Lexus NX Hybrid vs Volkswagen Taos

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid presented a blend of sharp edges and a streamlined profile, fitting snugly between the Lexus UX and RX models. Its design, while not traditionally SUV-like, maintained a familiar Lexus aesthetic. The F Sport Black Line variant featured a larger mesh grille, dark-finish 18-inch wheels, and a striking Grecian Water blue paint, which contrasted nicely with the darker trim elements. Inside, the NX's design, once radical, had become familiar, with a stepped center console and a sporty feel. However, the material quality leaned more towards mainstream than luxury, with plastic switchgear and trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos fit seamlessly into VW's lineup, offering a vibrant personality with its Cornflower Blue paint and 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels. The Taos sported typical SUV features like roof rails and skid plates, though the blacked-out front bumper was a questionable styling choice. Inside, the Taos was dominated by hard plastics, reminiscent of children's toys, but it provided soft surfaces where needed. The SEL trim added two-tone perforated leather and upscale dashboard materials, enhancing the cabin's appeal.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a total of 194 horsepower. Despite its sporty F Sport styling, the NX Hybrid was more focused on fuel efficiency than performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering felt numb, and the drivetrain struggled with a clunky transition between electric and gasoline power.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos, powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The Taos felt powerful, but the turbo lag and erratic shifting of the dual-clutch transmission could be frustrating. The standard eight-speed automatic offered smoother performance but was limited to front-wheel drive. In Sport mode, the Taos delivered a lively driving experience, though its ground clearance was less than ideal for off-road adventures. The Taos SEL 4Motion achieved an average of 27.1 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited front and rear headroom, with rear legroom being the worst in its class. The front seats, however, were comfortable and supportive, with available heated and ventilated options. The sloping roofline and thick pillars hindered rear visibility, but the dashboard controls were easily accessible. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious cabin, with ample front seat adjustments and generous rear legroom. The SEL 4Motion offered heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Cargo space varied with the drive system, offering up to 65.9 cubic feet in front-wheel-drive models and 60.2 cubic feet with 4Motion. A center pass-through made it ideal for ski trips.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, featuring an 8-inch display with a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system felt dated, with text-heavy menus and basic graphics. The base audio system was underwhelming, making the optional Mark Levinson system a worthwhile upgrade.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came with Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, upgraded to 8 inches in higher trims. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Car-Net services. However, the MIB3 infotainment system had usability issues, with complex menu navigation and unreliable voice recognition. The SEL trim featured a navigation system and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio system.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver aids, though it lacked a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered IQ Drive safety technologies, standard or optional across trims. Features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Taos SEL added Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, enhancing safety. However, the reverse automatic braking system could be overly sensitive, though it could be disabled.