2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV with a spacious interior, fitting comfortably within Volkswagen's lineup. It was available in Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims, with a single engine option. The base model offered a choice between front-wheel drive and 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Taos was noted for its handsome styling, especially with the Highline 4Motion's 19-inch machined-finish aluminum alloy wheels and Cornflower Blue paint. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic surfaces, which detracted from the overall feel of quality.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS presented a more luxurious and refined appearance. The base GLS 450 had a subtle design, while the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions offered more visual drama with features like flared wheel arches and chrome accents. The interior of the GLS was well-appointed, with options for reclining rear seats and a performance-oriented interior in the AMG version. The GLS 450's interior was described as luxurious, with a panoramic roof and ambient lighting, although some ergonomic issues were noted, such as the touchscreen being difficult to reach.

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 torque delivery was delayed, leading to a sudden surge of power, which, combined with the dual-clutch transmission's erratic shifting, could be frustrating for drivers. The Taos offered a smooth and compliant driving experience, with responsive steering and effective brakes. However, 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.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, assisted by the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The engine provided ample power, and the electric assist was well-integrated. The GLS 450's air suspension offered a comfortable ride, although it exhibited poor body control over bumps. The GLS had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, which was competitive but not class-leading.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious interior, with deeply bolstered front seats offering plenty of adjustment options. The rear seat provided generous legroom and comfort, while cargo space varied depending on the drive system. The front-wheel-drive model offered 790 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,866 litres with the seats folded. The 4Motion model had slightly less cargo space due to its independent rear suspension.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward to increase legroom, and the GLS offered 355 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 2,400 litres with the second and third rows folded. The GLS's air suspension made loading cargo easier, although some ergonomic issues were noted, such as the touchscreen being difficult to reach.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was equipped with a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims featuring an 8-inch display. The Taos included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity available on higher trims. However, the infotainment system's user experience was criticized for its complexity, and the voice-recognition technology was found lacking.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and natural-language voice recognition. The voice recognition was praised for its ease of use, while the touchpad controller was found to be overly sensitive. The GLS also offered augmented-reality navigation, although the navigation system's route suggestions were occasionally questionable.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning, with additional features available on higher trims. The Taos also included Travel Assist, a Level 2 advanced driving assistance system, and Emergency Assist, which could bring the SUV to a safe stop if the driver became unresponsive. However, the Taos had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations at the time of review.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional advanced driver-assistance features were available as options. Like the Taos, the GLS had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations at the time of review.