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The Taos is the latest and smallest SUV to come from German juggernaut VW.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos shows German restraint when it comes to interior styling, which is a good thing. But fit and finishes include more plastics than I’d have hoped for. Yes, this is an inexpensive car, but not that much. This SEL I’m in costs $34,240. A little less plastic in here would be nice.

The 10.25-inch digital instrument display on the SEL is impressive. Especially when you turn the configurable three views into one huge navigation map. Standard on the base and SE trims you’ll get an 8-inch version.

Other standard features include a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as well as a push-button start and LED headlights.

Climb up the trim food chain and you can upgrade with bigger wheels, body-colored side mirrors, an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a panoramic moonroof.

Where the Taos absolutely shines is in interior space. And your cargo won’t get all smushed with a spacious 28.1 cu-ft of room.

Safety isn’t something you want to be chintzy about either, and a lot of new cars are getting a ton of features standard. Not so with the Taos, but there is a reason. In an effort to keep a base price low, VW offers up most of its driver's assistance features for $995. That seems a bit steep when a lot of manufacturers are offering some of them for free.

The IQ. DRIVE package does include some pretty advanced features outside the usual front collision warnings, active blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control that some other manufacturers don’t.

The engine in the Taos in an all-new aluminum-block 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 158 horsepower (184 lb-ft torque) which is 11 more than in the Jetta.

VW put a ton of R&D into this mill to get better performance out of it and at the same time improved fuel economy. VW succeeds in that category with the front-wheel-drive Taos hitting a combined 36 mpg. You’ll take a hit for the AWD at 32 miles to the gallon.

I first drove the Taos in its prototype form. Look there I am with shorter hair. That was the FWD version with the 8-speed transmission. With that 8-speed I felt little or no lag from the turbo. Acceleration was spirited and peppy.

The one I drove is the AWD 4Motion that gets the 7-speed and it’s not nearly as good. Off the line, the lag is very noticeable and the transmission is easily confused about which is the right gear. You do get extra drive modes in the AWD version.

I thought Sport mode might help mitigate that sluggish start a bit but the transmission oddly feels more overwhelmed there to me. I actually find that in Off-Road mode it’s synced with the engine more smoothly.

My recommendation, unless you really need that extra traction stick with the FWD. That choice will save you some coin, too.

Once you’re past the wonky feeling quick starts, however, the Taos settles down nicely. The transmission does fine in the higher gears at cruising speeds. Add to that steering that is effective and doesn’t require a lot of correction and a ride feel that’s on the firmer side the way most Volkswagens lean and it’s livable.

For something more suited to adventurous drivers, a Subaru Crosstrek, Jeep Compass, or Ford Bronco Sport might work. The Kia Seltos, Honda HR-V, or Hyundai Tucson offer a more refined alternative.

For a little guy, the VW Taos brings a fair bit to the table with its great interior space and excellent fuel economy. And, keep the faith, Poughkeepsie, with all the new SUVs still sprouting up, you might get your name on a badge yet.

00:00 2021 Volkswagen Taos Review
0:44 Interior
4:03 Safety Features
5:46 Engine & Transmission
8:48 Competitors