2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX carried forward the brand's signature design elements, offering a sharp and sculpted exterior that was reminiscent of its siblings, the smaller UX and larger RX. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models were the focus, with the latter providing a sportier appearance through features like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport models boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and optional Circuit Red interior, maintaining Lexus's reputation for excellent material fit and finish. However, the interior design, particularly the center stack, felt dated compared to competitors, and the G-Force meter, while interesting, seemed more gimmicky than practical.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos presented a straightforward yet detailed design, fitting well within Volkswagen's lineup. The SEL 4Motion model stood out with 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels and vibrant Cornflower Blue paint. The Taos featured typical SUV elements like roof rails and skid plates, though the blacked-out front bumper was a questionable styling choice. Inside, the Taos was dominated by hard plastics, which detracted from its appeal, though soft-touch materials were strategically placed. The SEL trim offered two-tone perforated leather and an upscale dashboard, but the overall interior quality was likened to children's toys, which was not a compliment.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the NX to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds, a respectable figure for its class. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate, though not as smooth as newer multi-speed options. The NX offered a quiet ride, with Active Sound Control in the F Sport models enhancing the engine note electronically. The all-wheel-drive system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle, but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, while AWD models saw a slight decrease in combined efficiency.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The engine's torque was available at a low 1,750 rpm, but turbo lag and sudden torque delivery were noticeable issues. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission paired with the 4Motion AWD system offered spirited performance but suffered from erratic shifting. The standard eight-speed automatic, available only with FWD, provided smoother operation. The Taos excelled in handling, with responsive steering and effective brakes, but its ground clearance of 6.6 inches limited off-road capability. The Taos SEL 4Motion achieved an EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed slightly lower results.

The 2021 Lexus NX offered a comfortable and upscale interior, with spacious front seats and adequate rear legroom for two adults. Heated and ventilated seats were available, enhancing comfort. However, cargo space was limited, with only 17.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.6 cubic feet with them folded, making it one of the smallest in its class. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology was available, along with power-folding rear seats.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a surprisingly roomy cabin, with ample seat-track travel and height adjustment in the front seats. The SEL 4Motion model included heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space varied with the drive system; FWD models offered 27.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 65.9 cubic feet with them folded, while 4Motion models had slightly less space. A center pass-through in the rear seats made the Taos ideal for ski trips.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 10.3-inch display with the Navigation package. This package added features like predictive traffic information and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though the Lexus system was criticized for its complexity. Other features included keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system was available on higher trims, and the Lexus Enform Remote app offered remote vehicle control and monitoring.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came with Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a 6.5-inch touchscreen on the S trim, with SE and SEL trims featuring an 8-inch display with MIB3 software. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Car-Net services were standard, with wireless connectivity and SiriusXM available on higher trims. The SEL added navigation and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio system. However, the MIB3 system was criticized for its user experience, with complex menu navigation and unreliable voice recognition.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included features like lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional features included park assist and a surround-view camera. The NX received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall rating from the latter. Lexus offered a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered IQ Drive safety technologies, standard or optional across all trims. The package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were also available, providing advanced driving assistance and emergency response features. The Taos SEL included additional safety features like rain-sensing wipers and road sign recognition. However, the Taos had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of review.