As exciting as the newest vehicle models can be—with the latest advancements in technology, safety, comfort, and design—they can also be pretty nerve-wracking. When you start looking into a brand new vehicle, you are exploring uncharted territory. Your only option is to research the specifications of the new vehicles you’re interested in and compare them to each other, similar to comparing the all-new 2022 Volkswagen Taos vs the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross subcompact SUVs. With so many specifications listed with every vehicle, I wanted to provide a guide to help you determine which of those specs you should focus on.
Style
We’ve all seen the ghastly-looking vehicles driving down the center of town, or the most spectacular Ferrari speeding down the interstate. We have also seen vehicles that look identical to all the others in the parking lot. No matter your style, whether you want to be the center of attention and the top of the conversation for all who see you, some vehicles will mold into your lifestyle perfectly. This is why you should trust your first instincts about a car’s appearance.
When comparing the 2022 Volkswagen Taos vs the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, you will find that the Corolla Cross offers a more subtle and traditional design. For example, the Corolla Cross is available in seven exterior colors, all of which are pretty basic. Options include deeper shades of the primary colors, as well as shades of pearl and black.
The Volkswagen Taos, on the other hand, has a much more bold appearance in both its physique and coloring. It’s notable for a classic SUV build and eight lively colors, ranging from Cornflower Blue to King’s Red to Pure White. In the Taos, you’re guaranteed to turn heads.
However, style and design do not end with the exterior. You need to research the interiors as well. After all, that’s where you will spend most of the time with your vehicle.
Comfort
Nothing beats hopping in the driver’s seat of your vehicle after a long workday, heading homeward to relax for the evening. Unfortunately, the last thing you want is a ride home that feels longer than the workday that you just had, which is why comfort is a necessary aspect for your comparison. Unless you get the chance to test drive the vehicles you are trying to compare, it may be hard to determine the comfort level that each will provide you. You most likely want to know if a captain’s seat can mold to your every curve, if you can easily see over the dashboard to the road ahead of you, or if you have ample legroom to enjoy.
A few other specifications and features that you can look for in any vehicle, whether a car, truck, or SUV, is cabin size, as in passenger capacity and interior storage space. Investigate luxuries like climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and the additional natural lighting and fresh air you get with a moon or sunroof. In my comparison of the subcompact SUVs, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, it’s a close race. Being of the same segment, their comfort features, like an ergonomic captain’s seat, are very similar.
Both SUVs have enough room for up to five passengers inside their cabins. However, the Taos provides a total of 99.5 cu.ft. of passenger volume versus the Corolla Cross’ total passenger volume of 88.4 cu.ft. That is a significant difference, whether you’re in the driver’s seat or riding as a passenger.
The Taos takes the lead with cargo room as well, with its total of 65.9 cu.ft. behind the front seats. You’ll have plenty of room for luggage, sports equipment, and anything else you need to bring along on your adventure. Even when limited to the designated cargo area, you can expect more room in the Volkswagen Taos (27.9 cu.ft.) compared to the all-wheel-drive version of the Toyota Corolla Cross (24.3 cu.ft.)
In other aspects, both models are pretty comparable. For example, they are both available with a panoramic sunroof or moonroof, offering plenty of lighting and fresh air for both the front and rear-seat passengers. Although, the panoramic sunroof of the Volkswagen Taos is significantly more generous, offering greater views to behold. Both models do, however, offer heated seats for warm driving in chilly conditions.
Technology
Today, one of the concerns of being on the road is the need to stay connected to the world outside the vehicle. Lucky for us, advancements in new vehicle technology have made that possible.
Most newer SUVs come with both Android and iPhone connection capabilities, so you can make outgoing calls, take incoming calls, and stay updated with text messages—all via the safety of a Bluetooth connection. You can keep your hands on the steering wheel and your attention focused on the road in front of you without losing touch.
There are even infotainment apps that allow you remote access from your phone to some of your vehicle’s information and functions. These include remote start and locking and unlocking the doors. Both the new Taos and new Corolla are rife with high-tech functions as you explore the trimline, so you can easily suit either SUV to your personal needs.
Safety
No matter what your car buying needs are, safety is always one of the essential things you look into when purchasing a vehicle. You want to know that you, your passengers, and even other drivers on the road with you are going to stay safe while you’re driving. Today, looking into the safety features of a vehicle goes way beyond the number of airbags and crumple zones. With new vehicles, you need to look into technologically advanced safety features that will help prevent collisions altogether.
Driver assistance technology is no longer a dream for drivers around the world. Today, most vehicles come standard with an onboard co-pilot for your journeys on the open road. These driver assistance features include parking assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, lane assist, as well as many others that will alert you when a collision seems inevitable. They may even mechanically assist you with braking or steering the vehicle to avoid a crash.
In case you were hoping for a tiebreaker based on safety technology: In my comparison of the 2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, these two models are once again close in the race. Both SUVs include suites filled with driver-assist features, appealing to any tech savant or phone-addicted busybody.
Performance
One of the most important things to look for in any vehicle is solid driving performance. In my comparison, both the Volkswagen Taos and the Toyota Corolla Cross offer performance ratings that can keep up with your driving needs. Both models are available in all-wheel drive while remaining fuel-efficient. However, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos may offer more terrain stability (and safety) thanks to 4Motion with Active Control. This consists of four different all-wheel-drive modes, ranging from Snow Mode to Off-Road Custom Mode.
The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross has a slightly larger 2.0-L four-cylinder engine than the 2022 Volkswagen Taos, and has a towing capacity of up to 1,500 lbs. It is also estimated to get a combined 32 mph in front-wheel drive and a combined 30 mph in all-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the 1.5-L four-cylinder turbo engine of the Taos is estimated to reach a competitive 31 mph combined in front-wheel drive and 28 mph combined in all-wheel drive. But, with your choice of two transmissions with the Taos, and a greater torque of 184 lb-ft versus the Corolla Cross’ 150 lb-ft, you may find that you can accelerate quicker and enjoy better traction in the 2022 Taos.
My Recommendation
So, among the 2022 VW Taos and 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, which SUV comes highly recommended? In truth, the decision falls to you! Both offer a wide range of attractive features for drivers of any lifestyle.
When a brand new model piques your interest while you’re car shopping, consider giving it a test drive. There is no “one model fits all” car, after all. The only way to know if a vehicle is right for you is to experience its interior comfort, driving performance, and tech features for yourself. This is the number-one way to match with a car that suits your unique driving needs and tastes.
