2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV with a spacious interior, offering a choice of S, SE, or SEL trims. It featured a turbocharged engine and options for front-wheel or 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Taos's design was consistent with Volkswagen's lineup, with notable elements like 19-inch wheels and Cornflower Blue paint enhancing its appeal. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic materials, though the SEL trim provided some upscale touches like two-tone perforated leather and contrast stitching.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid presented a more refined and luxurious experience. The RX 350h Luxury model boasted Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance offered a sportier interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim. The RX's exterior design was not groundbreaking, but it maintained a sleek, modern look. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalistic approach with fewer controls and a new infotainment system, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While the engine provided adequate power, the turbo lag and erratic shifting of the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission were notable drawbacks. The Taos offered a smooth ride with responsive steering and effective brakes, but its off-road capabilities were limited by a ground clearance of just 6.6 inches. Fuel economy was decent, with an EPA rating of 28 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed slightly lower results.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two hybrid powertrains. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a total output of 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving 36 mpg combined. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, but with a lower fuel economy of 27 mpg combined. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and rear-wheel steering provided a dynamic driving experience, while the RX 350h offered a quieter ride with better fuel efficiency.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious interior, with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The SEL trim offered heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Cargo space varied depending on the drivetrain, with up to 65.9 cubic feet available in the front-wheel-drive model. The Taos also featured a center pass-through for added convenience.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable and luxurious cabin, especially in the RX 350h Luxury trim with its premium leather and wood accents. The RX 500h F Sport Performance offered sportier seating with larger bolsters. Rear passengers enjoyed good leg support, though headroom was slightly compromised by the battery placement. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came with a Digital Cockpit and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, with higher trims featuring an 8-inch display and more advanced software. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services were standard, but the infotainment system's user experience was criticized for its complexity and slow response times. The SEL trim included a navigation system and a BeatsAudio premium sound system, though the transition from Fender to BeatsAudio was not seen as an improvement.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system with a large touchscreen and connected services. The system required activation of trial subscriptions for full functionality, including cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant. While the system generally performed well, it had some limitations, such as the inability to view multiple menus simultaneously and issues with screen reflections. The RX also offered a head-up display with touch-sensing control pads, though these were problematic for drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered IQ Drive safety technologies, available as an option on the base model and standard on higher trims. Features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Taos also had Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, providing advanced driving assistance and safety features uncommon in its class. However, the reverse automatic braking system was overly sensitive in certain situations.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring new technologies like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also available, enhancing safety and convenience. While the system generally performed well, some features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had room for improvement. The RX also offered Advanced Park, though it was not tested during the review.