2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV with a spacious interior, fitting neatly between subcompact and compact categories. It offered a choice of trims—S, SE, and SEL—with options for front-wheel or 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Taos featured a distinctive design with 19-inch wheels and Cornflower Blue paint, though its interior was criticized for hard plastics reminiscent of children's toys. Despite this, the SEL trim provided upscale touches like two-tone perforated leather and a stitched dashboard.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma, giving it a rugged look. However, its design felt disjointed compared to competitors like the Kia Telluride. Inside, the Highlander featured an asymmetrical dash with a metallic element and a high-mounted infotainment screen. The Bronze Edition's light grey fabric seats were seen as impractical, while other trims offered more conventional materials. The third row was less accommodating, suitable mainly for children.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The 4Motion AWD system paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission offered spirited performance but suffered from erratic shifting and turbo lag. The Taos excelled in handling and road feel, though its ground clearance was limited at 6.6 inches. Fuel economy was rated at 28 mpg combined, with real-world testing showing 27.1 mpg.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine with 243 horsepower, paired with a CVT. It offered standard FWD, with AWD available via an electric motor. The Highlander accelerated to 60 mph in just over 8 seconds. The hybrid system provided a smooth transition from electric to gasoline power, though the engine drone was noticeable under load. The ride was comfortable, with effective noise insulation, making it a quiet midsize SUV.

The Volkswagen Taos boasted a roomy cabin with adjustable front seats and ample rear legroom. The SEL trim included heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Cargo space varied with the drive system, offering up to 65.9 cubic feet with FWD and 60.2 cubic feet with AWD. A center pass-through added versatility for carrying long items.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid provided well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's armrest was awkwardly positioned. The second row was spacious, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs or an optional bench. The third row was less accommodating, with limited headroom and legroom. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2022 Taos came with Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Car-Net services. The SEL trim added navigation and a BeatsAudio system. However, the infotainment system was criticized for its complex user interface and unreliable voice recognition.

The Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on higher trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Higher trims offered navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system.

Volkswagen's Taos offered IQ Drive safety technologies, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The SEL trim included additional features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. However, the Taos had issues with reverse automatic braking, which could be disabled.

The Highlander Hybrid received top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Platinum trim offered a surround-view camera and adaptive headlights. Some systems required fine-tuning, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.