A compact SUV is the perfect blend of a small and large vehicle. It provides legroom for a party of five and plenty of cargo space to fulfill your storage needs, all while its size enables you to steer comfortably in a tight parking space. As you look to upgrade your transportation, consider the 2022 Volkswagen Taos and compare it to its counterpart, the 2022 Corolla Cross. With similar highlights, including comprehensive safety features and spacious interiors, you can feel confident in your next vehicle purchase by learning what each SUV has to offer.

Price

The price you can expect to pay for a small SUV depends on its trim level and standard features. The 2022 Volkswagen Taos has three configurations to choose from, which are S, SE, and SEL. The S model has the lowest starting price with an MSRP of $24,155, while the SEL model begins at $28,925. The SE trim, the only version with standard all-wheel drive, is the most expensive at $34,535.

The 2022 Corolla Cross also delivers three configurations to choose from, including L, LE, and XLE. The entry-level trim has a starting MSRP of $22,445. The middle level begins at $24,795, while the highest trim is the most expensive at $26,575.

Engine Specs 

The inner functioning of the 2022 Volkswagen Taos leaves nothing to be desired. Underneath the hood is a 1.5-liter turbo engine that delivers 158 horsepower. Fire up the motor and you’ll also experience 184 pound-feet of torque. The automatic transmission boasts eight speeds, making your drive seamless as you shift from accelerating on the interstate to navigating evening traffic on main roads. With 31 combined mpg, your journey to your destination will also be fuel-efficient, thanks to the 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

A four-cylinder engine with 16 valves empowers the 2022 Corolla Cross. It cranks out 169 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, and it operates using a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to create fluidity with the SUV when your foot presses on the accelerator. Front-wheel drive is standard for the L and LE models, while the XLE cruises using the all-wheel drive. The CVT also contributes to the Corolla’s fuel economy. You can achieve a combined 32 mpg, along with 31 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

Interior Design

The luxurious interior design of the 2022 Volkswagen Taos allows you to travel in comfort and style. A leatherette-wrapped steering wheel is customary on all three trims of the SUV, but the wheel on the SE and SEL models heats up to keep your hands warm during your winter commute. The higher trim levels also boast leather-wrapped gearshift knobs and heated seats on the front row. 

Another standout feature inside the Taos is its cargo space. If you’re inviting four friends with you on a cross-country road trip, you’ll still have 27.9 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats. For your solo excursions, you can fold down the rear seats and gain access to 65.9 cubic feet, perfect for transporting large belongings.

The 2022 Corolla Cross allows 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space when the seats in the back row are in an upright position. You and your passengers can take advantage of the 42.9 inches of legroom for your lengthy drives, ideal for stretching out and taking a nap before you reach your destination. Like its Volkswagen counterpart, the interior of the Corolla Cross comes with heated seats on its XLE trim and passenger seats that offer four positions to choose from to maximize your comfort. If you’re driving, you can choose between six positions to ensure enough leg space.

Entertainment and Technology Features

Besides its efficient performance and roomy, stylish interior, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos is equipped with advanced technology to keep you and your passengers safe and entertained during your road adventures. There’s no need to worry about your phone battery, thanks to the wireless charging feature and the USB charging ports that the upper trim levels provide. The SUV also enables you to use a cable to connect your smartphone, so your friends and family members can stay in contact with you throughout your commute.

Be mindful of your surroundings using the blind-spot monitoring system and rear-cross traffic alert, which are standard on the SE and SEL configurations. With the forward-collision warning, the SUV will brake on your behalf to avoid a collision and the lane-keeping assist component will maintain a safe position when you’re cruising down the highway. With the SEL version of the Taos, you’ll have access to all these safety features.

The 2022 Corolla Cross also prioritizes safety for its drivers and passengers. Along with the lane-keeping assist and forward-collision warning, the SUV will alert you when the wheels are drifting out of the lane so you can correct your position. Its adaptive cruise control is available on all trim levels, and the vehicle uses an anti-theft alarm system to protect itself and your belongings inside of it.

The technology also recognizes when it’s time to ease to a stop at a red light or yield to oncoming traffic. You can display directions to your destination on the touchscreen, which is seven inches on the entry-level trim and eight inches on the LE and XLE trim levels. The Corolla Cross also has no preference for Android or Apple devices, since it’s compatible with both types.

Feel confident in your decision when you’re driving off the lot with your next vehicle purchase. At Capistrano Volkswagen, our team of experts is standing by to help you find the compact SUV of your dreams. Come to our dealership so you can experience the powerful engine and luxurious interior of the 2022 Volkswagen Taos for yourself. After your test drive, we’ll be happy to talk to you about our financing and leasing options so you can upgrade your ride without breaking the bank. Don’t hesitate to contact us on our website or schedule your next visit today. 

Close-up of VOLKSWAGEN trademark sign on a car by Ivan Radic is licensed with CC BY 2.0.