2023 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was crafted by removing the third row from the standard seven-passenger Atlas model, lowering the roofline by nearly 6 centimetres for a sleeker, coupe-like silhouette, and shortening the SUV’s length by 13.2 cm. Despite these changes, the wheelbase remained the same, ensuring a spacious interior for five passengers. However, the Cross Sport’s design adjustments resulted in reduced cargo space, offering 1,141 litres behind the second-row seat and a maximum of 2,203 litres. The Execline trim, with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels, emphasized a bold and upscale appearance, although the base Comfortline trim's 18-inch wheels seemed undersized for the vehicle's robust fenders. The interior offered a variety of appealing colour combinations, but the presence of hard, glossy plastics detracted from the overall quality impression.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos was designed for North American markets, aiming to capture sales from the discontinued Volkswagen Golf. The Taos was engineered for affordability and passenger comfort, with Canadian prices ranging from $26,995 to $37,695. The Highline trim, with its Cornflower Blue paint and standard LED headlights, presented a stylish and sporty appearance. Inside, the Taos Highline featured light grey accents, gloss black trim, and leather seats, creating a premium feel reminiscent of a more affordable Audi. The Taos was noted for its spacious interior, nearly matching the larger Tiguan model, making it one of the largest subcompact SUVs available.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine, which did not require premium fuel, provided a more satisfying driving experience and a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The V6 engine in the Atlas Cross Sport Execline trim felt more energetic compared to the three-row Atlas, although it lacked refinement and averaged 12.3 L/100 km during testing. The suspension was criticized for being too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds, affecting ride quality.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for front-wheel drive models and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic for all-wheel drive models. The Taos offered up to five driving modes, but the powertrain response was unpredictable, with occasional surges of torque and delays in response. During testing, the Taos averaged 8.8 L/100 km, slightly above the official rating. Despite its lack of power compared to competitors, the Taos demonstrated a Germanic driving character with firm handling and good visibility. However, the brake pedal response was inconsistent, and the vehicle suffered from wind and road noise at highway speeds.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and track width with the larger seven-passenger model, providing an exceptionally roomy interior for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. A panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel, and the cargo area offered ample storage space, although the shorter length and lower roofline reduced overall cargo capacity.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos offered different interior trims, with the Highline featuring real leather seats. Standard cold-weather equipment included heated side mirrors, heated washer nozzles, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Highline trim also had rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, and ventilated front seats. The Taos provided impressive rear-seat room and comfort, with plenty of legroom and a panoramic sunroof. Storage space was plentiful, although most locations were unlined, potentially causing noise and vibration. The cargo area offered generous space, with 790 litres behind the back seat and 1,866 litres with the rear seat folded down.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen with proximity-sensing display. The infotainment system included Bluetooth pairing for two devices, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless smartphone charging. However, the user experience was often frustrating, with issues related to touchscreen interaction and voice recognition technology. The Execline trim featured a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system, which was highly praised.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos was equipped with standard digital instrumentation, with the Highline trim featuring a 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system varied by trim, with the Highline offering an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth support for multiple devices, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and wireless smartphone charging. The Highline also included a native navigation system and an eight-speaker Beats Audio premium sound system. However, the user experience was criticized for hidden virtual controls, difficult radio tuning, and ineffective voice-recognition technology.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and Travel Assist. The Execline trim featured a semi-autonomous Park Assist system and an Area View 360-degree camera system. While Travel Assist was generally accurate, it occasionally lacked refinement. The Atlas Cross Sport received decent crash-test ratings but did not earn the highest accolades from safety organizations.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos improved its standard safety features, with the Trendline trim including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Comfortline trim added Lane Assist, Travel Assist, Emergency Assist, and an active blind-spot monitoring system. The Highline trim featured automatic high-beam headlights, parking sensors with automatic braking, and a road-sign recognition system. Travel Assist was praised for its smooth and accurate performance, while Lane Assist was unobtrusive. The Taos received decent crash-test ratings from safety organizations.