2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2023 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV with a spacious interior, fitting neatly into Volkswagen's lineup alongside the Tiguan. It offered a choice of Trendline, Comfortline, or Highline trims, with prices ranging from $26,695 to $36,695. The Taos featured a single engine option and, for the base model, a choice between front-wheel drive and 4Motion all-wheel drive. Its design included elements like roof rails and skid plates, but the interior was criticized for its hard plastic materials, despite some soft-touch surfaces in key areas. The Highline trim added two-tone perforated leather and upscale dashboard materials, enhancing its appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride received updates to its front and rear styling, new paint colours, and interior options. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced the Nightfall Edition, offering raised suspensions and unique design elements. The Telluride's interior featured a digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, providing a modern feel. The SUV's cabin was spacious, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The Telluride's design updates and interior enhancements made it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and comfortable ride.

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 adequate power, the turbocharger's delayed response and the dual-clutch transmission's erratic shifting could be frustrating for some drivers. 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, with real-world testing showing an average of 8.7 L/100 km.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting. The X-Line model averaged 9.8 L/100 km, while the X-Pro returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading. The Telluride's raised suspension and improved traction control system enhanced its off-road performance, while its smooth ride and quiet cabin made it a pleasure to drive on highways.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a roomy cabin, with deeply bolstered front seats offering ample adjustment options. The rear seat provided generous legroom and comfort, with rear air conditioning vents for added convenience. 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 ski trips, but its cargo capacity was less impressive with the 4Motion system.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered seating for seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, with manual sunshades and USB ports for added comfort. The third-row seat was more spacious than many competitors, though not as roomy as the Volkswagen Atlas. The Telluride's cargo space was generous, with up to 2,455 litres available with both rear rows folded down. A smart power tailgate and automatic closing function added convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came with a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims featuring an 8-inch display and MIB3 software. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity available on Comfortline and Highline trims. The Highline trim added a navigation system and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio premium sound system. However, the infotainment system's user experience was criticized for its complexity and voice-recognition issues.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Kia Connect services. The system passed voice recognition tests with ease, though climate control adjustments required manual input. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and six USB ports provided ample charging options. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. New digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror added to its tech-savvy appeal.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos required higher trims for popular safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. 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 inclusion, but the reverse automatic braking system could be problematic in certain situations. As a new model, the Taos had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. The Telluride also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. Advanced features like Highway Drive Assist 1.5 and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist were standard, with additional collision avoidance features available on higher trims. The Telluride's safety systems performed well in real-world testing, and the SUV earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.