Volkswagen announces sub-Tiguan compact crossover, the 2022 Taos

What you see here is Volkswagen's latest entry into the compact SUV/crossover market, the Taos. Anyone who watches closely would know that this was inevitable from VW.  They listened to dealers, who always want bigger and better (aka more profitable), instead of looking at the marketplace itself and future trends. The Tiguan became a large compact that was just inches away from becoming a mid-sized entry. Some of you may remember the original Tiguan. A smallish, boxy crossover that was loved by their owners due to their style, size, and zipability. Volkswagen "updated" the Tiguan (read make it like everyone else's compact crossovers) with bland non-threatening styling and less zip. Let's admit that the Tiguan has been relatively successful but it left behind all those who liked the car before not to mention the millions of folks that were buying sub-compact CUVs.  Dealers spoke again (due to lost sales) and Volkswagen rushed the Taos (market mid-range) compact into production. The size and specs read like a somewhat de-contented Tiguan that isn't really that much smaller. It has the 158 hp 1.5-liter turbocharged engine from the base Jetta mated to an eight-speed automatic (seven-speed dual-clutch transmission when fitted with all-wheel drive), but VW's 2.0-liter four would be a better choice for more zip and to overcome the extra weight that comes with the crossover body style. The Taos is attractive in a VW-sort-of way, but looking at the pics, it screams down-market. Which is okay, cuz not everybody wants glam to the max. I'm sure that numerous options and upgrades will be available especially for those attracted to the Taos' somewhat smaller size. For more info, check out the media release after the "read more" jump and watch the reveal video in the next post. The Taos will not be available until some time next year, so more to come. I think a Taos GTI would be nice, you?

Source: Volkswagen - Media release, video (next post), and pics

 

Media Release:
Volkswagen unveils 2022 Taos compact SUV

• Taos slots under Tiguan in the Volkswagen lineup and is the second proof point of Volkswagen’s doubling-up strategy for SUVs
• 1.5-liter EA211 turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 158hp and 184 lb-ft of torque pairs with either 8-speed automatic and FWD or 7-speed DSG® dual- clutch automatic transmission and 4Motion® all-wheel drive
• Bold design clearly establishes the connection to the Volkswagen SUV family
• Smart packaging includes high-end features like standard Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, and available MIB3 with wireless App-Connect and IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance sui

Volkswagen of America, Inc. unveiled the all-new 2022 Taos today. The Volkswagen Taos will slot under the Tiguan, and is the second proof point of Volkswagen’s doubling-up SUV strategy following the launch of Atlas Cross Sport earlier this year. The vehicle is positioned in the largest U.S. vehicle segment, the compact SUV market, where 4 million vehicles were sold in 2019—around 24 percent of the market.  The Taos is small in stature, but big on value, with bold design, smart packaging, and high-end features.

“Taos is our fifth new addition to the Volkswagen SUV family in just four years, and we’re thrilled to keep finding new ways to meet the needs of American families,” said Scott Keogh, CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “Taos will bookend our compact SUV offering, giving buyers all the style, technology, and drivability that Volkswagen is known for at an even more affordable price.”

The Volkswagen SUV design DNA is clear in the exterior of the Taos. It bears a bold front end with a sculpted hood, and LED light signature reminiscent of the Atlas Cross Sport. Top trims feature LED headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), and an illuminated light line stretching outward from the logo, as on the recently unveiled ID.4 electric SUV. The distinctive side profile, with a strong character line, harkens to the Tiguan, while the more squared-off wheel arches give a nod to Atlas. Eight colors meet four wheel designs—17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are standard, with two 18-inch wheels (machined or black finish) and 19-inch wheels available—and a panoramic sunroof is optional.

Dimensionally, Taos sits at the middle of the entry compact SUV space, in contrast to the Tiguan, which sits at the top of the compact SUV space. Nose to tail, Taos is 175.8 inches long—9.3 inches shy of Tiguan—with a wheelbase of 105.9 inches; it is 72.5 inches wide and 64.4 inches tall. Passenger space is a roomy 99.5 cubic feet—just 1.6 cu ft less than the two-row Tiguan—with 28.1 cu ft of luggage space behind the second-row seats and 66.3 cu ft with the second row folded down. In addition to offering generous cargo space, the Taos offers a comfortable ride for all passengers, with 40.1 inches of legroom in the front and 37.9 in the rear.

Inside, the Taos features modern design and premium fit and finish. The cockpit is composed of clean lines with a horizontal focus; dash décor divides the central touchscreen from climate controls and flows seamlessly into the door inserts, adding visual interest. Two-tone seats are standard—whether in the base cloth or optional leatherette and leather seating surfaces—and include a luxurious French Roast and black combination for top-of-the-line models. Standard comfort and convenience features include automatic headlights and push-button start; KESSY® keyless access is available, along with an 8-way power driver seat, dual-zone Climatronic® climate control, rain-sensing wipers, a heated leatherette steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, heated side mirrors and heated washer nozzles.

Taos offers the latest in Volkswagen connectivity and infotainment technology. The Volkswagen Digital Cockpit configurable instrument cluster comes standard, as does Volkswagen Car-Net with in-car WiFi capability when you subscribe to a data plan. The MIB3 infotainment system with wireless charging and wireless App-Connect for compatible devices is available from mid-level trims and is paired with an 8-inch touchscreen with voice control, SiriusXM® satellite radio (three-month trial), and available navigation. Top trims add 10-color ambient lighting and a premium BeatsAudio® sound system with 8 speakers.

The IQ.DRIVE® suite of driver assistance technology is available on every Taos model, featuring Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Braking (Front Assist), Active Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist), Adaptive Cruise Control with a Stop and Go feature, Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. High Beam Control (Light Assist), the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), and Park Distance Control are also available.

The Taos is powered by a 1.5-liter version of the EA211 turbocharged four-cylinder engine that currently powers the Jetta sedan. Making 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, the new engine offers a number of high-tech features designed to help produce outstanding fuel economy. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission in the front-wheel-drive model, while models with 4Motion® all-wheel drive get a seven-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission.

There will be three trim levels: S, SE, and SEL. Taos will be produced in the North American Region at Volkswagen’s Puebla, Mexico factory. More details and pricing will be announced ahead of the launch in the summer of 2021.

 

About Volkswagen
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America and a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, with headquarters in Herndon, Virginia. Volkswagen’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Arteon, Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, Golf, Golf GTI, Jetta, Jetta GLI, Passat, and Tiguan vehicles through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.

 

“4Motion”, “Car-Net”, “Climatronic”, “DSG”, “IQ.DRIVE”, “KESSY”, “VW”, “Volkswagen”, all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. “BeatsAudio” is a registered trademark of Beats Electronics, LLC, a subsidiary of Apple, Inc. “Sirius”, “XM”, “SiriusXM” and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

This information and any vehicle specifications are preliminary and subject to change.

Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.

Always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted.

When using KESSY keyless access or remote start, do not leave vehicle unattended with the engine running, particularly in enclosed spaces. See Owner’s Manual for further details and important warnings about the keyless ignition feature.

Not all App-Connect features are available on all operating systems. Standard text and data usage rates apply. App-Connect features require compatible device, operating system, and mobile apps. See mobile device and app providers for terms and privacy.

When downloading apps, standard message and data rates apply.

SiriusXM audio and data services each require a subscription sold separately, or as a package, by Sirius XM Radio Inc. If you decide to continue service after your trial, the subscription plan you choose will automatically renew thereafter and you will be charged according to your chosen payment method at then-current rates. Fees and taxes apply.  Please see the SiriusXM Customer Agreement at www.siriusxm.com for complete terms and how to cancel, which includes calling SiriusXM at 1-888-539-7474.  All fees, content and features are subject to change.

The Car-Net Hotspot feature is intended for passenger use only. 4G LTE coverage is not available in all areas. See materials provided for terms, privacy, data security details. Requires trial or paid Wi-Fi plan from third-party wireless provider.

Fuel economy will vary and depends on several factors including driving habits and vehicle condition. See www.fueleconomy.gov for details.

Driver-assistance features are not substitutes for attentive driving. See Owner’s Manual for further details, and important limitations.