The Toyota Corolla has been a beloved, popular model for generations. And now, the Japanese auto giant is banking on the new Corolla Cross, a small crossover SUV based on the best-selling compact car. But the segment offers stiff competition. One of those rivals is the Volkswagen Taos. Though the VW’s compact crossover holds its own, it can’t beat the Toyota Corolla Cross in one key area.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross vs. Volkswagen Taos

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross and the 2022 Volkswagen Taos are similar in many ways. They have similar price points, infotainment options, and convenience features. Seating for five and a versatile cargo compartment with 60/40 split-folding rear seats are standard on both models. The Corolla Cross’s engine has slightly more horsepower, but the Taos delivers more torque.

But in one crucial area, the Corolla Cross crushes the Taos. Although these two small SUVs are mostly neck-and-neck in performance, value, and space, Toyota’s crossover wins with a more extensive list of standard safety features. For that reason, the Corolla Cross wins over the Taos. 

Let’s take a closer look at both models.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross specs and features

All three 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross trims come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Putting out 169 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque, it gets an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city, according to Toyota. The engine pairs with a continuously variable transmission and standard front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available on the top trim.

In addition, the Toyota Corolla Cross offers 8.1 inches of ground clearance and extra headroom, giving drivers a better view of the road.

The cabin offers comfortable seating for five, and the cargo hold behind the back row provides 25.5 cubic feet of space. The infotainment system features a touchscreen display plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Corolla Cross trims start at $23,410 for the base-model L, $25,760 for the LE, and $27,540 for the XLE.

According to Toyota, the brand is moving toward standardizing safety features across all models and trims. The Toyota Star Safety System includes a wide array of advanced driver assists, such as vehicle stability control, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control.

And every 2022 Corolla Cross trim comes with those safety features.

2022 Volkswagen Taos specs and features

The 2022 VW Taos is a compact SUV, smaller than the Tiguan but on the larger side of the subcompact class. It packs a 1.5-liter turbo-four engine producing 158 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. MotorTrend reports the Taos comes with standard front-wheel drive paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with available all-wheel drive and a dual-clutch seven-speed transmission. 

Starting at $22,995 — slightly under the Toyota Corolla Cross — the 2022 Volkswagen Taos also offers seating for five but a bit more cargo space at 28 cubic feet behind the rear row. It has a high-resolution digital display instead of an instrument cluster, which the driver can customize. The infotainment system also includes seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. 

The Volkswagen Taos offers a full range of driver assistance features, including dynamic road sign display, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, and traction control with maneuver braking. IQ.Drive provides additional driver assists, such as adaptive cruise control. 

Still, unlike the Corolla Cross, the Taos doesn’t offer its full suite of safety features on every trim. That gives the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross a crucial edge.