2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Volkswagen Taos

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS presented a more understated and refined appearance compared to its flashier competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes confidently avoided an ostentatious grille, opting for a more subtle design. However, for those seeking a bit more flair, the AMG GLS 63 model offered flared wheel arches, a muscular grille, and prominent exhaust tips, while the Maybach version was adorned with chrome accents and a traditional hood ornament. Inside, the GLS 450's interior, though basic by GLS standards, exuded luxury with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were seamlessly integrated, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos was designed for global appeal, offering affordability and practicality. The Taos Highline trim, with its bold 19-inch alloy wheels and Cornflower Blue paint, exuded a stylish and sporty vibe. Inside, the Taos Highline resembled a budget-friendly Audi with its light grey accents, gloss black trim, and leather seats. Despite its compact size, the Taos provided ample interior space, making it one of the roomiest subcompact SUVs available. The panoramic sunroof and well-designed rear seats added to the overall comfort and appeal of the Taos.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque available from the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup provided ample power for the large SUV, and the electric assist was well-integrated. The GLS 450's inline-six engine offered a smoother ride compared to the more common V6 engines, making it a suitable choice for a luxury vehicle. However, the air suspension, while adjustable, lacked the refinement expected in a luxury SUV, resulting in excessive body motion over bumps. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, which was competitive but not class-leading.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for FWD models and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic for AWD models. The Taos offered multiple driving modes, but the powertrain response was inconsistent, with occasional surges of torque and delays in response. Despite its sporty appearance, the Taos lacked power compared to competitors like the Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona N. The AWD models featured an independent multi-link rear suspension, enhancing the driving experience, but the Taos's ground clearance limited its off-road capabilities. The Taos demonstrated a Germanic driving character, with firm handling and excellent visibility, but suffered from unpredictable brake response and noticeable wind and road noise at highway speeds.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a spacious interior with a standard seven-seat configuration, featuring a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version replaced the second-row bench with captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward to provide access to the third row, and the GLS boasted the best second-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs. Cargo space was generous, with 355 litres available with all seats in place and up to 2,400 litres with the second and third rows folded. The GLS's air suspension facilitated easy loading and unloading, but some ergonomic issues, such as the touchscreen's reach and small sun visors, detracted from the overall experience.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos offered a comfortable and spacious interior, with Trendline trim featuring cloth seats, Comfortline trim with CloudTex artificial leatherette, and Highline trim with real leather. The Taos Highline included cold-weather features like heated seats and a heated steering wheel, as well as rain-sensing wipers and dual-zone climate control. The Taos provided ample rear-seat room, with a panoramic sunroof and air conditioning vents enhancing passenger comfort. Cargo space was generous, with 790 litres available behind the rear seats and up to 1,866 litres with the rear seats folded down. However, the lack of lining in storage areas could lead to noise and vibration.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and navigation. The system offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, a touchpad controller, and steering wheel touchpads. The voice recognition system was particularly effective, allowing for hands-free operation. However, the touchpad controller was overly sensitive and cumbersome to use. The GLS also featured augmented-reality navigation, although the system occasionally suggested inefficient routes.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos featured standard digital instrumentation, with an eight-inch screen for Trendline and Comfortline trims and a 10.25-inch display for the Highline. The infotainment system varied by trim, with the Highline offering an eight-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and an eight-speaker Beats Audio system. However, the user experience was marred by hidden virtual controls, a cumbersome radio tuning process, and ineffective voice recognition. The navigation system's integration with the digital instrumentation was also problematic, leading to confusion and frustration.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS included standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and parking assist. The Pre Safe system prepared the vehicle for a potential collision by tightening seat belts and closing windows. However, advanced driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system were optional. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos improved its safety features, with standard Front Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert on the Trendline trim. The Comfortline added Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist, while the Highline included parking sensors and a road-sign recognition system. Travel Assist performed well, providing smooth and accurate assistance on highways. However, Lane Assist occasionally issued false warnings. Crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were decent but not perfect.