2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV with a spacious interior, fitting comfortably within Volkswagen's lineup between the subcompact and compact segments. It was available in Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims, with a single engine option. The Taos offered a choice between front-wheel drive and 4Motion all-wheel drive on the base model, with prices ranging from $26,695 to $36,695. The SUV's styling was consistent with Volkswagen's design language, featuring roof rails, dark grey plastic cladding, and simulated skid plates. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic surfaces, though the Highline trim provided more upscale materials.

In contrast, the 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its distinctive styling and diverged from the rest of the Genesis lineup. It featured the brand's two-line lighting signature and offered six grades in Canada, with two engine options: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6. The GV70's design included unique elements like dark chrome finishes and a cross-hatched matrix pattern on the Sport grades. Genesis allowed customers to order directly from the company, offering a wide range of exterior and interior colour combinations. The interior featured an elliptical theme, with premium materials and unique upholstery configurations, providing a luxurious and customizable experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While the engine provided adequate power, the turbocharger's delayed response and the dual-clutch transmission's erratic shifting could be frustrating for some drivers. The standard 8-speed automatic transmission offered smoother performance but was only available with front-wheel drive. The Taos Highline 4Motion, with its independent rear suspension and Sport mode, delivered a more engaging driving experience, though its ground clearance was limited compared to competitors. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.5 L/100 km combined, with real-world testing showing 8.7 L/100 km.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. This engine positioned the GV70 as a strong competitor against mid-level performance SUVs from German brands. The GV70 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with a rear-biased torque distribution. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential for enhanced performance. The GV70's driving modes, including Sport and Sport+, provided varying levels of responsiveness, while the electronically controlled suspension system balanced comfort and road feel. The GV70's turning radius was notably tight, making it manoeuvrable in urban environments.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious interior, with ample room for both front and rear passengers. The Highline trim offered power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, as well as a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and air conditioning vents. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with the front-wheel-drive model offering more volume. The Taos featured a centre pass-through for ski trips, but the cargo area was less impressive compared to some competitors.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized driver-focused design, with a tall centre console and intuitive controls. The infotainment system was controlled via a raised dial, and the climate controls were configured under a single pane with haptic feedback. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front and rear seats available on higher trims. The rear passenger space was enhanced by a panoramic sunroof and manual sunshades, though storage options were limited. Cargo volume was competitive, with 819 litres behind the second row and 1,610 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came with a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims featuring an 8-inch display and MIB3 software. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity available on Comfortline and Highline trims. The Highline trim added navigation and a BeatsAudio sound system. However, the infotainment system's user experience was criticized for its complexity and slow response.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen with high-resolution graphics and split-screen functionality. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though not wirelessly. The premium Sport Plus grade offered a 3D digital instrument cluster and a fingerprint recognition system for keyless start. A nine-speaker audio system was standard, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system available on top trims. The GV70's technology offerings were impressive, though the infotainment system's response time could be improved.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos required higher trims for popular safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. The Highline trim offered additional features like lane-keeping assistance and Travel Assist, a Level 2 advanced driving assistance system. Emergency Assist was a notable safety feature, though the reverse automatic braking system could be overly sensitive.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 included ten standard safety features, such as blind spot collision avoidance, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance. The rear occupant alert system used radar to detect movement in the second row. The Highway Driving Assist system provided lane centring and automatic lane changing functions, though it required the driver's hands on the wheel. Safety ratings from organizations were not available at the time of publication.