modernity. Its timeless design, highlighted by Byron Blue paint and silver 21-inch wheels, exuded class. Inside, the Range Rover's Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance provided a luxurious experience, although its infotainment system lagged behind newer models.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos was a fresh entry in the compact SUV segment, positioned as a more affordable option. With prices ranging from $22,995 to $33,045, it offered a practical and spacious interior. The Taos's design was in line with Volkswagen's lineup, featuring 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels and Cornflower Blue paint. Inside, the Taos provided a roomy cabin with comfortable seating and a user-friendly layout. However, the interior materials, primarily hard plastics, left something to be desired. Despite this, the Taos's practicality and affordability made it an appealing choice for budget-conscious buyers.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Its eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive system ensured a smooth and powerful ride. The adaptive air suspension provided a classic wafting sensation, while the Terrain Response 2 system enhanced off-road capabilities. However, the Range Rover's steering was slow, and its weight and tall center of gravity led to side-to-side wallow on uneven roads. Fuel economy was modest, with an EPA rating of 20 mpg combined, though the test vehicle averaged 18.5 mpg.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. While the engine provided adequate power, the turbocharger's delayed response and the dual-clutch transmission's erratic shifting could be frustrating. The standard eight-speed automatic transmission offered smoother performance but was limited to front-wheel drive. The Taos's handling was commendable, with responsive steering and effective brakes. However, its ground clearance of 6.6 inches limited its off-road capabilities. The Taos SEL 4Motion achieved an EPA rating of 28 mpg combined, with the test vehicle averaging 27.1 mpg.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's air suspension made entry and exit easier, but the second-row seating was uncomfortable, lacking thigh support and adjustability. The interior offered luxurious front seats and quad-zone climate control, but storage space was limited. The cargo area provided 25 cubic feet of space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet, but was less than some competitors. A suspension kneel function aided loading, and a center pass-through allowed for longer items.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious interior, with ample front and rear legroom. The SEL trim offered heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Storage was plentiful, though the center armrest bin was small. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with up to 27.9 cubic feet available in front-wheel-drive models and 24.9 cubic feet in 4Motion models. The Taos's center pass-through made it ideal for carrying long items like skis.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. While the InControl Touch Pro Duo system was functional, it was not intuitive and could be distracting while driving. The Range Rover included a head-up display, but it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Activity Key wristband and iGuide smartphone app were notable features, enhancing convenience and usability.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came equipped with Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a touchscreen infotainment system. The SE and SEL trims featured an 8-inch display with MIB3 software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the voice-recognition technology was unreliable, and the user experience could be cumbersome. The Taos SEL included a navigation system and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio premium sound system, though the transition from Fender to BeatsAudio was not seen as an improvement.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered IQ Drive safety technologies, standard or available across all trims. The Taos S could be equipped with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Taos SEL included these features as standard, along with rain-sensing wipers and road sign recognition. The reverse automatic braking system was overly sensitive but could be disabled. As a new model, the Taos had not yet been crash-tested by safety organizations.