2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2023 BMW X7

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 a destination charge of $1,195. The 4Motion upgrade brought significant changes, including a dual-clutch automated manual transmission and an independent multilink rear suspension, enhancing its driving character. The Taos's exterior styling was consistent with Volkswagen's lineup, with the SEL 4Motion model boasting 19-inch wheels and Cornflower Blue paint. Inside, the Taos had a mix of hard plastics and soft surfaces, with the SEL trim offering two-tone perforated leather and upscale dashboard materials.

The 2023 BMW X7 underwent a mid-cycle makeover, adopting a bolder design with LED accent lights and a controversial oversized kidney grille. The interior received a refresh, featuring a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The center console was updated with a toggle switch-like gear selector. Interior materials were of high quality, with leather upholstery and a new Sensafin synthetic substitute. The X7's interior was well-built, with no creaking on bumpy roads. While the new front-end styling was polarizing, the interior revisions added a modern and elegant touch.

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, resulting in a sudden surge of power. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission paired with the 4Motion AWD system offered spirited performance but had erratic shifting. The standard eight-speed automatic transmission provided smoother driving but was limited to front-wheel drive. The Taos SEL 4Motion in Sport mode delivered confident handling with Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires. However, its ground clearance of 6.6 inches was less than competitors like the Jeep Compass and Subaru Crosstrek. The Taos SEL 4Motion achieved 28 mpg in combined driving, with a tested average of 27.1 mpg.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup started with the xDrive40i model, featuring a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 offered potent acceleration, with the V8 model reaching 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The X7's handling was composed, with minimal body roll and a firm ride. It provided a good balance of performance and comfort, appealing to a wide range of drivers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered a spacious cabin, with deeply bolstered front seats and generous rear legroom. The SEL 4Motion model included heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with up to 65.9 cubic feet available in front-wheel-drive models. The Taos featured a center pass-through for ski trips, but the cargo bin under the front center armrest was small.

The 2023 BMW X7 provided ample space, with a roomy second row and a power-operated middle row for easier third-row access. The third row accommodated average-sized adults, though thigh support was limited. Cargo space was 12.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 90.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. The X7 featured a split tailgate and a button to lower the suspension for easier loading. Front-seat storage included a large center console bin with a wireless charging pad and well-sized cupholders.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came with Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. SE and SEL trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with MIB3 software, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a BeatsAudio premium sound system. However, the voice-recognition technology was unreliable, and the user experience was complex, with unnecessary steps for simple tasks.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which was less intuitive than previous versions. Many physical buttons were replaced with touchscreen controls, making simple tasks more complicated. Voice commands were available but interrupted audio playback. The system's complexity detracted from its overall usability, and more physical buttons would have been appreciated.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered IQ Drive safety technologies, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The SEL trim included these features as standard, along with Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The Taos's reverse automatic braking was overly sensitive, but it could be turned off permanently.

The 2023 BMW X7 included standard safety features like frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, with options for adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The highway driving assist feature reduced driver fatigue on long trips, and all safety features performed reliably without false alarms.