2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV with a spacious interior, offering a choice between front-wheel drive and 4Motion all-wheel drive. It came in S, SE, or SEL trims, with prices ranging from $22,995 to $33,045. The Taos featured a turbocharged engine and a variety of factory options, including a Basecamp package for off-road enthusiasts. The 4Motion upgrade altered the driving dynamics with a dual-clutch transmission and independent rear suspension. The exterior styling was consistent with Volkswagen's lineup, with 19-inch wheels and Cornflower Blue paint adding to its appeal. Inside, the Taos had a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch materials, with the SEL trim offering two-tone leather and contrast stitching.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and elegance, with a design that echoed the larger Range Rover's profile in a sportier package. The Velar's exterior featured a sloping roof, flush door handles, and distinctive taillight lenses. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sleek, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The base trim had a simpler interior compared to previous models, but still maintained a high level of fit and finish. The Velar's design was both stylish and functional, though it sacrificed some interior space for its striking appearance.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The engine's torque delivery was sometimes delayed, leading to a sudden surge of power. The 4Motion AWD system paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission offered spirited performance but could be erratic in shifting. The standard eight-speed automatic provided smoother driving but was limited to front-wheel drive. The Taos excelled in handling, with responsive steering and effective brakes. However, its ground clearance was limited, making it less suitable for off-road adventures. The Taos SEL 4Motion achieved an EPA-rated 28 mpg in combined driving, with real-world testing showing 27.1 mpg.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower center of gravity and lighter weight for improved handling. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Velar's ride was smooth and controlled, with an optional air suspension providing a plush experience. The Terrain Response system offered six driving modes, but the Velar's off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a mild-hybrid system delivered up to 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque, enhancing performance while reducing emissions.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious interior, with ample room for both front and rear passengers. The SEL trim offered power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, as well as a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and air conditioning vents. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with up to 65.9 cubic feet available in front-wheel-drive models. The Taos also featured a center pass-through for carrying long items like skis.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had a more compact interior, with limited headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were sometimes frustrating. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability with a cleaner interface and faster response times. The Velar's interior was luxurious, with high-quality materials and a focus on style.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came equipped with Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with SE and SEL trims featuring an 8-inch display. The Taos offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services, with wireless options available on higher trims. The SEL trim added navigation and a BeatsAudio premium sound system. However, the MIB3 infotainment system had some usability issues, particularly with voice recognition and radio controls.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout and logical arrangement of functions. The system included a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, and advanced navigation features. The Velar also offered a 360-degree camera system and an off-road mode for enhanced visibility. Standard features included LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered IQ Drive safety technologies as standard or optional across all trims. The IQ Drive package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and more. The Taos SEL added rain-sensing wipers and road sign recognition. The reverse automatic braking system was sensitive but could be disabled. As a new model, the Taos had not been crash-tested by U.S. agencies at the time of review.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been crash-tested by U.S. agencies, but a European-spec model scored well in Euro NCAP tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.