2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2023 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 flexibility of front-wheel or 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 transmission and independent rear suspension, enhancing its driving dynamics. The Taos's exterior styling was consistent with Volkswagen's lineup, with notable features like 19-inch wheels and Cornflower Blue paint. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastics, though the SEL trim offered upscale touches like two-tone leather and contrast stitching.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia, with its bold design inspired by the Tundra, offered a more commanding presence than its predecessor. The Capstone trim level featured luxurious materials like leather and wood, along with a massive 14-inch infotainment system. Prices ranged from $59,895 to $79,895, including a $1,595 destination charge. The Sequoia's off-road capabilities were enhanced with the TRD Pro trim, while the TRD Off-Road Package added features like all-terrain tires and a locking rear differential. The Capstone test vehicle included 4WD, a rear air suspension, and Wind Chill Pearl paint, with an MSRP of $81,365. Despite its luxury, some interior materials reminded drivers of its pickup truck origins.

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 sometimes delayed, leading to a sudden surge of power. The 4Motion AWD system paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission offered spirited performance but could be erratic. The standard eight-speed automatic provided smoother driving but was limited to front-wheel drive. The Taos's handling was praised for its responsive steering and road feel, though its ground clearance was less than some competitors. The EPA rated the Taos SEL 4Motion at 28 mpg combined, with real-world testing showing 27.1 mpg.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a hybrid powertrain with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and an electric motor, delivering 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed for a higher towing capacity of 9,520 pounds and a payload of 1,730 pounds. The Sequoia's fuel efficiency improved to 20 mpg with 4WD and 22 mpg with RWD, though real-world testing showed 17.8 mpg. The Sequoia offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, and Sport, with an adaptive rear air suspension. However, the ride quality could be busy, and the steering was slow. The regenerative braking system felt heavy and inconsistent.

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, with rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with up to 65.9 cubic feet available in the front-wheel-drive model. The 4Motion version offered slightly less cargo space at 60.2 cubic feet. A center pass-through made the Taos ideal for ski trips.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on highways, with a quiet cabin and comfortable front seats. The Capstone trim featured a JBL sound system, triple-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the second-row captain's chairs lacked sliding functionality, limiting third-row legroom. The third-row seat was less comfortable due to its high floor and low roof. Cargo space was limited, with only 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 86.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The Sequoia's hybrid powertrain reduced overall utility compared to its predecessor.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came with Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with SE and SEL trims featuring an 8-inch display. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Car-Net services. The SEL trim added navigation and a BeatsAudio sound system. However, the infotainment system's user experience was criticized for its complexity and voice recognition issues.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia offered a new Audio Multimedia system, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the base SR5 and a 14-inch display on higher trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with connected services and an Intelligent Assistant. The Capstone trim featured a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system. However, the system had some bugs, and the head-up display was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered IQ Drive safety technologies, standard or available across all trims. The package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and more. The Taos SEL added rain-sensing wipers and road sign recognition. However, the reverse automatic braking system could be overly sensitive.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Sequoia's safety systems were effective, though the lane-departure warning could be annoying. Crash test ratings were not available, but the Tundra's high ratings were promising.