2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2021 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a clever adaptation of the Impreza hatchback, designed to capture the growing interest in crossovers. By incorporating rugged aesthetics, standard all-wheel drive, and a higher driving position, Subaru successfully transformed the Impreza into a more SUV-like vehicle. The Crosstrek stood out with its black body cladding, unique 17-inch wheels, and an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which was notable even among dedicated SUVs. The vibrant color options, such as Plasma Yellow Pearl, added to its appeal, while the Subaru Global Platform provided a refined driving experience. However, the interior remained largely unchanged from the Impreza, offering functionality but lacking in visual excitement, with some questionable design choices like the clashing color accents and cheap-looking trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV with a spacious interior, fitting neatly into Volkswagen's lineup alongside the larger Tiguan. The Taos was available in S, SE, and SEL trims, with a single engine option and a choice between front-wheel drive and 4Motion all-wheel drive. The 4Motion system brought additional features like a dual-clutch transmission and independent rear suspension, enhancing its driving dynamics. The Taos's exterior styling was consistent with Volkswagen's design language, featuring 19-inch wheels and Cornflower Blue paint that matched its lively personality. Inside, the Taos offered a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch materials, with the SEL trim providing two-tone leather and upscale dashboard accents. However, the interior's toy-like feel and some questionable design elements, such as the blacked-out front bumper, detracted from its overall appeal.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two gasoline engine options. The Sport and Limited trims featured a 2.5-liter boxer-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, while the Base and Premium trims retained the 2.0-liter engine with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. The boxer engine's design contributed to a lower center of gravity, enhancing handling, although the SUV-like ride height somewhat negated this benefit. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on lower trims, with a CVT available as an option and standard on higher trims. The Crosstrek's all-wheel-drive system included torque vectoring and X-Mode for improved traction on loose surfaces. Despite its SUV aspirations, the Crosstrek was more suited to on-road driving, offering predictable handling and a comfortable ride, though the CVT's droning was noticeable during acceleration.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The engine's robust torque made the Taos feel capable, but turbo lag and sudden torque delivery affected throttle response. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission paired with the 4Motion AWD system provided spirited performance but suffered from erratic shifting. The standard eight-speed automatic offered smoother operation but was limited to front-wheel drive. The Taos excelled in driving dynamics, with responsive steering, effective brakes, and commendable grip. However, its off-road capabilities were limited by a ground clearance of just 6.6 inches. Fuel economy was respectable, with the Taos SEL 4Motion achieving 28 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing showed slightly lower results.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, offering competitive passenger space but limited cargo capacity. With 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 55.3 cubic feet with them folded, the Crosstrek lagged behind some rivals in cargo volume. The interior featured a practical layout with a cubby hole for phones and two USB ports, though rear-seat passengers lacked charging options. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, providing good visibility, but it didn't offer the commanding view of larger SUVs.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious cabin, with the SEL trim offering deeply bolstered seats and ample seat adjustments. The rear seat provided generous legroom and comfort, complemented by rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with front-wheel-drive models offering 27.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 65.9 cubic feet with them folded. The 4Motion models had slightly reduced cargo space due to the independent rear suspension. The Taos also featured a center pass-through for skis, enhancing its practicality for outdoor adventures.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured the Starlink infotainment system with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and additional features like WiFi and SiriusXM. The system was user-friendly, with large analog controls for essential functions. Subaru's unique secondary display provided redundant information, which some might find unnecessary.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came equipped with Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, with higher trims featuring an 8-inch display running MIB3 software. The Taos included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Car-Net services, with wireless connectivity and a premium sound system available on higher trims. However, the infotainment system's user experience was marred by complex controls and unreliable voice recognition, detracting from its overall appeal.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS for the 2020 model. It offered standard EyeSight driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The EyeSight system's cameras were well-protected but could be affected by environmental conditions.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos democratized its IQ Drive safety technologies, making them available across all trims. The IQ Drive package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Taos also featured Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, providing advanced driving assistance and safety features. However, the reverse automatic braking system could be overly sensitive, though it could be disabled if needed. As a new model, the Taos had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.