2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its decade-long presence in the market. Despite its age, the GX's design remained coherent, with the massive spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights adding a distinctive touch. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury standards, with wood trim resembling molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. While leather upholstery was standard, the overall feel was not as upscale as expected from a luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos presented a fresh and vibrant exterior, fitting seamlessly into Volkswagen's lineup. The SEL 4Motion model, with its 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels and Cornflower Blue paint, exuded a lively personality. Inside, the Taos offered a spacious cabin with soft surfaces where it mattered most, despite the prevalence of hard plastics. The two-tone perforated leather and stitched dashboard material in the SEL trim added an upscale touch, making the interior feel more refined than its price might suggest.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's hefty 5,130-pound weight became apparent at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, standard 4WD with a low range, and several driver aids for challenging terrains.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos, equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The engine's robust torque allowed the Taos to feel lively, but the turbocharger's lag 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. Despite these quirks, the Taos delivered an enjoyable driving experience with responsive steering, effective brakes, and commendable grip. However, its off-road capability was limited by a ground clearance of just 6.6 inches.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior design reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving feel. While outward visibility was generally good, forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. The GX offered three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children, and accessing it was challenging. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious cabin, with ample seat-track travel and height adjustment in the front seats. The rear seat offered generous legroom and comfort, complemented by rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with up to 65.9 cubic feet available in front-wheel-drive models. The Taos also featured a center pass-through, ideal for ski trips with four passengers.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system felt outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s. However, Lexus provided analog controls for most functions, offering a straightforward interface. The available 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was a notable highlight.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos came equipped with Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a range of infotainment options. The SE and SEL trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with MIB3 software, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio system. However, the user experience was marred by complex menu navigation and inconsistent voice recognition. Despite these issues, the Taos offered a comprehensive suite of connected services and smartphone integration.

The 2021 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had published crash-test ratings for the GX.

Volkswagen's 2022 Taos democratized its IQ Drive safety technologies, making them available across all trim levels. The IQ Drive package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Taos SEL added features like Travel Assist, Emergency Assist, and rear parking sensors with automatic braking. While the reverse automatic braking system could be overly sensitive, it could be disabled through the infotainment system. As a new model, the Taos had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.