2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV with a spacious interior, competing with models like the Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek. It offered a straightforward design with subtle details that added character. The Taos came in three trims: Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline, with prices ranging from $26,695 to $36,695. The Highline 4Motion model featured 19-inch alloy wheels and a vibrant Cornflower Blue paint, enhancing its visual appeal. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic materials, which detracted from the overall quality, despite the presence of soft-touch surfaces in key areas.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an extended version of the standard Grand Cherokee, offering third-row seating and a longer wheelbase for added legroom. Its design was elegant and unmistakably Jeep, with modernized lighting and improved paint finish. The interior was luxurious, featuring high-quality materials like real wood and Palermo leather. The Grand Cherokee L's cabin was spacious, with ample room in all three rows, and it offered a range of premium features, including dual high-resolution screens and a panoramic roof. However, the air vents were noted to be insufficient in directing airflow effectively.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While the engine provided adequate power, the turbocharger's delayed response and the dual-clutch transmission's erratic shifting were points of concern. The Taos offered a smooth and compliant driving experience, with responsive steering and effective brakes. However, its ground clearance of 16.2 centimetres limited its off-road capabilities compared to competitors like the Jeep Compass and Subaru Crosstrek. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre V6 with 293 horsepower and a 5.7-litre V8 with 357 horsepower. The V6 was found lacking in power for the vehicle's size, while the V8 provided a more robust performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering precision, aided by an optional air suspension with five ride height settings. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its 27.6-centimetre ground clearance in Off-road 2 mode. Fuel efficiency for the V6 was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres combined, while the V8 was less efficient at 14.1 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious interior, with comfortable front seats offering power adjustments and heating/ventilation features in the Highline trim. The rear seats provided generous legroom and air conditioning vents for passenger comfort. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with up to 1,866 litres available in the front-wheel-drive model. The Taos also featured a centre pass-through for ski trips.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system with physical switches for climate and audio controls. The interior was spacious, with captain's chairs in the second row and an optional bench seat. The third row could accommodate adults comfortably. However, the air vents were noted to be inadequate in providing sufficient airflow. The vehicle also featured a large bin for wireless phone charging and ample USB ports for convenience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came with a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims featuring an 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity available on higher trims. The MIB3 infotainment system was criticized for its complex user interface and slow response times. The Highline trim included a navigation system and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio sound system.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of advanced features, including massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the ability to connect two phones simultaneously. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other driver aids were standard, with additional features available on higher trims. The Summit Reserve trim featured a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos required higher trims to access popular safety features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The Highline trim offered additional features like lane-keeping assistance and Travel Assist, a Level 2 advanced driving assistance system. Emergency Assist was a notable feature, providing safety in case of driver inactivity. The Taos had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations at the time of review.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. The vehicle offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with additional options available on higher trims.