2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX pioneered the three-row luxury crossover SUV category and has always managed to look smaller on the outside while feeling more spacious on the inside. Previous versions shared a platform with the Honda Pilot, but the new generation boasted a dedicated platform specifically engineered for the MDX. The proportions were tweaked, featuring a longer wheelbase and overall length, as well as a wider body and wider track. The dash-to-axle distance increased by over four inches, adding an element of elegance. Early adopters of LED headlights, Acura utilized standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and expressive linear LED daytime running lights. Larger wheels and tires, 19 x 8.5 inches on the base MDX, and 20 x 9 inches on higher trims, lent a modern and assertive look. Built in East Liberty, Ohio, the MDX showcased high craftsmanship and quality.

Inside, the MDX had a layered dashboard emphasizing cabin width, sitting lower and further away from front-seat occupants to enhance space perception. Authentic materials like natural wood, genuine aluminum, and real leather supplemented by high-quality plastics. The layout, although quirky, quickly made sense. The center console and stack housed multiple controls, including a unique fighter jet-like gear selector. The array featured rectangular push-buttons, a lever, and a round push-button corralled in an aluminum collar for PRNDL function, along with a square touchpad for infotainment control. A handrest hovered above this touchpad, flanked by a volume knob and a rotary drive mode selector above the gear selector. HVAC controls and a prominent 12.3-inch infotainment screen were strategically placed for optimal safety and usability. The front row offered wide-ranging adjustments, sized appropriately for American frames, complemented by a beefy steering wheel with redundant controls, including paddle shifters.

Turns to the 2022 Volkswagen Taos, it slotted below the Tiguan in the compact SUV segment, competing with subcompacts like the Kia Seltos, Jeep Compass, and Subaru Crosstrek. Despite its seemingly simple exterior, details mattered. Available in S, SE, or SEL trims with a front-wheel drive or 4Motion all-wheel drive, the Taos ranged from $22,995 to $33,045. A dual-clutch automated manual transmission and an independent multilink rear suspension distinguished 4Motion models, altering the Taos’s driving character. The SEL 4Motion flaunted 19-inch wheels and ventilated front seats, enhancing its presence, especially in the vibrant Cornflower Blue paint.

Standard SUV cues like roof rails, dark gray cladding, and simulated skid plates were present. Interior materials were less impressive, featuring hard, shiny plastics that were sometimes hollow-sounding. However, the SEL trim offered two-tone perforated leather with contrast stitching and upscale dashboard and door panel inserts.

The 2022 Acura MDX came with a single engine choice at launch, a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. The base MDX and Tech trims had front-wheel drive, while higher trims included Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), enhancing cornering with torque vectoring. The new 4th-generation SH-AWD system responded faster, improving launch performance and cornering control. The reworked front double-wishbone suspension and revised rear multi-link suspension improved ride quality, coupled with bigger, more powerful brakes and improved steering control with a variable gear ratio. The MDX's overall stiffness and new transmission elevated its dynamic performance.

During test drives around southeastern Michigan, the MDX stood out, especially against competitors like the Lexus RX L, Volvo XC90, and Audi Q7. It felt more agile and substantial, comfortably handling corners and highways.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The 4Motion AWD model's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission provided rousing performance but had erratic and harsh shifting. In contrast, the standard eight-speed automatic with front-wheel drive ensured smoother behavior. The Sport driving mode improved driveability by keeping engine revs higher but did not completely solve the powertrain’s jerkiness, especially at low speeds. Despite these issues, the Taos remained enjoyable to drive with great road feel, responsive steering, effective braking, and commendable grip.

Fuel economy was efficient, with the Taos SEL 4Motion averaging 27.1 mpg in testing, close to the EPA’s 28 mpg estimate.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled as a versatile three-row SUV, offering comfortable seating and flexible capacity. The innovative second-row seats included a removable center section and could slide fore and aft, balancing legroom for all passengers. The third row, best suited for smaller occupants, provided adequate comfort for pre-teens. The cargo space was generous, ranging from 16.3 to 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, with up to 95 cubic feet when seats were folded. New tailgate features like “Grab ‘N Go” and Hands-Free Access added convenience.

For cargo capacity, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos varied based on drive systems. The front-wheel-drive model, with a torsion-beam rear suspension, offered 27.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 65.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The 4Motion model, with an independent rear suspension, offered slightly less, with 24.9 cubic feet behind the seats and 60.2 cubic feet overall. The spacious cabin and thoughtful design ensured comfort for both front and rear passengers, with amenities like heated and ventilated front seats in the SEL trim.

The 2022 Acura MDX came loaded with tech features, headlined by the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System in higher trims. This 16-speaker, 710-watt system delivered exceptional audio quality. The MDX included a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch HD digital instrument panel. Standard features included Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Qi wireless charging. Higher trims added a head-up display and an HD rearview camera system. CabinTalk, available on A-Spec and Advance trims, and a customizable interior lighting system with 27 themes, provided added convenience and personalization.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos featured Digital Cockpit instrumentation paired with a touchscreen infotainment system. The SE and SEL trims received larger 8-inch displays with the MIB3 software, while all trims included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Car-Net services, with a Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims added wireless connection capability, SiriusXM, and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio sound system. Although fast and easy to use, the MIB3 system’s voice-recognition technology and user interface needed improvement.

Crash-test ratings for the 2022 Acura MDX were not available at the time of review, but engineers aimed for top ratings from IIHS and NHTSA. Enhanced safety features included a higher percentage of high-strength steel, pedestrian safety improvements, and a low-speed braking control system. The standard AcuraWatch suite offered comprehensive safety and driver assistance technologies like collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic jam assist.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos democratized its IQ Drive safety technologies, making them available across all trims. The package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Higher trims added Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, providing advanced driving assistance and emergency response features. Rear parking sensors with automatic braking were also standard on SEL.