2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, setting it apart from the more rugged appearance of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback. While it shared some design elements with the ID.3, the ID.4 aimed to appeal to North American crossover buyers, though its SUV-like styling was subtle compared to other EV crossovers. Inside, the ID.4 combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic finishes. The base model included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available in higher trims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos, positioned as a compact SUV, offered a straightforward design with a focus on practicality. It came in three trims: Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline, with a choice of front-wheel drive or 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Taos was priced competitively, starting at $26,695 for the base model. Its exterior styling was consistent with Volkswagen's lineup, featuring roof rails, dark grey plastic cladding, and skid plates. The interior, while utilitarian, provided soft surfaces where needed, with the Highline trim offering two-tone perforated leather and upscale dashboard materials. Despite some criticisms of the interior's plastic quality, the Taos delivered a spacious cabin with ample legroom and comfort for both front and rear passengers.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two powertrain configurations. The base rear-wheel drive version featured a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. An all-wheel-drive version added a second motor for a total output of 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The ID.4's rear-wheel drive setup provided balanced handling, though it was tuned more for comfort than sportiness. The electric motor delivered ample power, with instantaneous torque making acceleration enjoyable. However, the ID.4's regenerative braking system did not support one-pedal driving, as Volkswagen prioritized coasting efficiency and a familiar driving experience for those transitioning from gasoline vehicles.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The engine's robust torque figure allowed the Taos to perform adequately, though turbo lag and delayed throttle response were noted. The seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission paired with the 4Motion AWD system offered spirited performance but was criticized for erratic shifting. The standard 8-speed automatic transmission provided smoother driving but was limited to front-wheel drive. The Taos Highline 4Motion in Sport mode improved drivability, but turbo lag and harsh shifting persisted. Despite these issues, the Taos delivered a pleasant driving experience with responsive steering and commendable grip.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a spacious interior compared to other EVs, with more front and rear headroom. However, legroom was average, and the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 provided more space in both rows. The ID.4 boasted 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded, surpassing several EV competitors but falling short of the CR-V and RAV4. The absence of a "frunk" allowed for more cabin space, and the interior felt roomy from the driver's seat. Visibility was generally good, though rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and standard heated steering wheel and front seats for efficient cabin heating.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was notable for its roomy cabin, with the Highline trim offering deeply bolstered seats and ample seat-track travel. The driver's seat featured eight-way power adjustment and lumbar support, while heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel were available. 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 front-wheel-drive models offering more volume due to the torsion-beam rear suspension. The Taos also included a centre pass-through for ski trips, enhancing its practicality for outdoor adventures.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch screen. It featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 5.3-inch display screen for the instrument cluster. Haptic touchpads replaced traditional switchgear, but they were criticized for lacking tactile feedback. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system, allowing drivers to adjust settings with simple prompts. The ID.Light feature added a futuristic touch, providing visual cues for various functions. Despite some gimmicky features, the infotainment system was well-designed, with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos featured a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the Trendline trim. The Comfortline and Highline trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen with MIB3 software, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless smartphone charging. The Highline trim added a navigation system and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio premium sound system. However, the voice-recognition technology was found lacking, and the user experience was criticized for its complexity. The transition from Fender to BeatsAudio components was also noted as a less positive development.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for RWD versions. It offered a range of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were new features, providing automated lane centring and emergency stopping capabilities. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding effectively to acceleration and deceleration.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos required additional spending for popular safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning available on the Comfortline grade and up. The Highline grade included automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, and rear parking sensors. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were available on the Highline with an extra-cost package. The Taos also featured reverse automatic braking, which could be turned off if needed. As a new model, it had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.