2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV with a spacious interior, offering a choice of S, SE, or SEL trims. It featured a single engine option and the choice between front-wheel drive and 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Taos was priced from $22,995 to $33,045, with additional options and packages available. The 4Motion upgrade altered the driving dynamics by replacing the automatic transmission with a dual-clutch automated manual transmission and enhancing the suspension. The Taos's exterior styling was consistent with Volkswagen's lineup, featuring 19-inch wheels and Cornflower Blue paint. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic materials, though the SEL trim offered two-tone perforated leather and other upscale touches.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, continued its second generation into its 14th year, maintaining a mature design. Its exterior was characterized by a modest grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight lines, giving it a substantial presence. The Sequoia's interior, however, appeared dated compared to modern SUVs, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. Despite this, the Sequoia's interior was well-constructed, with high-quality materials and tight seams. The Nightshade Special Edition added modern touches with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes, enhancing its appearance.

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 engine's torque delivery was delayed due to turbo lag, resulting in sudden power surges. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission paired with the 4Motion AWD system offered spirited performance but was criticized for erratic shifting. The standard eight-speed automatic transmission provided smoother driving but was limited to front-wheel drive. The Taos's handling was praised for its responsive steering and road feel, but its ground clearance of 6.6 inches limited its off-road capabilities. The Taos SEL 4Motion achieved an EPA rating of 28 mpg combined, with real-world testing averaging 27.1 mpg.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. Its fuel economy was less impressive, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway for both RWD and 4WD models. Despite its weight, the Sequoia handled well on highways and off-road, thanks to its body-on-frame construction and independent suspension. The TRD Pro model further enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious interior, with deeply bolstered front seats offering ample adjustment options. The rear seat provided generous legroom and comfort, while storage space was plentiful, though the center armrest bin was small. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with the front-wheel-drive model offering more volume. The Taos featured a center pass-through, making it ideal for ski trips.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, with roomy seating across all three rows. It offered three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and available heated and ventilated front seats. The Sequoia's cargo compartment included a 12-volt outlet, with 18.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row. Folding the second and third rows expanded the cargo area to 120.1 cubic feet, accommodating large loads.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came with Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with SE and SEL trims featuring an 8-inch display. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. However, the voice-recognition technology was criticized for its lack of responsiveness, and the user experience was deemed unnecessarily complex. The Taos SEL featured a navigation system and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio sound system.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system was outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. It offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with WiFi connectivity and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Limited trim added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with an optional premium audio package. The Sequoia's technology under the hood lagged behind competitors, lacking modern powertrain features.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered IQ Drive safety technologies, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Taos SEL included these features as standard, along with rain-sensing wipers and road sign recognition. However, the reverse automatic braking system was overly sensitive, though it could be turned off.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia featured the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. It also had a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. The STAR safety system included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The Sequoia's safety features were comprehensive, though crash-test ratings were unavailable.