2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV, bridging the gap between subcompact and compact crossovers. It competed with models like the Kia Seltos, Jeep Compass, and Subaru Crosstrek. The Taos was available in Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims, with a single engine option. The base model offered a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD). The Taos's design was consistent with Volkswagen's lineup, featuring roof rails, dark grey plastic cladding, and simulated skid plates. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastics, though it offered soft surfaces where necessary. The Highline trim boasted two-tone perforated leather and an upscale dashboard.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L extended the classic Grand Cherokee design by over 30 centimetres, maintaining its luxurious appeal. The High Altitude package added bold styling elements, including blacked-out features and dark grey 21-inch wheels. The interior of upper trims was impressive, with high-quality materials and a polished black dash. The Grand Cherokee L offered a solid and stiff chassis, providing confident handling. It featured three different 4WD systems, with the ability to adjust ground clearance up to 27.6 centimetres. The Grand Cherokee L was noted for its off-road capabilities, making it tougher than most competitors.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft 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 DSG dual-clutch transmission offered spirited performance but could be erratic. The standard 8-speed automatic transmission provided smoother driving but was only available with FWD. The Taos excelled in road feel, steering, and handling, but its ground clearance was limited to 16.2 centimetres. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard engine was a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The engine was criticized for its lack of low-end torque and outdated performance. An optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 offered 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving towing capacity and sound. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, and the air suspension allowed for adjustable ground clearance. Fuel economy 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 offered a spacious cabin, with deeply bolstered front seats and ample rear legroom. The Highline trim featured heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with up to 1,866 litres available in the FWD model. The Taos included a centre pass-through for ski trips.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended wheelbase provided more legroom for second-row passengers. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a 60/40 bench seat available as an option. The third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,407 litres available with both rows folded. The Grand Cherokee L featured a power liftgate and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof on higher trims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came with a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the Trendline trim. Higher trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with MIB3 software, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a BeatsAudio premium sound system. However, the infotainment system's user experience was criticized for its complexity.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The Uconnect 5 system was generally easy to use, though some legibility issues were noted. The Grand Cherokee L featured a 19-speaker McIntosh sound system, night vision, and Active Driving Assist. The passenger screen allowed for independent media control and navigation assistance.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos required higher trims for popular safety features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were available on the Highline trim. The Taos had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations at the time of review.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and scored five stars in most NHTSA tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included front cross-traffic braking and night vision.