2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 boasted a more traditional SUV aesthetic compared to other small luxury crossovers, featuring a tall, flat roof and a distinct upright rear hatch. This vehicle seamlessly aligned with the rest of Volvo’s lineup, showcasing familial design cues such as the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and an understated oval grille. For those opting for gasoline XC40 models, a white contrasting roof was available, offering a retro flair.

The electric XC40 Recharge set itself apart with minor yet noticeable differences, including a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and unique alloy wheels (standard at 19 inches, with an optional 20-inch upgrade). This variant also sported a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a tweaked rear bumper devoid of exhaust tips, and an exclusive Sage Green Metallic color. Its charging port was positioned where the fuel filler typically resided, making the Recharge an appealing choice for drivers seeking a less ostentatious electric vehicle.

Underlying the XC40 was Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, which also supported the Polestar 2 electric car. Designed to accommodate both gasoline and electric powertrains from the get-go, this wasn’t a case of retrofitting an electric system into a gasoline-engineered chassis.

The XC40’s interior embraced a minimalist approach, enriched with high-quality materials that imparted a premium feel. Real metal trim adorned the dashboard, and the upholstery combined Nappa leather with Nubuck textile, further enhancing its luxurious ambiance. The cabin design was coherent, with elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents blending seamlessly into a pleasant, unified aesthetic. Unlike many competitors, Volvo did not compromise on interior complexity to meet specific price points.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos, according to Volkswagen, aimed to complement the compact SUV segment, positioned at the lower end compared to its sibling, the Tiguan. VW’s goal was to compete with models like the Kia Seltos, Jeep Compass, and Subaru Crosstrek—vehicles straddling the subcompact or compact crossover SUV categories.

On the surface, the Taos maintained a straightforward design ethos, but the nuances were in the details. Offered in S, SE, and SEL trims, with a starting price from $22,995 to $33,045, the Taos catered to various preferences. The inclusion of 4Motion AWD in the Taos came with additional enhancements such as a dual-clutch automated manual transmission, an independent multilink rear suspension, and new driving modes. The SEL 4Motion variant also featured 19-inch wheels and ventilated front seats.

In terms of exterior styling, the Taos seamlessly fit into Volkswagen’s lineup. Notably, the SEL 4Motion test vehicle’s 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels and Cornflower Blue paint accentuated its presence and personality. Standard SUV elements such as roof rails, grey plastic cladding, and skid plates were present. The only questionable styling element was the blacked-out front bumper.

Internally, the Taos employed a mix of hard and sometimes hollow-sounding plastic materials. However, VW ensured that essential areas had soft surfaces, creating a pleasing tonal and textural balance across the cabin. The higher-end SEL trim offered two-tone perforated leather with contrast stitching, enhancing its upscale feel with stitched dashboard material and matching door panel inserts.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 provided three powertrain options. Gasoline models were equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive T4 model generated 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the all-wheel-drive T5 produced a stronger 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

The electric Recharge model stood out, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2. It featured dual electric motors, producing a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack (with 75 kWh usable capacity). This setup enabled a swift 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds, out-performing many rivals, though it wasn’t engineered to compete with performance-centric models like the Tesla Model Y Performance. The gasoline T5 and T4 achieved 0-60 mph times of 6.1 seconds and 8.1 seconds, respectively. All versions were capped at a top speed of 112 mph, a Volvo safety initiative.

The Recharge model excelled with a tranquil and comfortable driving experience, capable of one-pedal driving through regenerative braking. It also offered a more traditional braking mode and could tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped. The ride quality, even on challenging New Jersey roads and with 20-inch wheels, remained excellent.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 158 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 184 pound-feet of torque starting at 1,750 rpm. Despite the robust torque, the Taos experienced delayed throttle response due to turbo lag, with sudden bursts of power once the torque kicked in.

The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) paired with the 4Motion AWD system provided energetic performance but often resulted in erratic and harsh shifts, frustrating drivers unfamiliar with DCT mechanics. In contrast, the standard eight-speed automatic transmission offered smoother, consistent behavior but only came with front-wheel drive and a less sophisticated rear suspension.

The SEL 4Motion's Sport mode improved drivability by maintaining higher engine revs, though some powertrain issues remained. Drivers often encountered turbo lag and abrupt acceleration when navigating corners or low-speed situations.

Despite these quirks, the Taos delivered an enjoyable driving experience, characterized by light, compliant handling, responsive steering, effective braking, and solid road grip on its Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires. However, its maximum ground clearance of 6.6 inches fell short compared to off-road-oriented competitors like the Jeep Compass Trailhawk and Subaru Crosstrek.

Fuel economy for the Taos SEL 4Motion was estimated at 28 mpg combined by the EPA, with real-world testing averaging slightly lower at 27.1 mpg.

Both the gasoline and electric versions of the 2021 Volvo XC40 reportedly offered the same passenger and cargo space, though overall spaciousness was lacking compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The XC40 fell short in front and rear legroom, headroom, and cargo capacity, with a notably small frunk due to powertrain hardware occupying significant under-hood space.

Nevertheless, Volvo mitigated the space limitations with clever storage solutions. The center console housed a removable trash bin, and the glovebox door featured a built-in bag hook. The Harman Kardon system’s speakers were mounted on the dashboard, freeing up room for large door bins. A well-designed cubby ahead of the shifter accommodated phones securely, with an optional wireless charging pad, though second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos aimed to impress with its roomy interior. Both front and rear seating areas offered ample space, catering to taller individuals with adjustable seating positions and generous leg and foot room. The Taos SEL 4Motion added features like heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort during colder seasons.

The Taos fell short in cargo space, especially in the 4Motion version due to the independent rear suspension. Front-wheel-drive models offered more storage, with 27.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 65.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The 4Motion variant’s cargo capacity was slightly reduced to 24.9 and 60.2 cubic feet, respectively, but still provided a ski-friendly center pass-through.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, using built-in Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps for navigation and control, providing a seamless experience for Android phone users. Standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity were still available. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with OTA updates enabling software enhancements without dealer visits. A unique feature was the absence of a start button, relying instead on the presence of the key fob for activation.

Volkswagen equipped every 2022 Taos with its Digital Cockpit instrumentation paired with a touchscreen infotainment system. The S trim came with a 6.5-inch display, while SE and SEL trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen running the MIB3 software, though user experiences varied.

Standard connectivity included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Car-Net services with an available Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims added wireless charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a BeatsAudio premium sound system. However, issues with voice recognition and usability of the system’s features were noted, highlighting some drawbacks in the user interface and advanced controls.

The gasoline-powered 2021 Volvo XC40 garnered top safety ratings, earning the IIHS “Top Safety Pick+” and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more, with optional features enhancing driver support. While the electric XC40 Recharge had not been rated at the time, Volvo’s safety measures suggested optimism for robust crash test performance.

Volkswagen’s 2022 Taos democratized IQ Drive safety technologies across its trims. The standard IQ Drive package on the S trim ($995) included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and more. The Taos SEL had these features standard along with rain-sensing wipers and road sign recognition. Emergency Assist, a standout feature, could safely stop the vehicle if the driver became incapacitated. Notably, the Taos had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.