2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB

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 and a choice between front-wheel drive and 4Motion all-wheel drive on the base model. The Taos was noted for its handsome styling, especially in the Highline 4Motion trim with its 19-inch machined-finish aluminum alloy wheels and vibrant 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.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB slotted between the GLA and GLC in the automaker's SUV lineup, offering a more luxurious experience. The GLB250 and AMG GLB35 variants were available, with the latter featuring a more powerful drivetrain and sophisticated AWD system. The GLB's design was described as an acquired taste, with a boxy shape that prioritized function over form. The interior, however, was beautifully crafted, featuring high-definition displays and ambient lighting. The controls required some acclimation, but the overall quality was evident, although road noise was a concern, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The engine's robust torque figure allowed the Taos to feel powerful, but the turbocharger's delayed response and the dual-clutch transmission's erratic shifting could be frustrating. The standard 8-speed automatic transmission offered smoother performance but was limited to front-wheel drive. The Taos excelled in handling and road feel, but its ground clearance was less than some competitors, limiting its off-road capability. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.5 L/100 km in combined driving, with a tested average of 8.7 L/100 km.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB, particularly in the AMG GLB35 variant, offered a more performance-oriented experience. Its turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-4 engine produced 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the GLB250. The AMG GLB35 featured an AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and AMG Performance variable 4Matic AWD, allowing it to accelerate to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. However, the performance focus came at the expense of daily-driving comfort, with a firm ride and some throttle lag. Fuel consumption was rated at 11.2 L/100 km, with a tested average of 10.8 L/100 km.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious interior, with the Highline trim offering deeply bolstered seats and plenty of adjustment options. The rear seat provided generous legroom, and the cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with up to 1,866 litres available. The Taos also featured a centre pass-through, ideal for ski trips.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a roomy interior with an optional third-row seat for children. Standard features included dual-zone climate control and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The GLB's cargo space was 560 litres with the seats up and 1,755 litres with the second row folded. The third-row option reduced storage space, making it less practical for North American buyers seeking a three-row SUV.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came equipped with a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the MIB3 infotainment system's user experience was criticized for its complexity and voice recognition issues. The Highline trim added a navigation system and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio sound system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and touchscreen. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were optional, the system was praised for its natural voice recognition and digital assistant. The GLB's technology was user-friendly, with multiple control options, though some features like Wi-Fi and a head-up display were not present on the test vehicle.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered a range of safety features, but many were only available on higher trims or as part of an extra-cost package. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. The Taos also featured Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, providing advanced driving assistance and safety in emergencies. However, crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB's test vehicle lacked the optional Driver Assistance Package, which included advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. Standard safety features included Active Brake Assist and blind-spot monitoring. The GLB's crash-test ratings were also unavailable.