A Palette of Perfection: The Exterior and Design
The 2022 VW Taos immediately establishes its presence with a design that’s both sophisticated and assertive. It neatly bridges the gap between the smaller T-Cross and the larger Tiguan, offering a confident stance that’s perfectly proportioned for urban adventures and weekend getaways. But what truly elevates the Taos is the availability of some vibrant and attractive colors, most notably the captivating Cornflower Blue.
Cornflower Blue isn’t just a color; it’s a statement. It’s a vibrant, yet refined hue that immediately draws the eye, setting the Taos apart from the sea of more subdued, often monochrome, SUVs on the road. This particular shade of blue has a certain depth and complexity. In bright sunlight, it shimmers and practically dances, while in overcast conditions, it exudes a sense of understated elegance. It’s a color that perfectly complements the Taos’s clean lines and modern design, enhancing its overall appeal.
The Taos features a distinctive front end, characterized by a bold grille and sleek LED headlights, which add a touch of premium character. These headlights are not only stylish but also provide excellent visibility in various driving conditions. The taillights share a similar modern design language, further reinforcing the vehicle’s contemporary aesthetic. Cornflower Blue provides a brilliant contrast against the black trim, and it perfectly sets off any chrome accents on the grille or other parts of the exterior. The result is a cohesive and visually appealing design that’s instantly recognizable as a Volkswagen.
Beyond the paint, the Taos’s profile benefits from well-defined character lines and a sculpted body. The overall design is functional, allowing for easy maneuverability in tight city spaces while still offering ample interior room. The roof rails (available on certain trims) add a touch of practicality, allowing you to load up your gear and accessories, making it perfect for weekend adventures. The alloy wheels, which are available in various designs and sizes depending on the trim level, complete the exterior package. The Cornflower Blue bodywork is a striking canvas, allowing the wheels to stand out in a way that’s subtly stylish.
Step Inside: Interior and Technology
The interior of the 2022 VW Taos boasts a well-considered design that prioritizes both comfort and functionality. Stepping inside, you’re greeted by a cabin that feels spacious and well-appointed. While the materials used are generally good, reflecting the price point of this subcompact SUV, the layout is clean and the design is modern. The focus is clearly on providing a user-friendly environment with intuitive controls.
The seats are comfortable, offering ample support for both short commutes and longer road trips. The front seats provide a good range of adjustment, allowing drivers of various sizes to find their ideal driving position. The rear seats offer surprisingly good legroom for a subcompact SUV, making the Taos a practical choice for families or individuals who regularly transport passengers. The available panoramic sunroof (depending on the trim) adds an extra touch of airiness to the cabin, creating a brighter and more enjoyable driving experience.
The centerpiece of the Taos’s technology suite is the infotainment system. The standard touchscreen display is intuitive and easy to use, offering access to a wide range of features and functions. Smartphone integration is a key component. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing seamless integration with your smartphone and providing access to your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The system also offers Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming. The digital instrument cluster (available on higher trims) is a particularly impressive feature, providing a customizable display that shows important driving information in a clear and easy-to-read format.
The driver-assistance technologies available in the Taos also contribute to a safer and more convenient driving experience. Adaptive cruise control helps maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, while lane keep assist helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane. Other available safety features include blind-spot monitoring and rear traffic alert.
The available interior color options, like black or various grays, tend to work well with the vibrant Cornflower Blue exterior. You can also consider available leatherette or even genuine leather depending on the trim level you select. The combination of the exterior color and interior design creates a pleasant and inviting environment for both the driver and passengers.
On the Road: Performance and Driving Dynamics
Under the hood of the 2022 VW Taos lies a punchy turbocharged engine. This powerplant provides spirited performance for everyday driving situations, offering a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. The engine is paired with either an eight-speed automatic transmission (for front-wheel drive models) or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (for all-wheel drive models).
The driving experience of the Taos is generally refined and composed. The ride quality is comfortable, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. The steering feels light and responsive, making the Taos easy to maneuver in city traffic. The available all-wheel-drive system provides added confidence and traction in challenging weather conditions, such as snow or rain.
Acceleration is brisk, providing enough power for merging onto highways and passing slower-moving vehicles. The engine’s turbocharger helps to deliver a strong surge of power when needed, while the transmission shifts smoothly and efficiently. The fuel economy is also commendable, making the Taos an economical choice for daily driving.
In real-world driving scenarios, the Taos proves to be a versatile and practical SUV. It’s equally at home navigating busy city streets or cruising down the open highway. The compact size makes it easy to park and maneuver, while the comfortable interior provides a relaxing environment for both the driver and passengers. The Taos is not engineered for high-performance adventures, however, it does deliver a rewarding and balanced driving experience.
Deciphering the Choices: Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2022 VW Taos is offered in a variety of trim levels, each offering a different combination of features and equipment. These trim levels generally include S, SE, and SEL. Each step up in trim level brings added features, such as upgraded infotainment systems, advanced driver-assistance technologies, and premium interior appointments.
Pricing for the Taos is competitive within the subcompact SUV segment. The base price is generally attractive, making the Taos a good value proposition. The price of the Cornflower Blue configuration may not add additional cost, making this striking color choice available for those with a budget. The higher trim levels offer more features and amenities, at a higher price point, allowing buyers to customize their Taos to suit their individual needs and preferences.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective
The 2022 VW Taos in Cornflower Blue has much to offer.
Pros:
Eye-catching Design: The Cornflower Blue exterior color elevates the Taos’s already appealing design, making it a head-turner on the road.
Spacious Interior: The Taos offers a surprisingly roomy interior for its size, with ample passenger space and a generous cargo area.
Fuel Efficiency: The turbocharged engine delivers excellent fuel economy, making it an economical choice for daily driving.
Technology Features: The infotainment system and driver-assistance technologies enhance convenience and safety.
Value for Money: The Taos offers a good value proposition, with a competitive price and a well-equipped feature set.
Easy to Maneuver: The compact size makes the Taos easy to park and navigate in urban environments.
Cons:
Engine Power: While the engine is sufficient for everyday driving, some drivers may find the power lacking for spirited performance.
Some Interior Plastics: Although the interior quality is generally good, some of the plastic materials used could be improved.
Cargo Space: While the cargo area is adequate, it may be smaller than some of its competitors.
Availability of Cornflower Blue: While we’re fans of this great color, availability does vary. Check at your local dealership.
Standing Out from the Crowd: Competition in the Subcompact SUV Segment
The 2022 VW Taos competes in a highly competitive subcompact SUV segment, which is filled with many talented vehicles. The Taos goes up against the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Honda HR-V, and others. Compared to competitors, the VW Taos strikes a balance between practicality, style, and technology. The Hyundai Kona is known for its quirky design and affordable price. The Mazda CX-30 excels in driving dynamics and interior refinement. The Honda HR-V prioritizes practicality and versatility. The Taos differentiates itself with its refined design, sophisticated technology, and a good blend of performance and efficiency. The choice truly depends on individual priorities. The Taos, especially in Cornflower Blue, certainly stands out.
Wrapping Up: The Final Verdict
The 2022 VW Taos, especially in Cornflower Blue, is a compelling choice in the subcompact SUV segment. It offers a winning combination of style, practicality, technology, and value. The Cornflower Blue exterior is a bold statement, adding a touch of personality and sophistication that sets the Taos apart from the crowd. The interior is comfortable and well-equipped, and the driving experience is refined and enjoyable. While it may not be the most powerful or the most spacious SUV in its class, the Taos offers a well-rounded package that will appeal to a wide range of drivers.
If you are looking for a stylish, practical, and technologically advanced subcompact SUV that stands out from the crowd, the 2022 VW Taos in Cornflower Blue is definitely worth considering. It is a great option for those looking for a modern, efficient, and fun-to-drive vehicle that’s also easy on the eyes. It’s a practical vehicle, but in a way that feels stylish, and it’s sure to turn heads. We recommend visiting your local VW dealership to experience the 2022 VW Taos Cornflower Blue for yourself!
