Volkswagen is on the verge of introducing a brand-new vehicle to their line-up. It’s named the newcomer the Volkswagen Taos, which also happens to be the name of a giant automaton that’s found in Greek mythology. While the automaton the vehicle is named after might be a giant, the VW Taos isn’t; in fact, some people have even gotten into the habit of calling it a baby Volkswagen Tiguan. 

Early reports indicate that the VW Taos will be small but comfortable, reasonably priced, and for a little extra money, equipped with some advanced safety features. 

What is the Volkswagen Taos?

If you are mourning the fact that VW discontinued the Golf, you should take a hard look at the 2022 Volkswagen Taos. While it’s not an exact match for the Golf, it looks like it will help fill the Golf-sized hole in your heart. 

When it finally starts to hit the dealerships, the VW Taos will mark VW’s fourth brand new SUV in four years. Beware, this is a compact SUV, with just two rows of seats. It’s only 64 inches tall and 175 inches long. Despite the vehicle’s small size, Forbes described the interior as both “roomy and functional.”

Car and Driver reports that the Taos will be equipped with a gas-sipping 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that provides the vehicle with 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. There will be both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. Standard versions of the vehicle will be equipped with 17-inch wheels, but folks who live in snowier climates have the option of 18-inch and 19-inch wheels. 

The vehicle looks like it will be a good choice for drivers who are interested in an economical vehicle that will work as a daily commuter, that has enough space to schlepp a few dogs to competitions, or as a vehicle to run errands in.

The Volkswagen Taos and its advanced safety features

Safety is a major concern for some drivers. They want to know that if the worst does happen and they get into an accident, that the vehicle they’re in will protect them. Not only does this provide the driver (and their passengers) with some peace of mind, but it can also lead to lower insurance premiums.

Safety ratings haven’t yet been released for the 2022 Taos, but we do know a bit about the type of safety features you can expect to find in the vehicle. As long as you stick to the Taos SE trim or better, you will enough forward-collision warning, automated emergency brakes, and blind-spot monitoring which come standard on the SE. 

MotorTrend reports that for an additional $895, you can get the optional IQ Drive active safety feature which includes things like lane keep assist, emergency assist, and adaptive cruise control. If you want the IQ Drive package on a Taos S model, you’ll have to pay about $100 more.

Purchasing a 2022 VW Taos

If you’re thinking about purchasing a 2022 VW Taos, you shouldn’t panic when you check out how poorly Consumer Reports has rated the vehicle for predicted reliability. The Taos isn’t available for sale yet, so Consumer Reports is simply predicting how happy people will be with the vehicle. Based on the positive reviews many test drivers have posted and VW’s reputation, it’s likely that you’ll be very happy with a 2022 VW Taos.

What is far more encouraging is what Consumer Reports wrote following the road test. “The Taos sounds like it offers a lot in a small package, and it should have special appeal to buyers, including city dwellers who prize entertainment features, safety tech, and interior volume in an easy-to-park package.”

If you’re interested in purchasing a 2022 VW Taos, you’ll have to wait. While no official release date had been mentioned, many don’t expect the vehicle to become available until late summer or even this fall. Once it does start hitting dealer’s lots, you should expect to pay between $22,995 and $33,045 for the subcompact SUV.