2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2023 Volkswagen ID.4

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 skid plates. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic surfaces, though the Highline trim offered more upscale materials.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a squared-off rear bumper for improved aerodynamics. The ID.4, based on VW's MEB platform, was designed specifically for electric vehicles. It offered a minimalist interior design with quality materials, including leatherette upholstery made partly from recycled fibres. The ID.4's interior space was more generous than other affordable EVs, with ample legroom and headroom. It also provided substantial cargo space, making it a practical choice for those seeking an electric SUV.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While the engine delivered adequate power, the turbocharger's delayed response and the dual-clutch transmission's erratic shifting were noted drawbacks. The Taos offered a smooth driving experience with responsive steering and effective brakes, but its ground clearance was limited 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 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery options: a 62-kWh pack for the base model with RWD and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro model with RWD or AWD. The RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD version delivered 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The ID.4's handling was comfortable but not as engaging as some hot hatchbacks. Regenerative braking was present, but VW opted for a more traditional driving experience rather than one-pedal driving.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious interior, with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The Highline trim offered heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and power-adjustable seats. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with FWD models offering more space than AWD versions. The Taos also featured a centre pass-through for ski trips.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more interior space than most affordable EVs, with generous legroom and headroom. It offered 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded. The ID.4 also had towing capabilities, with RWD models towing up to 1,000 kilograms and AWD models up to 1,225 kilograms. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and three-zone climate control.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came with a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the Trendline trim, while higher trims featured an 8-inch display with MIB3 software. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless versions available on higher trims. However, the infotainment system's user experience was criticized for its complexity and lack of responsiveness.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen with software updates for improved responsiveness. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with the ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system offered sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were seen as distracting, though voice recognition mitigated this issue. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation assistance.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered a range of safety features, but many were only available on higher trims or as part of extra-cost packages. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were notable features, providing advanced driving assistance and safety measures. However, the Taos had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations at the time of review.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in crash tests. The 2022 model had earned the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ rating, and the 2023 model was expected to perform similarly. The ID.4 came with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.