2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

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 straightforward design with subtle complexities, especially when opting for the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. This upgrade included a dual-clutch transmission and independent rear suspension, enhancing the driving experience. The Taos's exterior styling was consistent with Volkswagen's lineup, featuring 19-inch wheels and a vibrant Cornflower Blue paint. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic materials, though the SEL trim provided some upscale touches like two-tone leather and contrast stitching.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent an evolutionary redesign, maintaining its iconic broad and rounded appearance. The most notable change was the rear, with sleek LED taillights replacing the previous square design. The interior was simplified, featuring a larger touchscreen and fewer buttons, while maintaining a luxurious feel with premium leather and wood trim. The Range Rover's cabin exuded a sense of opulence, with a solid build quality and a quiet ride. It was positioned as a top-tier luxury SUV, rivaling models like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7, and even surpassing them in terms of interior refinement.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was powered by 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 and the dual-clutch transmission's erratic shifting could be frustrating for some drivers. The standard eight-speed automatic transmission offered smoother performance but was limited to front-wheel drive. The Taos excelled in handling, with responsive steering and commendable grip, especially in Sport mode. However, its off-road capabilities were limited by a ground clearance of just 6.6 inches. The Taos SEL 4Motion achieved an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in combined driving, with real-world testing showing 27.1 mpg.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 395 horsepower and a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400 powertrain delivered impressive acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, while the V8 provided even more power. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size, with well-managed body roll and a calm driving experience. It also featured rear-wheel steering for improved maneuverability and retained its off-road prowess with the Terrain Response system. The ride quality was smooth and quiet, making it one of the most comfortable luxury SUVs available.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious interior, with ample room for both front and rear passengers. The SEL trim offered heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and power adjustments for the driver's seat. 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 longer items like skis.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover provided a luxurious and spacious cabin, with excellent visibility and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were comfortable and offered massage functions, while the second row provided ample space for taller passengers. The optional third row was suitable for smaller passengers, with limited headroom for adults. Cargo space was limited to 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row but expanded to 93 cubic feet with the seats folded. The split tailgate and adjustable air suspension made loading cargo easier.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came equipped with a Digital Cockpit and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims featuring an 8-inch display and more advanced software. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. However, the infotainment system's user experience was criticized for its complexity and slow response times. The SEL trim added a navigation system and a BeatsAudio premium sound system, though the transition from Fender audio components was seen as a downgrade.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover featured a new Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 13-inch touchscreen, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system provided excellent sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade available. Other tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote parking, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered a comprehensive suite of IQ Drive safety technologies, available across all trim levels. The package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Taos SEL added features like rain-sensing wipers and road sign recognition. However, the reverse automatic braking system was overly sensitive, causing issues in certain situations. As of the review, the Taos had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover came standard with a range of safety features, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. These features performed well during testing, with the cameras proving especially useful for off-roading. While the Range Rover's safety features were adequate, some competitors offered additional advanced technologies. Like the Taos, the Range Rover had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.