2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, despite its lineage, did not quite capture the visual allure expected from the brand. Its exterior design seemed to promise something bold with its aggressive front, but past the A-pillar, it reverted to a more familiar and less inspiring silhouette. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to add some flair, yet the overall look struggled to compete with its more stylish rivals like the BMW X5 or the Volvo XC90. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story. It was a testament to luxury, with a masterful blend of quality materials and a striking red and black colour scheme. The interior was not only visually impressive but also functional, with features like twin arching grab handles and a plethora of high-end materials that made it a delight to experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos presented itself as a practical and straightforward compact SUV. Its design was consistent with Volkswagen's lineup, featuring handsome 19-inch machined-finish aluminum alloy wheels and a vibrant Cornflower Blue paint that added to its personality. The Taos was equipped with the necessary SUV elements like roof rails and skid plates, though its blacked-out front bumper was a point of contention. Inside, the Taos offered a spacious cabin with hard plastics that were more reminiscent of toys than luxury, yet it provided soft surfaces where it mattered. The Highline trim level added a touch of sophistication with two-tone perforated leather and contrast stitching, making it a comfortable and accommodating space for both driver and passengers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a powerhouse of engineering, offering a range of engines and advanced suspension systems. The base GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 boasted a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 took performance further with 429 hp, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE's air suspension systems, including the E-Active Body Control, provided an exceptional driving experience, allowing the vehicle to lean into turns and even bounce to free itself from sand. Despite its size, the GLE handled like a smaller sedan, with a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg. However, its fuel efficiency was average, with the AMG GLE 53 Coupe averaging 14.7 L/100 km.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos, on the other hand, was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. While the engine provided adequate power, the turbo lag and erratic shifting of the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission were notable drawbacks. The standard 8-speed automatic transmission offered smoother performance but was limited to front-wheel drive. Despite these issues, the Taos delivered a pleasant driving experience with responsive steering and commendable handling. Its fuel efficiency was competitive, with the 4Motion model averaging 8.7 L/100 km during testing.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models accommodating five passengers, while an optional third row increased capacity to seven. The SUV provided 630 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 2,055 litres with all seats folded. The Coupe variant, however, was more limited in space due to its sloping roofline. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, which simplified controls and offered a range of features, though it required some initial setup.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos excelled in interior space, particularly for a compact SUV. The Highline trim featured deeply bolstered seats with ample adjustment options, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat offered generous legroom and comfort, complemented by rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with the front-wheel-drive model offering up to 1,866 litres with the rear seats folded. The Taos also included a centre pass-through, ideal for transporting long items like skis.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was packed with advanced technology, including a 12-inch touchscreen with gesture control and a range of features like seat massage and ambient lighting. The AMG models offered a Track Pace app for performance enthusiasts, while the navigation system provided augmented reality directions. The GLE's infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a natural voice assistant that learned new commands over time. The semi-automated driving features added to the vehicle's high-tech appeal.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came equipped with the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and an infotainment system that varied by trim. The Highline model featured an 8-inch touchscreen with MIB3 software, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a BeatsAudio sound system. However, the user experience was hindered by complex menu navigation and inconsistent voice recognition. Despite these challenges, the Taos offered a range of connectivity options and modern conveniences.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and semi-automated control. The Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side features provided additional protection in the event of a crash.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos required additional spending to access popular safety features, with advanced systems like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist available only on the Highline trim. The Taos offered features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring, but its reverse automatic braking system was overly sensitive in certain situations. As a new model, it had not yet been crash-tested by major safety organizations.