2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

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 competed with models like the Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek. The Taos offered a choice of front-wheel drive or 4Motion all-wheel drive, with prices ranging from $26,695 to $36,695. Its design featured a vibrant Cornflower Blue paint and 19-inch alloy wheels, giving it a striking presence. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic materials, though it did offer soft-touch surfaces in key areas. The Highline trim provided upscale features like two-tone leather seats and a stitched dashboard.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a long-standing favourite in the SUV market, continued to evolve with its latest iteration. It maintained its reputation for reliability and practicality, offering a range of powertrains, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. The RAV4's exterior design was characterized by angular wheel arches and expressive headlights, giving it a distinctive look. Inside, the RAV4 featured a layered dashboard with contrasting textures and a user-friendly touchscreen interface. The cabin was spacious, with ample room for passengers and cargo, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

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 ride 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 Toyota RAV4 offered a choice of three powertrains, including a gasoline-only 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid provided additional power and improved fuel efficiency. The gasoline model delivered smooth power delivery and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The RAV4's handling was car-like, with a four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring for improved cornering. Fuel economy varied depending on the model, with the RAV4 Prime offering an impressive 2.5 Le/100 km in electric mode.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious interior, with comfortable front seats offering ample adjustment options. The rear seat provided generous legroom and air conditioning vents for passenger comfort. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with up to 1,866 litres available in the front-wheel-drive model. The Taos also featured a centre pass-through for added versatility.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a roomy interior with a maximum cargo capacity of 1,977 litres. It had a healthy payload capacity and towing capabilities, making it suitable for various needs. The front seats provided ample space and comfort, while the rear seats could accommodate three passengers in a pinch. The RAV4's interior featured numerous storage compartments and cupholders, enhancing its practicality.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came with a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a BeatsAudio premium sound system. However, the infotainment system's user experience was criticized for its complexity and slow response.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen with an 11-speaker JBL audio system and additional connectivity features. The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced technology, including multiple USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a head-up display, enhancing its appeal to tech-savvy buyers.

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, and blind-spot monitoring. The Taos also featured Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, providing advanced driver assistance capabilities. However, the Taos had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations at the time of review.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Toyota's Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. These included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The RAV4 received high safety ratings, earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.