2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV with a spacious interior, competing with models like the Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek. It offered a range of trims, from the base S to the top-tier SEL, with prices starting at $22,995. The Taos featured a choice between front-wheel drive and 4Motion all-wheel drive, with the latter including a dual-clutch transmission and independent rear suspension. Its design was consistent with Volkswagen's lineup, featuring 19-inch wheels and a vibrant Cornflower Blue paint option. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic materials, though the SEL trim provided upscale touches like two-tone leather and contrast stitching.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, introduced as a longer version of the standard Grand Cherokee, offered a third row of seats and a more spacious interior. Its design retained classic Jeep elements, such as the seven-slot grille, while modernizing with slimmer lighting and improved paint finishes. The Grand Cherokee L was available in various trims, from the base Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, each offering a distinct level of sophistication. The interior was praised for its high-quality materials, including real wood and quilted Nappa leather, and provided ample space for passengers in all three rows. Despite its higher price point, the Grand Cherokee L was considered a worthwhile investment for its luxurious feel and spaciousness.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided adequate power, but the turbocharger's delayed response led to a noticeable lag in throttle response. The 4Motion AWD system, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, offered spirited performance but was criticized for its erratic shifting. The standard eight-speed automatic transmission, available only with front-wheel drive, provided smoother operation. The Taos excelled in handling, with responsive steering and effective brakes, but its ground clearance of 6.6 inches limited its off-road capabilities. The EPA estimated the Taos SEL 4Motion's fuel economy at 28 mpg combined, with real-world testing showing 27.1 mpg.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, was found lacking in power for the vehicle's size, while the V8 delivered a more robust 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering precision, with an optional air suspension providing adjustable ride heights. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its five ride height settings and various driving modes, though all-terrain tires were recommended for rougher trails. The V6's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, while the V8's was lower at 17 mpg.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious interior, with the SEL trim offering deeply bolstered seats and ample seat-track travel. The rear seat provided generous legroom and comfort, while rear air conditioning vents ensured passenger comfort. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with front-wheel-drive models offering up to 65.9 cubic feet of space and 4Motion models providing 60.2 cubic feet. The Taos also featured a center pass-through for ski trips, enhancing its practicality.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system with physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The interior offered ample space in all three rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat available. A panoramic roof and multiple USB ports added to passenger comfort, though the air vents were criticized for insufficient airflow. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was designed for long journeys, with thoughtful features like a large central cubby and wireless phone charging.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came standard with Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims offering an 8-inch display and more advanced features. All trims included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. However, the MIB3 infotainment system was criticized for its complex user interface and unreliable voice recognition. The SEL trim added a navigation system and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio sound system, though the transition from Fender to BeatsAudio was not seen as an improvement.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of advanced features, including massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch screens for rear passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The Summit trims added features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition, while the Summit Reserve offered a 19-speaker McIntosh stereo.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos featured IQ Drive safety technologies, available as an option on the base S trim and standard on higher trims. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Taos also offered Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, providing advanced driving assistance and safety features. However, the Taos had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS either. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, and trailer sway control. The Grand Cherokee L also included various driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, enhancing its safety profile.