2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis's first SUV, was a fresh design that managed to balance innovation with the brand's emerging signature style. It featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh and the Genesis flying "G" badge. The SUV's design was further enhanced by the "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array and large aluminum-alloy wheels, which varied in size depending on the trim level. The interior was a testament to luxury, with a sleek dashboard, minimalistic controls, and high-quality materials like real wood, metal, and leather. The GV80's cabin was both spacious and technologically advanced, featuring a 14.5-inch high-definition display and a rotary gear selector.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV with a focus on practicality and simplicity. It came in three trims: Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline, with a choice of front-wheel drive or 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Taos's design was consistent with Volkswagen's lineup, featuring roof rails, dark grey plastic cladding, and skid plates. The interior, while not as luxurious as the GV80, offered a spacious cabin with comfortable seating and practical storage solutions. The Highline trim added premium touches like two-tone perforated leather and a stitched dashboard. However, the use of hard plastics in the cabin was noted, detracting from the overall feel of quality.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The GV80's ride was smooth, thanks to its independent multi-link suspension and, in the 3.5T models, an electronically controlled suspension with road preview. The 2.5T engine was lively but could feel strained under pressure, while the 3.5T provided a more refined and powerful experience. Fuel consumption for the 2.5T was rated at 11.3 L/100 km city and 9.5 highway, while the 3.5T was slightly higher at 12.9 city and 10.4 highway.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The engine's performance was adequate, but the turbo lag and the dual-clutch transmission's erratic shifting could be frustrating. The standard 8-speed automatic transmission offered smoother operation but was only available with front-wheel drive. The Taos's driving dynamics were generally enjoyable, with responsive steering and good road feel. However, its ground clearance was limited, making it less suitable for off-road adventures. Fuel efficiency was a strong point, with the Taos 4Motion achieving 8.5 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's interior was a blend of technology and luxury, with a centre console featuring a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller. The second row was spacious, offering power-adjustable seats and climate control, while the third row, available only on 3.5T models, increased passenger capacity to seven. The GV80's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like power rear-door closure and a standard sunroof.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a roomy cabin, especially for a compact SUV. The front seats offered ample adjustment options, and the rear seats provided generous legroom. Storage was adequate, though the front centre armrest bin was small. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with the front-wheel-drive model offering more volume. The Taos also featured a centre pass-through, ideal for transporting long items like skis.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a state-of-the-art infotainment system featuring a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen with split-screen displays. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with over-the-air updates and cloud profiles for personalized settings. The GV80 also offered a digital key function for Android users and a comprehensive suite of connected services. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, along with a premium Lexicon audio system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came with a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, upgraded to 8 inches on higher trims. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity on Comfortline and Highline trims. The Highline also featured a navigation system and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio system. However, the infotainment system's user experience was criticized for its complexity and slow response times.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came with 10 airbags and a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist. The GV80 also offered advanced parking assist features.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos required higher trims for access to popular safety features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The Highline trim offered additional features like lane-keeping assistance and Travel Assist, a Level 2 driving assistance system. Emergency Assist was a notable inclusion, providing added safety in case of driver incapacitation. However, the Taos had not yet been crash-tested by major safety organizations.