2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2021 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a testament to Subaru's strategy of adapting its Impreza hatchback into a crossover, appealing to those seeking rugged aesthetics, all-wheel drive, and elevated driving positions. With its black body cladding, model-specific alloy wheels, and increased ground clearance, the Crosstrek successfully mimicked an SUV's appearance while maintaining the Impreza's core design. The vibrant colour options, such as Plasma Yellow Pearl, added to its distinct character. Despite its SUV-like stance, the Crosstrek retained the Impreza's interior, which was functional yet somewhat plain, with some materials like the simulated carbon-fibre trim appearing less premium. However, the water-repellant upholstery was a practical touch for outdoor adventures.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos positioned itself as a compact SUV with a spacious interior, fitting comfortably within Volkswagen's lineup. The Taos offered a choice of front-wheel drive or 4Motion all-wheel drive, with the latter featuring a dual-clutch transmission and independent rear suspension. Its styling was consistent with Volkswagen's design language, featuring roof rails, plastic cladding, and skid plates. The interior, while roomy, was criticized for its hard plastic materials, though the Highline trim provided more upscale touches like two-tone perforated leather and a stitched dashboard. The Taos's cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with the 4Motion version offering slightly less room due to its suspension setup.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre boxer-four engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, and a more powerful 2.5-litre boxer-four engine delivering 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, available on the Outdoor and Limited trims. The boxer engine's design, with its lower centre of gravity, contributed to improved handling, although the SUV-like ride height somewhat negated this advantage. The Crosstrek's standard all-wheel drive and X-Mode, with features like hill descent control, enhanced its capability on loose surfaces. Despite the additional power of the 2.5-litre engine, the performance difference was not dramatic, with acceleration remaining adequate but accompanied by CVT droning.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The engine's robust torque figure provided sufficient power, but the turbocharger's lag and the dual-clutch transmission's erratic shifting could be frustrating. The standard 8-speed automatic transmission offered smoother performance but was limited to front-wheel drive. The Taos's driving dynamics were otherwise enjoyable, with responsive steering, effective brakes, and commendable grip. However, its ground clearance of 16.2 centimetres was less than competitors like the Subaru Crosstrek, limiting its off-road capability. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with the Taos 4Motion averaging 8.7 L/100 km during testing.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, offering competitive passenger space but limited cargo capacity compared to other small crossovers. With 588 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,565 litres with them folded, the Crosstrek lagged behind models like the Honda HR-V and Kia Seltos. The interior featured a practical cubby hole with USB and auxiliary ports, though rear-seat passengers had limited access to charging options. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, but visibility was excellent due to the large side glass and low front fascia.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious cabin, with the Highline trim offering power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The rear seat provided generous legroom and comfort, with rear air conditioning vents enhancing passenger comfort. Cargo space varied with the drive system, with the front-wheel-drive model offering 790 litres behind the rear seats and 1,866 litres with them folded. The 4Motion version had slightly less cargo space due to its independent rear suspension. The Taos also featured a centre pass-through, ideal for transporting long items like skis.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek came equipped with the Starlink infotainment system, featuring a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims received an 8-inch touchscreen, with navigation standard on the Limited trim. The system was user-friendly, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance features were controlled via steering wheel buttons, ensuring ease of use.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos featured the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Comfortline and Highline trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen with MIB3 software, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a BeatsAudio premium sound system. However, the voice-recognition technology was unreliable, and the user experience was hindered by complex menu navigation. The transition from Fender to BeatsAudio components was not seen as an improvement.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS. EyeSight driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning, were standard on CVT-equipped models. The system's cameras were well-protected but could be affected by wiper blockage or direct sunlight.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos required higher trims and additional packages for comprehensive safety features. The Highline trim offered advanced systems like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance. Reverse automatic braking was active by default but could be turned off via the infotainment system. As a new model, the Taos had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.