2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Mazda CX-30

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV with a spacious interior, fitting neatly into Volkswagen's lineup between the subcompact and compact segments. It was available in Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims, with a single engine option and a choice between front-wheel drive and 4Motion all-wheel drive on the base model. The Taos featured a design that aligned with Volkswagen's existing SUV lineup, with notable elements like 19-inch machined-finish aluminum alloy wheels and Cornflower Blue paint. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic materials, which detracted from the overall quality feel, despite the presence of soft-touch surfaces in key areas.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30, on the other hand, was styled as a smaller version of the CX-5, with a sleek design and a platform shared with the Mazda3. Its cabin was praised for its comfort and quietness, with a solid feel to all components. The interior design was considered one of the best among affordable cars, featuring a blend of conventional and digital displays. However, the infotainment system, controlled by a rotary dial, was noted for its steep learning curve, which detracted from its otherwise elegant design. The CX-30's windshield design, while stylish, caused some visibility issues for taller drivers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided adequate power, but the turbocharger's delayed response and the dual-clutch transmission's erratic shifting could be frustrating for drivers. The Taos offered a smooth and compliant ride, with responsive steering and effective brakes, but its off-road capabilities were limited by its low ground clearance of 16.2 centimetres. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with real-world testing showing an average of 8.7 L/100 km.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of engine options, with the test model featuring a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, and up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel. The CX-30's six-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the Sport mode enhanced throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30 was praised for its sporty and refined ride, with quick and precise steering and minimal body roll. However, the suspension's firmness resulted in a rough ride over uneven surfaces.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious interior, with ample room for both front and rear passengers. The Highline trim offered heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and power-adjustable driver's seat. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with the front-wheel-drive model offering up to 1,866 litres with the rear seats folded, while the 4Motion model provided 1,705 litres. The Taos also featured a centre pass-through for longer items, making it practical for activities like skiing.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 1,280 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 572 litres with the seats in use. The GT trim included a power rear liftgate for added convenience. The front seats featured a sliding centre console cover, though its design could be problematic when the rear seats were folded. The rear seats offered decent headroom for short-to-medium trips, but taller passengers might find them less comfortable on longer journeys.

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

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design with an infotainment screen controlled by a rotary dial and toggle buttons. This setup, inspired by luxury-car systems, lacked touch functionality, which made navigating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto cumbersome. The system's usability was a common complaint, with users finding it difficult to switch between presets and navigate the interface.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered a range of safety features, but many were only available on higher trims or as part of optional packages. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highline trim offered additional features like lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and Travel Assist, a Level 2 advanced driving assistance system. However, the Taos had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations at the time of review.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came with several available driver-assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Standard features included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The CX-30 earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, with a five-star rating and a Top Safety Pick+ designation, respectively.