Jeep Cherokee vs Volkswagen Taos

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved since its debut, becoming more palatable over time. Initially, the short grille opening and swept-back headlights were points of contention, but after seven years, the Cherokee's proportions seemed more balanced. The exterior appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude with 17-inch wheels to the more refined 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding. Jeep's knack for maximizing roof utility was evident with the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof, covering the entire top surface. The Cherokee's distinctive look ensured it stood out in a crowded SUV market, bearing a resemblance to the larger Grand Cherokee, especially from the front.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV, competing with models like the Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek. The Taos came in S, SE, or SEL trims, with prices ranging from $22,995 to $33,045. The 4Motion AWD system brought additional changes, including a dual-clutch transmission and independent multilink rear suspension. The Taos's styling fit well within Volkswagen's lineup, with the SEL 4Motion model featuring 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels and Cornflower Blue paint. However, the interior materials, particularly the hard plastics, were less impressive, drawing comparisons to children's toys. Despite this, the SEL trim offered two-tone perforated leather and an upscale dashboard strip, enhancing the cabin's overall appeal.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produced 180 horsepower, while the 3.2-liter V-6 delivered a more robust 271 hp. The top-tier 2.0-liter GMET4 turbocharged four-cylinder engine generated 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, making it a strong contender. Despite these options, none provided exceptional acceleration, with the V6 and turbo-four engines achieving 0-60 mph times of around 7.2 and 7.4 seconds, respectively. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, which had improved over time. The Cherokee's off-road capabilities were notable, particularly in the Trailhawk model, which included features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. However, the availability of FWD versions aimed at keeping prices competitive was a point of consideration for potential buyers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The engine's torque delivery was somewhat delayed, leading to a sudden surge when it kicked in. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission paired with the 4Motion AWD system offered spirited performance but could be erratic and harsh. The standard eight-speed automatic transmission, available only with FWD, provided smoother driving but lacked the sophistication of the AWD system. The Taos's driving dynamics were generally enjoyable, with responsive steering, effective brakes, and commendable grip. However, its off-road capabilities were limited by a ground clearance of just 6.6 inches. Fuel economy was decent, with the Taos SEL 4Motion achieving an EPA rating of 28 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing showed slightly lower figures.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee occupied a niche between the smaller Renegade and the larger Grand Cherokee, competing with compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. However, it fell short in terms of utility, offering just 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, placing it at the lower end of the segment. Passenger volume was about 102 cubic feet, making it competitive but not outstanding. The interior design was straightforward and functional, with trim levels significantly affecting the cabin's appeal. The base Latitude trim featured basic materials, while higher trims like the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux offered more upscale finishes, including suede seat inserts and perforated Nappa leather upholstery.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a surprisingly roomy cabin for its class. The SEL trim featured deeply bolstered front seats with extensive adjustments, including eight-way power adjustment and lumbar support. Heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel were also available. The rear seat provided ample legroom and comfort, with rear air conditioning vents enhancing passenger comfort. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with FWD models offering 27.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 65.9 cubic feet with them folded. AWD models had slightly less cargo space due to the independent rear suspension, with 24.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 60.2 cubic feet with them folded. A center pass-through made the Taos ideal for carrying long items like skis.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the highly regarded Uconnect infotainment system, available with 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens depending on the trim level. The system was praised for its user-friendly interface and minimal latency. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though only via wired connections. Additional features included a 4G WiFi hotspot, Amazon Alexa integration, and remote start. The climate control system was straightforward, with physical buttons and knobs for easy adjustments. Overall, the Cherokee's infotainment and climate control systems were considered among the best in the industry.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came equipped with Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the S trim. The SE and SEL trims featured 8-inch touchscreens with more advanced MIB3 software. All trims included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services, with wireless versions available on higher trims. The SEL trim added a navigation system and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio premium sound system. However, the MIB3 system had some usability issues, including complex menu navigation and inconsistent voice recognition. The transition from Fender to BeatsAudio for the premium sound system was also seen as a downgrade.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee received mixed safety ratings. While it earned top "Good" scores in most crashworthiness categories from the IIHS, it did not achieve a Top Safety Pick award. The headlights received "Acceptable" or "Marginal" ratings depending on the trim level. The NHTSA awarded the Cherokee a four-star overall safety rating, with a slight demerit for front driver side crash protection. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control was only available on higher trims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered comprehensive safety features through its IQ Drive package, available on all trims. The package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Additional features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were also available, providing advanced driving assistance and emergency response capabilities. The Taos SEL included all these features as standard, along with rain-sensing wipers, road sign recognition, and rear parking sensors with automatic braking. However, the reverse automatic braking system could be overly sensitive, though it could be turned off via the infotainment system. As a new model, the Taos had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.