2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2023 Volkswagen ID.4

Volkswagen positioned the 2022 Taos at the lower end of the compact SUV segment, distinguishing it from its refreshed sibling, the Tiguan. Competing with the Kia Seltos, Jeep Compass, and Subaru Crosstrek, the Taos bridged the gap between subcompact and compact SUVs. Offered in S, SE, SEL trims with front-wheel drive (FWD) and an optional 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD), the Taos presented diverse options priced from $22,995 to $33,045, plus a $1,195 destination charge.

Volkswagen's design ethos made the Taos an eye-catching addition to its lineup. Changes accompanying the 4Motion AWD included a dual-clutch automated manual transmission and an independent multilink rear suspension. This setup also added driving modes and, on the SEL trim, 19-inch wheels and ventilated front seats. Exterior features such as roof rails, dark gray plastic cladding, and faux skid plates were standard. However, the blacked-out front bumper received mixed reviews.

Inside, the Taos wasn’t as luxurious, with an abundance of hard and hollow-sounding plastics. Yet, the cabin design struck a balance with complimentary tones and textures. SEL trim elevated comfort with two-tone perforated leather and upscale stitched materials across the dashboard and door panels. The 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels and vibrant Cornflower Blue paint made the Taos SEL 4Motion stand out.

The 2023 ID.4 featured subtle styling tweaks, like gloss black trim on the front bumper, a more aerodynamic squared-off rear bumper, new wheel designs, and an illuminated rear VW logo. While the ID.4's design clearly indicated its electric nature, it fell short of traditional SUV visuals, lacking upright profiles and significant ground clearance. This could deter SUV enthusiasts but aligned it with other EVs like the Chevrolet Bolt EUV.

Built on Volkswagen’s MEB platform tailored for EVs, the ID.4’s architecture aimed for versatility in future models. Compared to gasoline counterparts, its interior mirrored the high-quality minimalist design seen in modern VW vehicles. Standard features included leatherette upholstery with recycled fiber inserts, emphasizing both luxury and sustainability.

The 2022 Taos was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 158 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque from 1,750 rpm. This engine provided adequate power, albeit with some lag due to the turbocharger. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in the AWD model offered engaging, if occasionally jarring, performance. Conversely, the standard eight-speed automatic in FWD models provided smoother shifts but paired with a less refined suspension.

Switching drive modes, especially to Sport, improved the driving dynamics of the Taos, albeit without completely eliminating the turbo lag and gear-shift issues at low speeds. The steering was responsive, brakes efficient, and handling impressive, particularly with the 19-inch Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires on the SEL 4Motion.

Despite being a joy on pavement, off-road capabilities were limited by a modest 6.6 inches of ground clearance. Testing yielded fuel economy close to the EPA’s 28 mpg combined estimate, recording a still-respectable 27.1 mpg.

For 2023, the ID.4 introduced a 62-kWh battery for Standard and S models with RWD, while the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus models retained the 82-kWh battery, available in both RWD and AWD configurations. The single-motor RWD models offered 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, while AWD models generated 295 hp and 339 lb-ft, achieving a swift 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds.

Lighter by 240 pounds with the smaller battery, the 62-kWh ID.4 Standard provided impressive agility, though comprehensive comparisons required further testing. AWD variants offered comparable acceleration to hot hatchbacks but lacked their sharp handling, exhibiting significant body roll despite being comfortable and refined.

The ID.4’s regenerative braking system prioritized a conventional coasting feel, even in aggressive settings, which might appeal to traditionalists but disappoint EV aficionados seeking one-pedal driving.

Volkswagen emphasized the spaciousness of the Taos, boasting considerable interior room for its class. Front seats in the SEL trim were highly adjustable and comfort-enhancing, supported by power lumbar adjustments and available heating and ventilation. Tall occupants found a generous fit in the well-designed front cabin. Rear seats also impressed with substantial leg and foot room, alongside rear air conditioning vents ensuring passenger comfort.

Storage and cargo capacity varied based on the drivetrain. FWD models offered 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 65.9 cubic feet with seats folded, while AWD variants had slightly reduced volumes of 24.9 and 60.2 cubic feet, respectively. A center pass-through added versatility, especially useful for carrying long items like skis.

The 2023 ID.4 excelled in interior space among affordable EVs, surpassing rivals like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf in both front and rear legroom and headroom. It also offered impressive cargo capacity, with 30.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, outclassing other entry-level EVs but trailing behind gasoline-powered SUVs like the Honda CR-V.

In addition to ample storage, the ID.4 included practical features like available three-zone climate control and standard leatherette upholstery crafted from recycled materials. Towing capabilities stood at 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models, providing functional versatility without challenging larger SUVs.

The Taos came with a range of technological features, starting with the standard Digital Cockpit instrumentation. A 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system was standard on the S trim, while SE and SEL trims had a more advanced 8-inch screen with MIB3 software. All models supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with higher trims offering wireless compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, voice control, and wireless charging.

However, issues with the voice-recognition technology and a somewhat cumbersome user interface detracted from the experience. The transition from Fender to BeatsAudio systems on higher trims was also met with mixed reviews, failing to impress audiophiles.

In 2023, all ID.4 models upgraded to a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen. Software improvements aimed to enhance response times, retaining standard features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster. Despite updates, the haptic touchpads replacing conventional buttons remained a point of contention due to the lack of tactile feedback.

The ID.4’s infotainment system stood out for its sharp graphics and versatile interface options, complemented by effective voice recognition. The ID.Light ambient and AI-assisted lighting system added a unique touch, assisting with navigational cues and driving mode indications.

Safety features in the 2022 Taos were comprehensive. Standard and available IQ Drive technologies included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. The SEL trim further added rain-sensing wipers, road sign recognition, and rear parking sensors with automatic braking capability. While no official crash ratings were available at the time, the robust safety suite ensured peace of mind for drivers.

The 2023 ID.4 earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in frontal, side, and rollover crash tests. The 2022 model’s IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status likely assured comparable safety for the 2023 version. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, Travel Assist 2.0, Emergency Assist 3.0, and Park Assist Plus. These features combined to enhance overall safety and ease of use.