2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV, bridging the gap between subcompact and compact crossovers. It competed with models like the Kia Seltos, Jeep Compass, and Subaru Crosstrek. The Taos was available in Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims, with a single engine option. The base model offered a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD). The Taos's design was consistent with Volkswagen's lineup, featuring roof rails, dark grey plastic cladding, and skid plates. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic materials, though it offered soft surfaces where necessary. The Highline trim boasted two-tone perforated leather and an upscale dashboard.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was described as modernist and reductive, emphasizing clean and simple design. It offered limited flashy options, focusing on understated luxury. The test vehicle featured Eiger Grey paint, silver 23-inch wheels, and a Deep Garnet over Ebony interior theme. The Range Rover Sport was available in Dynamic SE, Dynamic HSE, Autobiography, and SV Edition One trims. It featured premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED taillights. Inside, the cabin was luxurious, with Windsor leather upholstery and sustainable Ultrafabrics. The Range Rover Sport was praised for its aerodynamics and high-tech appearance.

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, resulting in sudden throttle response. The seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission paired with the 4Motion AWD system offered spirited performance but was criticized for erratic shifting. The standard 8-speed automatic transmission provided smoother driving but was limited to FWD. The Taos Highline 4Motion in Sport mode improved driveability but retained some powertrain quirks. The Taos excelled in road feel, steering, and handling, but its ground clearance was limited compared to competitors. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.5 L/100 km, with testing results at 8.7 L/100 km.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography trim, delivering 434 hp. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp engine accelerated to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. It had a towing capacity of 3,500 kg. Fuel efficiency averaged 10.5 L/100 km, with highway driving at 9.4 L/100 km. The Range Rover Sport featured adaptive damping air suspension, Dynamic driving mode, and advanced off-road capabilities. However, it struggled to match sport-tuned SUVs in handling and exhibited drivetrain quirks in Dynamic mode.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered a spacious cabin, with deeply bolstered front seats and ample seat-track travel. The Highline trim featured heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat provided generous legroom and comfort, with rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space varied based on the drive system, with FWD models offering more volume. The Taos had a centre pass-through for ski trips.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained the Range Rover Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit. The front seats were comfortable, with Windsor leather and 20-way power adjustments. The rear seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and narrow door openings. Cargo space measured 903 litres, expandable to 1,500 litres with the rear seats folded. The Range Rover Sport featured a power liftgate and convenient storage solutions.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came with a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in Trendline trim. Comfortline and Highline trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with MIB3 software. All trims included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity in higher trims. The Highline added navigation and a BeatsAudio sound system. However, the infotainment system was criticized for its complexity and voice recognition issues.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. The Pivi Pro infotainment platform was intended to learn user habits but was found confusing and frustrating. The voice assistant struggled with basic commands, and the system's complexity was a drawback. The Range Rover Sport offered Meridian audio systems and Active Noise Cancellation.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos required additional spending for popular safety features. Forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert were available on Comfortline and higher trims. Highline trim included automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, and rear parking sensors. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were exclusive to Highline with an extra-cost package. The Taos had reverse automatic braking, which could be turned off.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. It featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system. Remote Park Assist was available. The adaptive cruise control and steering assist were found lacking in responsiveness and smoothness.