Businesses across the globe have been affected by the chip shortage, with many automakers having to delay vehicle deliveries. One highly anticipated new SUV, the Volkswagen Taos, is reportedly not letting the shortage stop it from sticking to its June delivery schedule. Already reported to be the most efficient small SUV coming into the market, it also has a starting price that makes it one of the least expensive subcompact SUVs in its class. And there are some other features that look to make the Taos very popular. 

What kind of technology does the 2022 VW Taos have?

Possibly one of the coolest things about the new 2022 Volkswagen Taos is all of the ingenious and useful, technology that it has. The VW Digital Cockpit is standard on all models, with base models getting an 8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 6.5-inch center touchscreen, with higher trim levels receiving a 10.3-inch instrument display and an 8-inch touchscreen.

It also comes with VW’s AppConnect smartphone integration system, Sirius XM, and BeatsAudio®, which amplifies the sound system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also come standard, along with an easy-to-use navigation system.

In terms of safety, the IQ.DRIVE® bundle of active-safety features comes standard on the top SEL trim and can be added to any of the lower trims. Some of the driver’s assistance technology includes stop-and-go adaptive cruise control with semi-automated assistance, active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, automatic forward-collision warning, and emergency braking. 

When does the 2022 Volkswagen Taos come out?

According to Car and Driver, even though there is a global shortage of the microprocessor chips that control the IQ.DRIVE® safety bundle, Volkswagen is confident deliveries will start in June as promised.

In fact, there seems to be a general consensus at VW that the new Taos will be prioritized over the 2021 Tiguan if the shortage forces a choice. As it stands right now though, both vehicles are expected to be released on schedule. 

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos

This brand-new SUV is beautiful on the inside and stunning on the outside. Each 2022 Volkswagen Taos comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four that puts out 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel-drive models feature an eight-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel-drive models getting a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The estimated fuel efficiency is pretty impressive for this class of vehicles, with front-wheel-drive models getting an estimated 31 MPG combined and all-wheel-drive models getting an estimated 28 MPG combined.

The VW Taos has three trim levels available – the base model S, the SE, and the SEL. The base model starts at $24,190, with the top trim, the SEL, starting at $32,685. Cloth seats are standard, but you can get genuine leather seats on the SEL trim.

The top trim also comes with a panoramic sunroof as a standard feature, but you also have the option to add one to the lower trims if you want. The SE and SEL trims also come with the ability to remote start, along with 18- or 19-inch wheels instead of the standard 17-inch wheels.

Volkswagen seems to be putting everything it has into the launch of the 2022 VW Taos, even potentially delaying the 2021 Tiguan if the chip shortage gets worse. And if the final product lives up to the expectations, then it will probably turn out to be a good choice for the German automaker. And hopefully, we will even see the Taos Basecamp concept in production. It’ll probably become the off-road Taos we did not even know we needed.