2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Subaru Forester

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV with a spacious interior, offering a choice of Trendline, Comfortline, or Highline trims. It featured a single engine option and provided both front-wheel drive (FWD) and 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD) on the base model. The Taos was noted for its stylish design, with the Highline 4Motion model showcasing 19-inch machined-finish aluminum alloy wheels and Cornflower Blue paint. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic materials, which some found reminiscent of children's toys. Despite this, the cabin offered soft surfaces where needed, and the Highline trim added upscale touches like two-tone perforated leather and contrast stitching.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester was available in multiple trims, including the new Wilderness model, which emphasized ruggedness with features like a suspension lift and protective cladding. The Forester's design was described as homely, but its interior focused on functionality over form. The cabin combined hard plastic and soft surfaces, exuding quality construction. The Forester Wilderness featured water-repellant StarTex simulated leather and copper-coloured accents. The SUV retained its 8-inch Starlink infotainment system, which was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal. Overall, the Forester was praised for its practicality and well-made feel, despite its less appealing exterior styling.

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 sufficient power, the turbocharger's delayed response and the dual-clutch transmission's erratic shifting were noted drawbacks. The Taos offered a smooth driving experience with responsive steering and effective brakes, but its ground clearance of 16.2 centimetres limited its off-road capabilities. 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 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The Forester's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a smooth driving experience, and the Wilderness model's CVT design increased initial torque supply. The Forester's towing capacity was doubled to 1,360 kilograms in the Wilderness trim. Fuel consumption was rated at 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres, with testing showing an average of 9.1 L/100 km. The Forester excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its dual-function X-Mode system and increased ground clearance of 22.9 centimetres. However, the lack of a turbocharger limited its performance at higher altitudes.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious interior, with deeply bolstered front seats offering ample adjustment options. The Highline 4Motion trim included heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and air conditioning vents. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with the FWD model offering 790 litres behind the back seat and 1,866 litres with the seats folded. The 4Motion model had slightly less cargo space due to its independent rear suspension.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit thanks to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness model featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats. The Forester's roof rails were upgraded to accommodate a three-person roof tent. Comfort levels were high, with rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports for passengers. Cargo space measured 818 litres without the panoramic sunroof and 762 litres with it. Folding the rear seats increased capacity to 2,101 litres, making the Forester one of the roomiest compact SUVs.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came with a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with MIB3 software, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a BeatsAudio premium sound system. However, the infotainment system's user experience was criticized for its complexity, and the voice-recognition technology was unreliable.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness model featured a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition system was inconsistent.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos required higher trims for popular safety features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. 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, but the reverse automatic braking system was overly sensitive.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester also offered a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and DriverFocus facial recognition technology. The NHTSA awarded the Forester a 5-star overall crash-test rating, and it was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.