2023 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Volkswagen crafted the 2022 Atlas Cross Sport by eliminating the third row from the standard seven-passenger Atlas model, lowering the roofline by 2.3 inches for a sportier look, and shortening the SUV’s length by 5.2 inches. Despite these changes, the wheelbase remained the same, ensuring a spacious interior for five people. However, the Cross Sport’s reduced cargo space, offering 40.3 cubic feet behind the second-row seat and a maximum of 77.8 cubic feet, was a trade-off for its bold, sporty, and upscale appearance, especially in the SEL Premium R-Line trim with 21-inch machined-finish wheels.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos, designed for North America but sold globally, aimed to balance appeal, affordability, and passenger comfort. In its inaugural year of 2022, the Taos became Volkswagen’s third-best selling model in the U.S., surpassing the Jetta by 20,843 units. The 2023 Taos, priced between $24,155 and $34,535, came in S, SE, and SEL trims, with FWD and 4Motion AWD options. The SEL trim, featuring 4Motion and Cornflower Blue paint, had an MSRP of $35,830. Despite its higher price, the Taos SEL’s stylish design, including bold 19-inch alloy wheels and bright blue paint, gave it an upscale look.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an available 3.6-liter V6 producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, provided a more satisfying performance despite its lower fuel economy of 20 mpg in combined driving. Both engines used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard and 4Motion AWD available. The V6 engine in the SEL Premium R-Line trim felt more energetic, though the ride quality varied, being harsh at lower speeds and too soft at higher speeds. The Cross Sport excelled in highway driving but was not ideal for off-roading due to its 7.5 inches of ground clearance.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. FWD models paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while AWD models used a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The Taos offered up to five driving modes and additional settings for the 4Motion AWD system. However, the powertrain response was unpredictable, and the dual-clutch transmission exhibited halting behavior. Despite averaging 26.8 mpg on a test loop, the Taos SEL’s engine lacked power compared to competitors. The Taos SEL’s driving character was firm and stable, with good visibility and nimble handling, but it suffered from wind and road noise at highway speeds.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, sharing its wheelbase and track width with the larger seven-passenger model, provided exceptional interior space for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. A panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel, and ample storage space was available, though some areas lacked lining, causing noise. The cargo area, though smaller than the seven-passenger model, offered plenty of space for luggage and other items.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos offered different upholstery options: cloth seats for S trim, CloudTex artificial leather for SE trim, and real leather for SEL trim. The SE and SEL trims included cold-weather equipment, and the SEL featured additional amenities like rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Taos felt spacious inside, with comfortable seating and ample rear legroom. Storage space was plentiful, though some areas were unlined, causing noise. The cargo area provided 27.9 cubic feet behind the back seat and 65.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down, slightly less with 4Motion.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE came with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring an 8-inch display and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB-C ports. Higher trims had a 10.25-inch digital cockpit and an 8-inch touchscreen with additional features like wireless smartphone charging and SiriusXM with 360L. The infotainment system offered three Car-Net connected service plans, though the user experience could be frustrating. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system, which was highly praised.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos featured standard digital instrumentation, with an 8-inch screen for S and SE trims and a 10.25-inch display for SEL trim. Infotainment systems ranged from a basic 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and Car-Net connected services for the S trim to an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for SE and SEL trims. The SEL also included a native navigation system and an eight-speaker Beats Audio premium sound system. However, the user experience was often frustrating due to hidden virtual controls and a complex interface. Pairing a smartphone and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was recommended.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and a low-speed automatic braking system. The SEL trim featured additional safety technologies like automatic high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and IQ Drive, which included Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The SEL Premium R-Line trim also had a semi-autonomous Parking Steering Assistant and an Area View 360-degree camera system. The Atlas Cross Sport received favorable crash-test ratings but did not earn the highest accolades.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos improved its standard safety features, with the Taos S including Front Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Taos SE added the IQ.Drive collection of ADAS, which included Lane Assist, Travel Assist, Emergency Assist, and an active blind-spot monitoring system. The Taos also featured a post-collision automatic braking system, automatic high-beam headlights, parking sensors with automatic braking, and a road-sign recognition system. Travel Assist performed well during testing, providing smooth and accurate assistance. The Taos received decent crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.