Buick Envision vs Volkswagen Taos

The 2021 Buick Envision underwent a significant redesign, presenting a lower and wider stance compared to its predecessor. This two-row compact crossover, positioned between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave, showcased a more sculpted appearance, distinguishing itself from its cousin, the Cadillac XT4, though it wasn't as sleek as the Acura RDX. The Envision offered three trim levels: Preferred, Essence, and Avenir, with the latter making its debut in this model year. The Avenir trim featured premium exterior elements, including a Black Ice Chrome mesh grille and 20-inch Avenir-specific wheels, while the interior boasted leather-appointed seating and a head-up display. The Envision's design was driver-centric, with a protruding center stack angled towards the driver, though it was criticized for its use of piano black plastic, which attracted dust.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos, positioned as a compact SUV, aimed to offer simplicity with a touch of sophistication. Available in S, SE, and SEL trims, the Taos featured a single engine option and a choice between front-wheel drive and 4Motion all-wheel drive. The SEL 4Motion model stood out with its 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels and Cornflower Blue paint, adding a vibrant personality to the vehicle. The Taos's interior was characterized by hard plastics, reminiscent of children's toys, though it provided soft surfaces where necessary. The SEL trim offered two-tone perforated leather with contrast stitching, enhancing the cabin's appeal. Despite its exterior styling fitting well within the Volkswagen lineup, the Taos's interior design and material choices left room for improvement.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite a reduction in power compared to the previous model, the Envision's weight loss of 200 to 300 pounds contributed to improved fuel efficiency. The front-wheel-drive version achieved an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive variant offered slightly lower figures. However, the Envision's acceleration and deceleration were marred by engine and road noise, detracting from its premium feel. The SUV's drivability leaned towards comfort rather than sportiness, with a typical GM drive mode selector offering a Sport mode that altered revs but did not significantly enhance performance.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The engine's robust torque figure provided adequate power, though the turbocharger's delayed response resulted in sudden torque delivery. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission paired with the 4Motion AWD system offered spirited performance but suffered from erratic shifting. The standard eight-speed automatic transmission, available only with front-wheel drive, provided smoother driving dynamics. The Taos SEL 4Motion, in Sport mode, delivered confident handling and grip, aided by Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires. However, its ground clearance of 6.6 inches limited its off-road capabilities. The Taos SEL 4Motion achieved an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in combined driving, with real-world testing averaging 27.1 mpg.

The 2021 Buick Envision's redesign did not translate into improved cabin functionality. Despite a longer wheelbase, the Envision offered less headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the front row, with rear-seat passengers losing two inches of legroom and nearly six inches of hip room. Cargo capacity was also reduced, with 25.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The driver-centric cockpit limited front passenger access to controls, and forward visibility was compromised by the hood's slope. However, the Envision provided standard heated front seats, power-adjustable seats, and a heated steering wheel, ensuring comfort during long drives.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious cabin, with the SEL's deeply bolstered seats offering ample seat-track travel and height adjustment. The rear seat provided generous legroom and comfort, complemented by rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with front-wheel-drive models offering 27.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 65.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The 4Motion variant had slightly reduced cargo capacity. The Taos featured a center pass-through, ideal for ski trips, and provided a comfortable and accommodating interior for both front and rear passengers.

The 2021 Buick Envision's technology offerings were straightforward, with a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen providing responsive functionality. The driver could access station and song information faster on the available 8.0-inch driver information display. Standard features included USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available features encompassed navigation, a surround-view camera, and wireless device charging. However, the passenger's access to the infotainment system was limited due to the driver-centric design.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came equipped with Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with SE and SEL trims featuring 8-inch displays running MIB3 software. All trims included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. The SE trim added wireless smartphone charging and SiriusXM satellite radio, while the SEL offered navigation and a BeatsAudio premium sound system. Despite VW's claims of improved voice recognition, the system's performance was inconsistent, and the user experience required improvement. The transition from Fender to BeatsAudio components was not seen as a positive change.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS due to its new generation and body structure changes. Standard safety features included forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Avenir trim offered adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic park assist. However, the Envision lacked GM's Super Cruise and lane-centering technology, which were becoming common in premium SUVs.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos democratized its IQ Drive safety technologies, making them standard or available across all trims. The IQ Drive package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Travel Assist, a Level 2 advanced driving assistance system, combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. Emergency Assist responded to inactive drivers by safely stopping the vehicle. The Taos SEL included these features as standard, along with rain-sensing wipers and road sign recognition. The reverse automatic braking system could be deactivated, addressing potential issues with driveway inclines.