VW Taos vs. Tiguan: Comparing the Taos to the Tiguan

Volkswagen has been making cars for almost a century, and Volkswagen SUVs have been pleasing customers every step of the way. The German automotive company has a significantly positive track record for their vehicles, and now Volkswagen is taking another step forward. That step? VW has released a new car in a hugely popular category: the 2022 Volkswagen Taos, a subcompact crossover.

The new VW Taos is similar to the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, a compact crossover. Both of these VW SUVs are excellent choices for Ohio drivers. Besides this size difference, however, there are a few other points of divergence between these two vehicles.

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

First, it’s good to start with the already-established Volkswagen Tiguan. As one of the larger vehicles in the compact crossover class, the Tiguan boasts a spacious interior and a third row of seating to allow plenty of passengers and even more cargo space. The third-row Tiguan, however, is only available in front-wheel drive. 

As for the two-row option, the new VW Tiguan offers more cargo space than the three-row option. With a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, the new Tiguan boasts 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque paired with 8-speed automatic transmission. The 2022 VW Tiguan is offered in S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trim levels. The top-level trim comes with all-wheel drive as standard, while it is an optional choice on the others.

Overall, the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is refreshed, offering plenty of cargo room, a third-row seat option for small kids, and comfortable handling.

2022 Volkswagen Taos

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is a new entry for Volkswagen’s SUVs and is VW’s smallest crossover, falling into the subcompact crossover category. Smaller than the Tiguan, the VW Taos is nearly a foot shorter than the Tiguan. While this might typically mean a sacrifice when it comes to interior space, the boxy silhouette of the vehicle allows for a comfortable interior with good interior space. Cargo space is also pretty good, with 27.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, while folding the seats up expands the space to 65.9 cubic feet.

The new VW Taos has a 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder and generates 158 horsepower. In the front-wheel drive, the engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the all-wheel-drive version gets a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The 2022 VW Taos comes in S, SE, and SEL trim levels, although some safety features cost extra depending on the trim level. Overall, the 2022 VW Taos is an entry-level SUV with a small exterior and a roomy interior.

Comparing the VW Taos vs. the VW Tiguan

One of the main differences between the new VW Taos and the new VW Tiguan is their sizing. The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is a compact crossover that seats five, while the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is a crossover that offers seating for 7. But the differences come in more than just size.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

The Tiguan features a turbocharged engine that outputs 184 horsepower. The car comes standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available. While the vehicle’s EPA-estimated miles per gallon sits about 27 miles combined, real-world tests by Car and Driver saw the vehicle score over 30 mpg - an impressive number, especially in the compact SUV category.

The engine powering the VW Taos is similar to that of the Tiguan. It outputs 158 horsepower and is also available with front or all-wheel drive. The VW Taos has an EPA fuel economy estimate of 31 mpg combined, making this vehicle an excellent choice for the environmentally conscious. 

Overall, it’s a tough call between the two cars as to which’s performance and fuel economy are better. While the Volkswagen Taos has better overall fuel efficiency, the Tiguan packs a bit more of a punch with greater horsepower.

Interior

As we’ve already said, one of the significant differences between the VW Tiguan and the VW Taos is the size of the vehicle. The VW Tiguan has an available third row of seats in the back, which is exceptional for a car in the compact SUV class. Meanwhile, the new VW Taos does not have this option as it is a bit smaller. Even then, however, it remains a spacious vehicle for its class. The Taos boasts more than three feet of rear-seat legroom and can haul up to 66 cubic feet of cargo with its seats folded down.

The most frequent comment we receive is that the interior of the VW Taos feels surprisingly big. In fact, despite being several inches shorter than the Tiguan, the interior volume is remarkably close.

All of this is to say - the VW Tiguan is the larger vehicle, so it’s perfect for a family of 6 or more. But if you need a spacious SUV, the Volkswagen Taos is the way to go.

Technology

Modern drivers want to stay connected, so the new VW Taos and Tiguan are loaded with connected audio technologies that offer intelligent connectivity features. 

They both include in-car WiFi hotspots and a host of features to use with it. These include popular music streaming application support through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. These technological features allow drivers to stay connected to the world without losing connection to the road.

There are also several fantastic technology options for interested drivers, including a 480-watt, nine-speaker Fender audio system for the Tiguan. Both vehicles also include modern safety features, like automated emergency braking and collision warning systems, even on the base model.

All-in-all, these vehicles are neck-and-neck regarding the included technology in them.

Safety Features

When it comes to automotive safety, Volkswagen places a high value on keeping you and your loved ones safe while on the road. Drivers can rest assured that Volkswagen SUVs can carry their families and keep them comfortable and safe. 

Between the VW Taos vs. Tiguan, both vehicles offer a slew of driver-assist technology. Some of the most notable safety features include backup cameras, lane-keep assist, rear traffic alert, cruise control-steering assist, collision mitigation front, and more. Other features include adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

Yet again, a stalemate.

Trim Models and Pricing

As far as trim models and pricing, there is a lot to talk about with the VW Taos vs. the Tiguan. 

VW Taos Trim

The new VW Taos is available in three trim models with key standard features to help you decide which of the two VW SUVs is your style. 

The new Volkswagen Taos S comes with LED headlights, taillights, and the VW Digital Cockpit. The Volkswagen Taos SE adds additional safety features such as front assist & blind spot monitoring and more fun features like 18-inch alloy wheels and remote start. Lastly, the top-of-the-line Volkswagen Taos SEL gives you the VW Digital Cockpit Pro, Beats Premium Audio, and leather seating surfaces.

VW Tiguan Trim

On the other hand, the VW Tiguan comes in five different trim models. These include the VW Tiguan S, VW Tiguan SE, VW Tiguan SE R-Line Black, VW Tiguan SEL R-Line, and VW Tiguan SEL Premium R-Line. 

The Volkswagen Tiguan S includes forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Some other excellent features include heated seats and optional third-row seating. 

The Volkswagen Tiguan SE adds adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot intervention, all of which are optional on the S, and further upgrades to an 8-inch infotainment display with wireless smartphone mirroring and adds wireless charging, power driver’s seat, and a power liftgate, and more. The SEL R-Line gets leather, ventilated front seats, and a larger digital instrumentation display. Lastly, The SE R-Line Black boasts 19-inch black wheels, exterior accents, a panoramic sunroof, parking sensors, and ambient lighting.

Overall, between the Taos and Tiguan, the different trim models both offer aren’t comparable since they have varying purposes and usages - it just depends on which vehicle you prefer based on the other factors mentioned above.

Which Volkswagen SUV should I buy?

While the overall debate is Taos vs. Tiguan, ultimately, Volkswagen has created two well-rounded vehicles that serve different purposes. Which Volkswagen SUV you should buy depends on your unique needs, such as lifestyle and general preferences. While the Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Taos is a hard choice, you can’t go wrong with either option so long as the chance that you choose is best suited to your needs.

The 2022 VW Taos is an excellent compact crossover that offers exceptional gas mileage and can appeal to those looking for German-inspired road manners and a lively powertrain. 

On the other hand, the VW Tiguan boasts extra power and additional seating, well suited for those who need a well-equipped compact SUV or additional seating.

Either way, the new Volkswagen Tiguan and the new Volkswagen Taos are excellent vehicles for Ohio drivers. These Volkswagen SUVs have thoroughly modern features and handle smoothly. The  VW Tiguan is great for hauling around the entire (extended) family. At the same time, the VW Taos offers a spacious interior compared to rivals and even better gas mileage than the Tiguan. You can’t go wrong with either of these vehicles. Best of all, the good people at Evans Volkswagen will ensure you get the best deal possible on your new ride.

Reach out today to get in touch, have all your questions answered, and schedule a test drive in the all-new 2022 Volkswagen Taos or 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. While you’re at it, go ahead and compare the two VW SUVs side-by-side and get an in-person feel for which vehicle best suits your needs.