2023 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX, available in both standard and long-wheelbase versions, offered a choice between the gas-powered RX 350 and the hybrid RX 450h. The RX 350 accommodated five passengers, while the L variant provided a three-row, seven-passenger option, with the 450h L seating six. The RX's design, refreshed in 2020, maintained a modern and sporty appearance, standing out with its aggressive exterior styling among competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X5. The RX's sharp character lines and angular features, particularly in the F Sport models, added a touch of athleticism with 20-inch wheels and unique front fascia. Inside, the RX's cabin exuded luxury, with F Sport models enhancing the sporty vibe through specific badging and trim. However, the centre stack felt dated, and the NuLuxe seats in the F Sport were less comfortable, lacking adequate lumbar support.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos, exclusive to North America, was designed for affordability and practicality, aiming to capture sales from the discontinued Volkswagen Golf. In Canada, the Taos was available in Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims, with the latter featuring 4Motion AWD. The Taos Highline, with its bold 19-inch alloy wheels and Cornflower Blue paint, presented a stylish and upscale look. Inside, the Taos Highline resembled a budget-friendly Audi, with light grey accents, gloss black trim, and leather seats. The Taos offered impressive interior space, nearly matching the larger Tiguan, making it one of the roomiest subcompact SUVs. Despite its premium appearance, the Taos Highline's price was considered high for the segment.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with electric motors for a total of 308 hp. All RX models featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lacklustre engine note and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport models included performance dampers and adaptive variable suspension, but the drive modes, including Sport and Sport+, failed to significantly enhance the driving experience. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, offering a smooth ride and isolated road noise. Fuel consumption for the RX 350 was 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 on the highway, while the RX 450h hybrid achieved 7.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. FWD models paired the engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while AWD versions used a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The Taos offered up to five driving modes, but the powertrain response was unpredictable, with occasional surges of torque and transmission hesitations. In Sport mode, the Taos improved slightly, but its power was lacking compared to competitors like the Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona N. The Taos Highline, with its independent multi-link rear suspension, provided a firm and stable ride, though brake response was inconsistent. Fuel consumption for AWD models was 8.8 L/100 km, slightly above the official rating of 8.5 L/100 km.

The 2022 Lexus RX, in its standard two-row configuration, offered 2,826 litres of passenger volume, comfortably seating four adults. The RX 350 L, with its three-row setup, provided limited space for anything beyond groceries. Cargo capacity in the standard RX was 453 litres behind the second row, expanding to 923 litres with the seats folded. The three-row version offered 210 litres with all seats up, increasing to 1,657 litres with both back rows down. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holder, but the rear seats didn't fold completely flat, and the cargo area's load-in height was high.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos, with its spacious interior, felt larger than most competitors. The Trendline trim had cloth seats, Comfortline featured CloudTex upholstery, and Highline offered real leather. Standard cold-weather equipment included heated mirrors and seats. The Taos provided ample rear-seat room, with air conditioning vents and a panoramic sunroof in the Highline. Storage space was plentiful, though unlined compartments could cause noise. Cargo capacity was generous, with 790 litres behind the back seat and 1,866 litres with the rear seat folded down, slightly reduced in AWD models.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch version standard on the 450h L and optional on other trims. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the touchscreen's positioning was ergonomically unfriendly, with a lip obstructing access. The infotainment system was responsive, but the touchpad was hypersensitive and frustrating to use. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The Lexus App allowed for remote engine start and vehicle settings.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos featured standard digital instrumentation, with an 8-inch screen for Trendline and Comfortline trims and a 10.25-inch display for the Highline. Infotainment systems varied, with the Highline offering an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a Beats Audio system. The user experience was hindered by hidden virtual controls and a complex radio tuning process. The navigation system's integration with digital instrumentation was confusing, and voice recognition was ineffective. Pairing a smartphone and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was recommended for a better experience.

The 2022 Lexus RX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional triple-beam LED headlights but missed the top-tier designation due to headlight ratings. The NHTSA awarded the RX four stars overall, with five stars in side crash tests.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos improved its standard safety features, with Front Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert on the Trendline. The Comfortline added Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. The Taos also featured a post-collision braking system, automatic high-beam headlights, and parking sensors with automatic braking. Travel Assist performed well, maintaining distance and speed smoothly. The Taos received decent crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.