2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC was a testament to timeless design, eschewing the aggressive styling trends of its contemporaries for a more classic aesthetic. Its exterior was characterized by soft curves and rounded edges, yet it still managed to convey a modern aggression with its menacing LED headlights. The long hood and wide grille gave the GLC a dramatic stance, reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan, underscoring its car-like characteristics. Inside, the GLC's cabin was an automotive masterpiece, with flowing lines and a minimalist approach that elevated the interior to an art form. The GLC Coupe, while sharp in appearance, sacrificed some cargo space for style.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV with a roomy cabin, fitting comfortably within Volkswagen's lineup. Its exterior styling was consistent with the brand's design language, featuring handsome 19-inch machined-finish aluminum alloy wheels and Cornflower Blue paint that matched its vibrant personality. The interior, however, was a mix of hard plastics and soft surfaces, with the Highline trim offering two-tone perforated leather and an upscale dashboard. The Taos provided ample space for both front and rear passengers, with generous legroom and comfort, making it a practical choice for those seeking a spacious yet affordable vehicle.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered through a nine-speed automatic transmission to a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The GLC offered a balanced driving experience, with precise steering and a responsive powertrain, even in its default Comfort mode. For those seeking more power, the AMG GLC 43 and AMG GLC 63 S variants provided 385 and 503 horsepower, respectively, offering performance akin to sports cars.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While the engine provided sufficient power, the turbocharger's delayed response and the dual-clutch transmission's erratic shifting could be frustrating for some drivers. The Taos excelled in handling, with responsive steering and effective brakes, but its ground clearance was limited compared to competitors like the Jeep Compass and Subaru Crosstrek. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the Taos 4Motion averaging 8.7 L/100 km during testing.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered 1,600 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, dropping to 550 litres with them up. The GLC Coupe's fastback design reduced these figures to 1,400 and 500 litres, respectively. The GLC provided ample storage options, with a spacious centre console and deep door pockets. Rear-seat space was adequate, though the Coupe's low roofline impacted headroom.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious interior, with the Highline trim offering deeply bolstered seats and ample seat-track travel. The rear seat provided generous legroom and comfort, with rear air conditioning vents for added convenience. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with the front-wheel-drive model offering 790 litres behind the back seat and 1,866 litres with the seats folded. The 4Motion model had slightly less cargo space due to its independent rear suspension.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, offering both touch and controller options. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though switching between the GLC's radio and smartphone apps required navigating through menus. The steering wheel's touch-sensitive pads allowed for customization of the digital instrument panel and navigation of the infotainment screen.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came with a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, with higher trims featuring an 8-inch display and MIB3 software. While the system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the voice-recognition technology was inconsistent, and the user experience was cumbersome. The Highline trim added a navigation system and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio sound system, though the transition from Fender to BeatsAudio was not seen as an improvement.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC required the purchase of the Intelligent Drive Package for advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. Parking sensors and hands-free parking assist were part of the Premium Plus Package, though the sensors were overly sensitive and could be distracting.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered popular safety features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot warning on the Comfortline grade and up. The Highline grade included additional features like automatic high beams and rear parking sensors, with an extra-cost package required for advanced systems like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The reverse automatic braking system was overly sensitive but could be deactivated.