2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was presented as an intriguing new player in VW's compact SUV lineup, positioned as a companion to the Tiguan, yet not quite as small as a subcompact vehicle. It was positioned to rival the likes of the Kia Seltos, Jeep Compass, and Subaru Crosstrek. On the surface, the Taos had a straightforward appearance, yet it was claimed that its intricacies lay in the details.

Available in S, SE, or SEL trims, the Taos included one engine option, and buyers could choose between front-wheel drive and 4Motion all-wheel drive. Prices ranged from $22,995 for the Taos S FWD to $33,045 for the Taos SEL 4Motion, with an additional destination charge of $1,195.

Factory options and packages were limited but included an off-pavement focused Basecamp package. The 4Motion AWD version involved a notable setup change: the automatic transmission was replaced with a dual-clutch automated manual transmission, and the rear torsion-beam suspension was switched for an independent multilink design. This version also provided additional driving modes and came with 19-inch wheels and ventilated front seats in the SEL trim.

Stylistically, the Taos's exterior melded well with the Volkswagen family, boasting 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels and Cornflower Blue paint for a striking presence. Roof rails, dark gray plastic cladding, and simulated skid plates were standard fare. The possible shortcoming in its exterior design was the blacked-out front bumper section.

Inside, the Taos was critiqued for its extensive use of hard plastic materials, which the reviewer likened to a child's toy, but it did provide soft-touch materials in key areas. The SEL trim level offered two-tone perforated leather seats with contrast stitching and featured an upscale dashboard and door panel inserts.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5, by contrast, showed subtle design updates for 2022, with new LED headlights and taillights, refreshed bumpers, a revised grille, and a redesigned rear liftgate. The Signature trim gained body-color lower exterior trim, aiming for an upscale appearance befitting Mazda’s premium aspirations.

Inside, the CX-5's design remained unchanged, with the Signature trim continuing to exude luxury via Nappa leather upholstery and real wood trim. The 2022 model introduced new seats intended for improved comfort. Mazda's complex trim structure was simplified into the 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo categories. Prices for the 2.5 S varied from $25,900 to $33,950, while the 2.5 Turbo started at $36,400 and topped out at $38,650. Our test vehicle with optional features cost $39,445.

Every 2022 Volkswagen Taos was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 158 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 184 pound-feet of torque from 1,750 rpm. This robust torque figure lent itself to decent overall power, though turbo lag was a noticeable issue, causing delays in throttle response and sudden bursts of torque.

The 4Motion AWD model's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission provided eager performance, albeit with sometimes harsh and erratic shifting. The standard eight-speed automatic, mated to FWD models, offered smoother and more consistent performance but lacked the AWD system's sophistication. The Taos excelled in driving dynamics with responsive steering, effective brakes, commendable grip, and taut handling, most notably in the SEL 4Motion trim with 19-inch tires. However, its 6.6 inches of ground clearance fell short compared to its more off-road-capable rivals like the Jeep Compass Trailhawk and Subaru Crosstrek.

Fuel efficiency for the Taos SEL 4Motion was rated at 28 mpg in combined driving by the EPA, with actual tests resulting in 27.1 mpg.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, which was competitive for its class. All CX-5 models came with standard AWD, and the EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 26 mpg.

For those desiring more performance, the 2.5 Turbo version offered up to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel, or slightly lower with regular gas. Its revised six-speed automatic transmission and AWD configuration aimed for better performance and fuel efficiency, though testing showed a lower 21.1 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 updates brought improved structural rigidity and re-tuned suspension, providing a quieter, smoother, and sportier ride. The enhancements transformed the CX-5 into a vehicle with minimal body roll and compliant handling, delivering a driving experience akin to a luxury SUV. The new Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) modes offered Normal, Sport, and Off-Road driving settings, further enhancing its versatility.

Volkswagen touted the Taos's roomy interior, which indeed offered ample space for both front and rear passengers. The front seats in the SEL trim were praised for their adjustability and comfort, featuring heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel. Tall drivers found the Taos accommodating, while rear passengers benefited from generous legroom and rear air conditioning vents.

Storage options were plentiful, though the center bin was small due to rear AC vents. Cargo space varied with the drivetrain: the FWD configuration offered 27.9 cubic feet behind the seats and 65.9 cubic feet with seats down, while the 4Motion variant had slightly less space at 24.9 cubic feet and 60.2 cubic feet respectively. A center pass-through was a handy feature for carrying long items like skis.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5's redesign addressed prior complaints about its ride and front seats. The new seats offered better comfort and support, with an improved driving position. Higher trims included a height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated fronts.

Rear seating remained snug but comfortable with heated outboard seats and rear AC vents. Storage space was limited with small center bins, though additional trays and bins offered some versatility. Cargo capacity was 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with seats down, a mix of adequate space considering its luxury aspirations and somewhat limited compared to mainstream competitors.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came standard with Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the S trim. SE and SEL trims received more advanced 8-inch touchscreens running the MIB3 software. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services with Wi-Fi hotspot were standard across all trims, with higher trims benefiting from wireless smartphone connectivity, voice control, satellite radio, navigation, and a BeatsAudio premium sound system.

However, the MIB3 system's user experience was suboptimal, with frustrating operations and unreliable voice recognition. Overall, the tech package needed refinement to simplify use and enhance functionality.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 maintained its Mazda Connect infotainment system featuring a 10.25-inch display, though it was not touch-sensitive and lacked advanced voice recognition. Instead, it relied on center console and steering wheel controls. Though initially cumbersome, familiarity with the system improved usability.

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, E911 notifications, and Mazda Connected Services were standard, with a complimentary three-year trial excluding Wi-Fi which had a shorter free period. The audio system, a 10-speaker Bose premium setup in higher trims, offered satisfactory performance. Even though the Mazda system lagged behind more intuitive setups like those found in BMWs, it provided a solid technology suite.

Volkswagen equipped the 2022 Taos with IQ Drive safety technology, either standard or optional depending on the trim. The $995 IQ Drive package for the base trim included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Additional features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were included, with the SEL trim offering advanced features like rain-sensing wipers, road sign recognition, and rear parking sensors with automatic braking.

The Taos had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the review's time.

Mazda did not hold back on safety for the CX-5, offering the i-Activsense package across all trims. This comprehensive suite included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights and advanced systems like a surround-view camera, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The 2022 Mazda CX-5 earned a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS, a distinction not all rivals achieved.