2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Volkswagen Taos

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, was a fresh addition to Mercedes-Benz's extensive SUV lineup. Slotting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC, the GLB measured 182.4 inches in length with a 111.4-inch wheelbase. Despite its unique dimensions, the GLB shared a familial resemblance with its lineup-mates, making it hard to distinguish without checking the badge. The GLB's attractive, athletic stance was enhanced by its 7.9 inches of ground clearance, making it more forgiving on soft roads and speed humps. Inside, the GLB was a modern marvel, featuring round shapes across the dash, polished metal HVAC vents, and a single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The cabin boasted excellent fit and finish, with a beefy steering wheel wrapped in perforated leather.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos, positioned at the lower end of the compact SUV segment, competed with models like the Kia Seltos, Jeep Compass, and Subaru Crosstrek. Available in S, SE, and SEL trims, the Taos offered a choice between front-wheel drive and 4Motion all-wheel drive, with prices ranging from $22,995 to $33,045. The Taos's styling fit seamlessly into Volkswagen's lineup, with the SEL 4Motion test vehicle featuring 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels and Cornflower Blue paint. However, the interior was a mix of hard, shiny plastics and soft surfaces where it mattered most. The SEL trim level added two-tone perforated leather, contrast stitching, and upscale dashboard materials, but the overall feel was somewhat toy-like.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a single engine option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the GLB offered front-wheel drive as standard and 4MATIC all-wheel drive as an option. Fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for FWD and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for AWD. Weighing between 3,638 and 3,891 pounds, the GLB could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version provided better handling and agility, especially on dry roads and during cornering, and included the Off-Road Engineering Package for improved off-road capability.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 158 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 184 pound-feet of torque at 1,750 rpm. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission paired with the 4Motion AWD system offered spirited performance but suffered from erratic and harsh shifting. The standard eight-speed automatic transmission, available only with front-wheel drive, provided smoother driving but lacked the sophistication of the AWD system. The Taos SEL 4Motion in Sport mode delivered confident handling, aided by P225/45R19 Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires. However, the Taos's 6.6 inches of ground clearance limited its off-road capability. The EPA rated the Taos SEL 4Motion at 28 mpg combined, with real-world testing averaging 27.1 mpg.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered an optional third-row seat, which affected the second row and cargo compartments. The second row featured a 40:20:40 split seatback and a 40:60 split seat bottom, with each section adjustable for recline and slide. In three-row models, the second row had an "Easy-Entry" function for easier access to the third row, which folded flat when not in use. Cargo space varied from 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row to 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded in two-row models. In three-row models, cargo space ranged from 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row to 56.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The front seats were highly adjustable and supportive, with available heated and ventilated options, while the second row comfortably accommodated two adults.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious cabin, with the SEL's deeply bolstered front seats offering ample seat-track travel and height adjustment. The driver's seat featured eight-way power adjustment and power lumbar support, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel available. The rear seat provided generous legroom and a comfortable cushion, with rear air conditioning vents for added comfort. Cargo space depended on the drive system, with front-wheel-drive models offering 27.9 cubic feet behind the back seat and 65.9 cubic feet with the back seat folded. All-wheel-drive models had slightly less cargo space, with 24.9 cubic feet behind the back seat and 60.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded. A center pass-through made the Taos ideal for ski trips.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was packed with technology, including the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with voice control and natural language understanding. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, a rearview camera, and smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Premium Package upgraded the displays to 10.25 inches each and added keyless go. The optional Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality, traffic-sign assist, and a live camera feed. Additional options included a Burmester Surround Sound System, adaptive damping, 64-color ambient lighting, wireless device charging, NFC pairing, parking assistance with surround view, active parking assist, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came with Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the S trim. The SE and SEL trims featured 8-inch touchscreen displays with MIB3 software, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, voice control, and wireless smartphone charging. The SEL trim added navigation and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio premium sound system. However, the MIB3 system had usability issues, including complex radio tuning and unreliable voice recognition. The transition from Fender to BeatsAudio components was also seen as a downgrade.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB included standard safety features such as active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, crosswind assist, attention assist, and emergency call service. Available features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound. The GLB had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered IQ Drive safety technologies as standard or optional across all trims. The IQ Drive package for the Taos S included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were also included, with the latter responding to inactive drivers by slowing the vehicle and activating hazard flashers. The Taos SEL added rain-sensing wipers, road sign recognition, traffic-jam assistance, and rear parking sensors with automatic braking. The Taos had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.