2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a more traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning seamlessly with Volvo's current lineup. Signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille were prominent, while gasoline models offered a retro touch with a white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and unique alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. Despite these distinctions, the Recharge maintained a low-key appearance, appealing to electric-car drivers who preferred subtlety. The interior was minimalist yet luxurious, featuring high-quality materials like Nappa leather and Nubuck textile, with a coherent design that integrated elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents into a harmonious whole.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos, positioned as a compact SUV, offered a straightforward design with subtle details that added character. Available in Trendline, Comfortline, or Highline trims, the Taos featured a turbocharged engine and options for front-wheel or 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Highline 4Motion model stood out with 19-inch machined-finish aluminum alloy wheels and Cornflower Blue paint, enhancing its vibrant personality. The exterior included roof rails, dark grey plastic cladding, and simulated skid plates, though the blacked-out front bumper was a questionable styling choice. Inside, the Taos was spacious, with deeply bolstered front seats and a roomy rear seat. However, the interior materials, primarily hard plastics, were reminiscent of children's toys, though soft surfaces were strategically placed where needed. The Highline trim offered two-tone perforated leather and an upscale dashboard strip, adding a touch of sophistication.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a diverse powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline variants featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 produced 187 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, while the T5 delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2, boasted dual electric motors for all-wheel drive, generating a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the T5 and T4 took 6.4 and 8.5 seconds, respectively. All models were electronically limited to 180 km/h. The XC40 Recharge emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality and the capability for one-pedal driving. It also offered a towing capacity of 900 kilograms when properly equipped.

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 allowed the Taos to feel adequately powerful, though the turbocharger's delayed response and sudden torque delivery could be jarring. The seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission, paired with the 4Motion AWD system, provided spirited performance but suffered from erratic shifting. The standard 8-speed automatic transmission offered smoother driving but was limited to front-wheel drive. The Highline 4Motion model's Sport mode improved drivability but did not completely eliminate the powertrain's jerky nature. Despite these issues, the Taos was enjoyable to drive, with responsive steering, effective brakes, and commendable grip. However, its ground clearance was limited, making it less suitable for off-road adventures. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with an observed average of 8.7 L/100 km during testing.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its Recharge and gasoline variants, offered no difference in passenger or cargo space. However, it was not particularly spacious, with less legroom and headroom compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The cargo area was also smaller, and the frunk was limited due to powertrain hardware. Despite these limitations, Volvo incorporated clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and a bag hook in the glovebox door. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. A wireless charging pad was optional, but second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted an impressively roomy cabin, with deeply bolstered front seats offering ample seat-track travel and height adjustment. The Highline 4Motion model featured heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. 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 seat folded down. The 4Motion model had slightly less cargo space due to its independent rear suspension. A centre pass-through between the rear seats made the Taos ideal for ski trips.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. This system allowed Android phone users to sync their personal Google accounts for customization. The standard hardware included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with top-notch graphics and menu layouts. The Recharge model also offered over-the-air update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. Notably, the Recharge lacked a start button, requiring only a key fob to shift out of park.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came equipped with a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the Trendline trim. The Comfortline and Highline trims featured 8-inch touchscreen displays with MIB3 software. All trims included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless versions available on the Comfortline and Highline. The Highline trim added a navigation system and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio premium sound system. However, the MIB3 system's voice recognition and user experience were lacking, with complex menu navigation and slow response times.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, with the gasoline model earning a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured Volvo’s latest sensor suite, capable of future updates for advanced driver aids.

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 additional features like automatic high beams and rear parking sensors. Travel Assist, a Level 2 advanced driving assistance system, and Emergency Assist were available on the Highline with an extra-cost package. The Taos had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.