The 2022 Volkswagen Taos: Style, performance and value for the compact SUV space
05/27/2021
Volkswagen
The all-new 2022 Volkswagen Taos debuts with a bold exterior design, practical but refined interior, advanced technology, and available 4Motion(R) all-wheel drive. Slotting below the Tiguan, Taos offers Volkswagen's signature driving dynamics, high quality, and smart packaging in a smaller package with a lower price tag.
Taos boasts a tech-forward package, including the latest standard and available driver assistance technologies offered by Volkswagen. The Volkswagen Digital Cockpit is fitted as standard, along with the next-generation Volkswagen Car-Net(R) telematics system, offering five years of Remote Access services at no additional charge and in-car Wi-Fi capability when you subscribe to a data plan. Available technology includes Volkswagen's MIB3 infotainment system-with wireless charging and wireless App-Connect for compatible devices, and SiriusXM(R) with 360L-as well as the IQ.DRIVE(R) driver assistance suite, Light Assist, and Dynamic Road Sign Display.
All versions of the Taos are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged and direct-injection EA211 TSI(R) engine making 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to sophisticated technology such as variable geometry turbocharging, the Taos delivers excellent fuel economy and spirited performance. Every Taos can be optioned with Volkswagen's 4Motion(R) all-wheel-drive system.
As the newest member of the Volkswagen SUV lineup, the compact Taos offers flexible passenger and cargo volume, as well as everyday usability and utility. The 2022 Taos will be available in three trim levels-S, SE, and SEL-and is anticipated to arrive at U.S. Volkswagen dealerships in June.
MSRP for the Taos S starts at $22,995 for front-wheel drive and $25,040 with 4Motion all-wheel drive. Destination for all Taos models is $1,195.
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Exterior
As with models ranging from the Golf to the Atlas, the all-new 2022 Taos is built on Volkswagen's award-winning MQB platform. Dimensionally, Taos sits at the middle of the entry-compact SUV space, in contrast to Tiguan at the top of the compact SUV space. Taos is 175.8 inches long-9.3 inches shy of Tiguan. The front-wheel-drive Taos has a wheelbase of 105.9 inches; it is 72.5 inches wide and 64.4 inches tall. The all-wheel-drive Taos has a wheelbase of 105.6 inches; it is 72.5 inches wide and 64.6 inches tall.
The bold design DNA of its Volkswagen SUV contemporaries is immediately present in the Taos exterior. The front end features a sculpted hood and wide three-bar grille reminiscent of Atlas Cross Sport; top trims also mirror the LED light signature. The molded front bumper with side air intakes, black detailing and a large lower air intake gives it a bold look. LED headlights, Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and taillights are standard across all trims. SEL trim features LED projector headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), and an illuminated light line stretching outward from the logo, as on the ID.4 electric SUV.
The distinctive side profile of Taos, with a strong character line, harkens to Tiguan, while the squared-off wheel arches give a nod to Atlas. Roof rails are standard, with S models carrying black roof rails and side mirrors, while SE and SEL models have silver roof rails and body-colored side mirrors. Taos features four different wheel designs. S models ride on 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, while SE models feature standard 18-inch machined alloy wheels or available 18-inch black wheels. SEL FWD models carry the 18-inch black wheels as standard, and AWD models 19-inch wheels. At the rear, stylized LED taillights draw the eye to the centered Taos lettering-a new VW family trait. The black molded bumper with silver detailing lends a rugged feel. Eight colors are available and a panoramic sunroof is optional on SE and SEL models.
Interior
The spacious interior of the Taos features modern design, premium fit and finish, and advanced technology. Thanks to its long wheelbase, the Taos has a roomy 99.5 cubic feet of passenger space-just 1.6 cu ft less than the two-row Tiguan Front-wheel-drive models have 27.9 cu ft of luggage space behind the second-row seats and 65.9 cu ft with the second row folded down. All-wheel-drive models have 24.9 cu ft of space behind the second row and 60.2 cu ft when second row is folded. In addition to its generous cargo space, Taos offers plenty of room for all passengers, with 40.1 inches of legroom in the front and 37.9 in the rear.
Composed of clean lines, the contemporary cockpit clearly communicates the Volkswagen family connection. The designers gave the Taos a modern look by creating two separate levels on the dashboard. The top level has a decor element, which varies by trim and surrounds functional elements including the air vents, standard Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. The lower level provides a soft-touch surface, which runs the width of the interior and continues through the door panels on each side, surrounding the front passengers.
Premium fit and finish meets distinctive colors and materials throughout the interior. Gray and black two-tone seats are standard on S models. The SE is available in either gray or black. The SEL is available in a two-tone, neutral grey and black or luxurious French Roast and black. Across the trim lines, grey contrast stitching provides an additional visual pop. S models have cloth seats, while SE models feature CloudTex and cloth seating surfaces, and SEL models receive leather seating surfaces.
To create a visual connection across all interior elements, the same materials are used for seat covers and other soft decor parts. SEL models feature a standard 10-color LED ambient lighting system. Coordinated with the Driving Mode Selection feature on AWD models, the system provides soothing indirect white light in the Normal profile, red light in the Sport profile and blue light in the Eco profile. The driver can set any of the ten colors using Manual or Custom mode.
Across the lineup, creature comforts for drivers and passengers abound. Standard convenience features include automatic headlights and KESSY(R)-Go push-button start. SE models add full KESSY(R) keyless access, remote start, an 8-way power driver seat with lumbar, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, heated washer nozzles, leatherette-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and privacy glass. SEL trims add dual-zone Climatronic(R) automatic climate control; ventilated front seats (AWD models only); auto-dimming rearview mirror; rain-sensing wipers; and a heated, leatherette-wrapped steering wheel. Convenience packages on S and SE models add the latter two features. A panoramic sunroof is available as an option for SE and SEL trim levels.
MIB Infotainment. All 2022 Taos models feature innovative Volkswagen MIB touchscreen infotainment systems. The displays utilize a capacitive-touch sensor (as in smartphone and tablet technology) rather than the more common resistive touchscreens that require pressure, enabling controls like swiping and even pinch zooming. App-Connect smartphone integration for compatible devices is standard, and offers users the ability to run select smartphone apps directly on the vehicle's display through services such as Apple CarPlay(R), Android Auto(TM) and MirrorLink(R).
The Taos S trim is equipped with the MIB2 Composition Color unit, which features a 6.5-inch capacitive touchscreen display. The infotainment system includes two USB-C ports and Bluetooth(R) technology for compatible devices.
SE and SEL Taos models are equipped with the third-generation modular infotainment matrix (MIB3). The MIB3 infotainment system features a glass-covered 8.0-inch display, wireless charging and wireless App-Connect for compatible devices, multi-phone pairing, enhanced voice recognition, and three USB-C ports, one of which is dedicated for charging. The Taos SE is equipped with the Composition Media unit, while the SEL comes with the Discover Media unit with navigation. Both units feature Bluetooth technology for compatible devices, HD radio, and SiriusXM(R) with 360L (3-month All Access trial). SEL trims feature a redesigned navigation system with simplified and enhanced map designs, intuitive route options, quick access to frequently visited locations, and advanced route management. With a paid Car-Net Hotspot subscription and Plus Nav package, maps can be automatically updated with the most up-to-date traffic and construction information.
Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. The Volkswagen Digital Cockpit system, standard on all Taos models, presents drivers with a fully digital instrument cluster. S models feature an 8-inch display with two views and customizable widgets to show a variety of vehicle information. SEL models upgrade to a 10.25-inch fully configurable Digital Cockpit Pro display with three views-including full-screen navigation for equipped models-and 21 viewing options, including car status, navigation, driving data, phone information, driver assistance features, and more.
SiriusXM with 360L. Taos models will offer the most advanced audio entertainment platform-SiriusXM with 360L. SiriusXM's next-generation platform combines satellite and streaming content delivery into a single, cohesive in-vehicle entertainment experience and provides more options than before, including access to more than 10,000 hours of SiriusXM's recorded On Demand content, and more live channels, available by subscription (three-month All Access trial package included). SiriusXM with 360L's personalized "For You" recommendations help listeners to discover more of what they love based on listening habits and are served on screen in an easy-to-find, easy-to-use format. The enhanced sports play-by-play offering makes it easier to find the listener's favorite team when it is game time, and individual listener profiles allow multiple drivers and passengers to customize their own favorite channels.
BeatsAudio(R). To appeal to music lovers, SEL trims feature the BeatsAudio(R) system. This setup showcases a 12-channel, 400-watt amplifier, digital signal processing and eight speakers, plus a subwoofer.
Volkswagen Car-Net. Since its debut for the 2014 model year, Volkswagen Car-Net has allowed Volkswagen owners to get connected to their vehicles. Last year, Car-Net moved into the next generation of integration, with an updated mobile app, a long list of no-charge services for five years, and new subscription options. For model year 2022, Car-Net Services will be offered in three areas: Remote Access, Safe & Secure, and Hotspot. For vehicles equipped with a MIB3 system, additional online features are available with a paid subscription that provides enhanced navigation and infotainment. In 2021, Volkswagen will introduce Carrier of Choice, giving our customers the option to select a data plan from either VerizonTM or T-Mobile (R). With just a few clicks in the VW Car-Net mobile app or at vw.com/carnet, owners can add their new Volkswagen vehicle to their existing mobile data plan or purchase a new one.
Car-Net Remote Access allows owners the ability to interact with their vehicle from miles away via the mobile app. It is offered at no additional charge for five years from the date of vehicle purchase. Features include remote start and stop (if equipped), remote door lock and unlock, remote honk and flash of lights, last parked location, and remote vehicle status display, which provides information on estimated fuel level and mileage and door and window status. Also available on MY22 vehicles equipped with MIB3: trips statistics and "Hello Volkswagen" in-vehicle advanced voice control, which can recognize natural language input for vehicle radio, navigation, telephone, and media functions.
VW Car-Net skills for Amazon AlexaTM are now available for most new Volkswagen vehicles. To set up, owners should open the skills page associated with their car model in their Alexa app and link the skill to their VW Car-Net account. This will allow them to use their voice on an Alexa-enabled device to ask Alexa to send remote commands from the comfort of their own home-for instance: "Alexa, ask Car-Net to honk my horn."
For vehicles equipped with factory-installed navigation systems, Car-Net can make customers' lives easier by locating off-street parking information and sending destinations or points of interest directly to their car from the app. Powered by ParkopediaTM, the Parking Information feature can help make owners' lives easier by locating off-street parking information. Through the Navigate tab on the app, users can click the "P" icon to show available parking locations, either in the immediate vicinity or near a Point of Interest. Clicking on a specific location will display the address, hours of operation and pricing. Users can also send the location to their car's navigation system, if so equipped, by clicking the "Send to My VW" button.
Vehicle Health Reports can provide owners easy access to diagnostic information. Reports generate automatically each month after enrollment and are sent directly to the email address in the owner's profile; owners can also request updated reports anytime through the mobile app. When it's time for scheduled service, Car-Net can not only notify the customer, but also provides a simple way to schedule a dealer visit.
Family Guardian services and Roadside Call Assist can provide added peace-of-mind no matter who is driving. Speed Alert notifies the owner when the pre-determined maximum speed limit is exceeded. Boundary Alert lets the owner know when the vehicle has traveled outside of a pre-set virtual boundary. Curfew Alert notifies the owner if the vehicle is driven while curfew alert is on. Valet Alert warns if the vehicle is driven more than 0.2 miles from the valet drop-off location. The Car-Net app allows users to control who receives notifications by designating primary and secondary users, with varying levels of control and functionality for each. Notifications can come in the form of text messages, emails, or push notifications from the mobile app itself. If the vehicle is disabled, Roadside Call Assist is available at the touch of the wrench button.
By enrolling in the DriveViewTM program, Car-Net users may be eligible for discounted rates from some of the top automotive insurance companies in the country. This program can also help Car-Net users monitor their driving by tracking activities like night driving, hard braking, idle time, and excess speed. These factors all contribute to an overall driving score, which is visible within the mobile app.
Car-Net Safe & Secure is a paid subscription service that includes Information Assistance, Emergency Assistance, Automatic Crash Notification, Anti-Theft Alert, and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance. The subscription is $159 per year before taxes and fees, and automatically renews annually at the end of the subscription term, unless cancelled. Information Assistance-accessed through the i-call button within the vehicle-allows the driver to speak to a Car-Net agent for support needs, such as points of interest and account services. Emergency Assistance can be accessed through the SOS button in the vehicle, and, if a cellular connection can be established, puts the driver in contact with the Car-Net service center, who can direct emergency responders to the vehicle's location and notify the user's Emergency Contact. Provided a cellular connection can be established, Automatic Crash Notification can help automatically notify an operator who can quickly contact first responders in the event of a collision. Anti-Theft Alert sends a push notification to the user if the vehicle's anti-theft alarm is triggered, and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance uses Car-Net to assist law enforcement with locating the vehicle in the event that it is stolen.
Car-Net Hotspot allows passengers to access the internet with up to four connected devices simultaneously, including compatible tablets, smartphones, laptops, gaming devices, and more- at 4G LTE-enabled speed. Verizon Wireless or T-Mobile customers with an existing mobile data plan can simply add their Volkswagen vehicle as a new line item to their existing monthly bill; non-Verizon or T-Mobile customers can set up an unlimited plan for $20/month, taxes and fees may apply.
Car-Net Hotspot also offers additional annual paid subscription packages to enhance the navigation and infotainment experience for MY22 VW owners with a factory-installed MIB3 infotainment system. With an active data plan, the Plus Nav package ($49/year) allows drivers to access online route updates, traffic reports, fuel prices, and parking information. The Plus Speech package ($9/year) offers advance voice controls using natural language, and the Plus Online Radio Package ($8/year) offers online internet radio with 30,000+ radio stations and podcasts. Media streaming apps can also be accessed at no additional charge, including iHeartRadioTM and TIDALTM (both require existing accounts).
Powertrain
All 2022 Taos models are powered by an updated 1.5-liter version of the EA211 turbocharged four-cylinder engine that currently powers the Jetta sedan. Making 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, the new engine offers a number of high-tech features designed to help produce outstanding fuel economy.
Despite the engine having a larger displacement and being more powerful than the EA211 fitted in the Jetta, the engine is more efficient in fuel usage. It features Volkswagen's modified version of the Miller cycle, where the intake valves are closed early in the induction stroke to help with fuel economy. For a turbocharged engine, it has a very high compression ratio of up to 11.5 to one.
Key features that help the Taos achieve a combination of low-speed torque and excellent fuel economy include:
APS coated cylinder liners-whereby iron powder is plasma coated onto the cylinder block-that reduce friction between the cylinder liner and piston rings. This process has been localized in the North American Region.
A map-controlled cooling module that warms the engine more quickly than the existing EA211 for efficiency and can control water flow in different parts of the engine.
Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG). This is one of the first volume-production turbochargers with this technology in the North American Region. This turbo is more efficient, provides higher boost pressure, and avoids wastegate mass flow.
A high-pressure injection system with up to 350 bar-up from 200 bar-which produces better atomization of the fuel/air mixture, a shorter injection time, optimized mixture formation, and lower particulate emissions.
The upshot is excellent fuel consumption and driving characteristics. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission in the front-wheel-drive model, with a Sport mode. All 2022 Taos front-wheel-drive models feature an 8-speed automatic transmission and have EPA-estimated ratings of 28 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined.
Taos 4Motion(R) all-wheel-drive models feature a 7-speed DSG(R) dual-clutch automatic transmission and have EPA-estimated ratings of 25 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. All ratings are based on regular unleaded fuel.
Driving Mode Selection. The Driving Mode Selection feature is standard on AWD models and offers three modes: "Normal," "Sport," and "Individual." Normal and Sport have a different steering heft and throttle response, and Sport mode gives more aggressive shifts. Individual mode allows a driver to tailor the steering and throttle map.
4Motion All-wheel-drive System
Volkswagen's 4Motion with Active Control all-wheel-drive system with Driving Mode Selection is available on all Taos models. The latest-generation 4Motion system is designed to activate before wheelspin occurs, helping eliminate traction losses. The system achieves this by using an advanced control function based on specific driving conditions. When operating under a relatively low load or when coasting, the front wheels are driven and the rear wheels are decoupled, a feature designed to help to save fuel. However, the rear wheels can be engaged in fractions of a second whenever necessary via the center differential, which is activated by an electro-hydraulic oil pump.
A control unit continually calculates the ideal drive torque for the rear wheels and controls how much the multi-plate clutch should be closed by activating the oil pump. The oil pressure increases the contact pressure at the clutch plates in proportion to the torque desired at the rear axle. So, the amount of pressure applied to the clutch plates can be used to continuously vary the amount of torque going between the front and rear wheels, up to a maximum of 50 percent at the rear axle.
In addition to the center differential that acts longitudinally, electronic differential locks that are a function of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system act laterally. The system can briefly brake a wheel that is slipping, enabling uninterrupted and stable transfer of drive power to the wheel on the opposite side.
Active Control. All Taos models with 4Motion all-wheel drive feature Active Control, which allows the driver to select specific vehicle profiles based on driving conditions. It has four settings: Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad. Within the Onroad setting, additional options are offered: Normal, Sport, Comfort, and Individual. These alter operating parameters for drive systems like the engine, transmission, steering, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), as well as traction-assistance systems like Hill Descent Assist and Hill Start Assist. The singular user interface is highly intuitive, comprising both a rotary knob and a push-button. Turning the knob engages the various drive modes, while pushing the button triggers a pop-up menu on the screen of the infotainment system, allowing the driver to fine tune the Onroad mode.
Onroad mode is the default setting. Here, the Taos automatically varies the drive distribution between the two axles, accounting for road conditions. A press of the button triggers the driving profile selection screen to pop up on the infotainment screen, offering the driver a choice of "Normal", "Sport", "Eco", and "Individual" drive modes. Within each, the tuning parameters for the engine control, gearbox, steering and optional ACC are varied.
In Snow mode, the controls are adjusted to help negate unintentional and excessive wheelspin, and the transmission upshifts earlier to help optimize traction. Communicating with the accelerator pedal and individual wheel speed sensors, the Traction Control System (TCS) helps reduce engine power the moment it detects slippage. The sensitivity of the system is more relaxed in straight-line situations to allow adequate power transfer, while the limits are tightened in cornering, where traction is of paramount importance. Last but not least, ACC is switched to the more defensive "Eco" driving profile when in Snow mode.
Offroad mode offers similar throttle and transmission characteristics to Snow mode, adding manual control of transmission shifting via Tiptronic(R) (the throttle kickdown switch will force a downshift). The Start/Stop system is switched off in this mode, and ACC operates normally. The ESC system is relaxed to help avoid false positives often encountered off-road, and Hill Descent Control is automatically activated on gradients of more than 10 percent. It functions at speeds between approximately 1 mph and 19 mph, and is adjustable via brakes or throttle.
With unique Offroad ABS programming, the wheels can lock up briefly before the system reduces the brake pressure. This allows time for a small wedge of material from the ground (such as gravel or sand) to build up in front of the wheel, thus helping increase the braking effect. This means that the car still remains steerable while its stopping distance can be substantially reduced. Finally, Custom Offroad mode allows the driver to alter the steering, engine and gearbox behavior as well as Hill Descent Assist and Hill Start Assist.
Chassis
The 2022 Taos is built on the same sophisticated MQB chassis architecture as most other vehicles in the Volkswagen lineup. The unitary construction chassis has two solid-mounted subframes with bolt-on front fenders and utilizes advanced technologies such as the laser clamp welder, which produces "wobble seam" welds in a wave pattern to help maximize strength in a limited space.
The stamped steel body and chassis boasts a large percentage of high-strength, hot- formed steel. This technology, along with the use of newly developed ultra-high- strength steels, allows much of the chassis and body to be constructed from thinner and lighter parts without loss in strength.
The Taos uses a strut-type front suspension, but has different rear suspension setups for the all-wheel- and front-wheel-drive models: AWD models have a multilink layout while FWD versions get a torsion beam. Braking is handled adeptly by 12.3-inch ventilated front and 10.7-inch solid rear disc brakes.
Safety
To help protect occupants, the Taos provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems. It features six airbags as standard (front and side airbags for front passengers and side curtain airbags for outboard seating positions), along with a number of electronic safety systems, such as an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). All Taos models feature a standard rearview camera.
A standard feature on the 2022 Taos is Volkswagen's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. This builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact-the most significant of which can cause additional collisions. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System helps address this, in certain crash scenarios, by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus potentially reducing residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage.
The Taos also includes Volkswagen's Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions.
Driver Assistance Technology
Volkswagen's IQ.DRIVE(R) advanced driver assistance technology features hands-on semi-automated capability. On the highway, IQ.DRIVE features lane centering and a capacitive steering wheel to make driving easier. Around town, IQ.DRIVE alerts you to surprise obstacles in front of you, and keeps an eye around you to make driving safer.
The IQ.DRIVE system is available on S and SE models in packages, and is standard on SEL models. The system utilizes front and rear radar, a front camera and several ultrasound sensors to collect data from the surrounding area, enabling Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance); Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring); Active Blind Spot Monitor; Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Go; Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System); and Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency).
Travel Assist, available on S and SE models in the IQ.DRIVE packages and standard on SEL, enables partially-automated hands-on driving from 0 to 95 mph. Travel Assist can be activated by a button on the steering wheel, and uses the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Assist (Lane Keeping Assist) features to help to steer as well as accelerate and brake the vehicle in response to traffic and center the vehicle within lane markings. This allows the driver to observe driving tasks while using minimal force on the wheel. It is the driver's responsibility to continuously monitor the system, remain alert, and maintain control of the vehicle at all times. To ensure this, Travel Assist monitors the capacitive steering wheel to make sure the driver has their hands on it.
Front Assist, available on S models in the IQ.DRIVE S package and standard on SE and SEL, is intended to warn drivers of potential frontal collisions (Forward Collision Warning) with vehicles and pedestrians, and in some cases provide automatic braking assistance (Autonomous Emergency Braking).
Within physical system limits, Forward Collision Warning warns the driver of potential critical front-end collision situations, both acoustically and visually by a warning symbol in the instrument cluster if the car is traveling above 18 mph. Furthermore, an automatic jolt of the brakes can warn the driver of the danger. If the driver fails to brake, Autonomous Emergency Braking is activated to help slow the vehicle. If the car is traveling below 18 mph and the system detects a potential front-end collision, Autonomous Emergency Braking activates without a prior acoustic and visual warning. If the brake pedal is applied but the driver brakes too lightly, the brake pressure is increased by the system (Braking Support).
Blind Spot Monitor is available on S models in the IQ.DRIVE S package and standard on SE and SEL. Blind Spot Monitor uses two radar sensors at the rear of the vehicle to scan the approaching traffic and is intended to warn drivers of the presence of other vehicles in adjacent lanes. If the driver uses the turn signal to indicate a lane change while a vehicle is detected in a blind spot, the system utilizes a flashing LED symbol in the outer area of the side mirrors. Even if the driver does not use a turn signal, the LED symbol in the mirror will illuminate if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot. The system is designed to help alert drivers in specific situations; stationary objects or oncoming vehicles do not trigger warnings, nor do vehicles more than one lane across away from the vehicle.
If combined with Lane Assist (SEL models and above, see below) the system not only warns the driver with the flashing LED symbol if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, but within system limits, it can also countersteer to help keep the car in the lane even if the turn signal is on. If the driver still tries to steer out of the lane, the system will warn with an additional vibration of the steering wheel.
The Rear Traffic Alert system, available on S models in the IQ.DRIVE S package and standard on SE and SEL, is intended to detect vehicles approaching from the side that may be difficult for the driver to see while reversing. The system offers a 180-degree view of the back of the car with a range of 65 feet, and will present a visual and an acoustic warning, if a potential collision with a crossing vehicle is detected. If the driver does not react, the system can apply the brakes to help mitigate and, in the best case, can prevent a collision. The system is activated by putting the car in reverse.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), available on S and SE models in the IQ.DRIVE packages and standard on SEL, uses a forward facing radar to maintain a set speed while helping maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front. The driver sets the speed and the desired spacing via buttons on the multifunction steering wheel and can further use those buttons to adjust and cancel the ACC function while the accelerator can be used to override the ACC function. Pressing the brakes always cancels the ACC function. All ACC-related system messages appear in the central multifunction display.
When the roadway ahead of the vehicle is clear, the system maintains the set speed. Taos models fitted with ACC can match speeds with a vehicle in front and come to a stop if the vehicle in front stops. If the car in front moves within three seconds, ACC will resume automatically to the set speed. If the car stands longer than three seconds, the driver can resume ACC control by pressing the accelerator pedal or the "resume" button on the steering wheel.
Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System) is available on S and SE models in the IQ.DRIVE packages and standard on SEL. When driving above 40 mph, if the system's camera recognizes visible lane markings and, using a special algorithm, calculates that the vehicle is unintentionally straying from its lane without using a turn signal, Lane Assist actively countersteers to help keep the vehicle in the lane. Lane centering can be enabled in the HMI settings as well. If the driver takes his or her hands off the wheel for a defined period of time, the system provides an audible warning and a visual signal in the instrument cluster, asking the driver to take over.
The system will not engage if it cannot properly detect lane markings. If the turn signal has been set before crossing a lane marking, the Lane Assist system will not engage or give a warning. The driver can override the system at any time by applying minimal force to the steering wheel.
Emergency Assist, available on S and SE models in the IQ.DRIVE packages and standard on SEL, can bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver is incapacitated. Emergency Assist constantly monitors the driver's attentiveness by checking the input of their hands on the steering wheel. If the system does not detect driver input, a series of warnings (visual, audible, and brake jolts will occur. If still no input is detected, Emergency Assist will slow the vehicle to a gradual stop in its own lane. Emergency Assist constantly monitors driver input and hand placement regardless of the status of other driver-assistance systems.
In addition to IQ.DRIVE, the Taos has available Park Distance Control, Dynamic Road Sign Display, and Light Assist (High Beam Control for headlights).
Park Distance Control, standard on SEL models, uses ultrasonic sensors located in the rear bumper to monitor a range of up to approximately five feet behind the vehicle. The system may activate below 9 mph and helps provide guidance when parking or in tight spaces. The system has audible and visual warnings when the car starts to approach parked cars or static objects of sufficient size from the rear.
Maneuver Braking, a part of the Park Distance Control system, is intended to mitigate or help prevent collisions with detected static obstacles to the rear while the vehicle is maneuvered. The system is active between 1-6 mph. If the system detects a stationary object, it can apply the brakes automatically to help prevent or mitigate a collision. The system can be deactivated at any time using the touch display or permanently in the setup menu.
Dynamic Road Sign Display, standard on SEL models, uses a forward-facing camera to detect and read road signs. After verifying the information with signage data stored in the onboard navigation, the system alerts the driver on the Taos Discover Media screen in the center console, and on the Digital Cockpit instrument display.
Light Assist, standard on SEL models, automatically switches on the headlamp high beams above 37 mph on dark or poorly lit roads, if there is no oncoming traffic detected. Below 18 mph, the high beams automatically switch off.
Warranty & Maintenance
Every 2022 Taos comes with a bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty and Carefree Maintenance Program. The warranty provides coverage for four years or 50,000-miles (whichever occurs first) and can be transferred to a subsequent owner throughout the remainder of its duration. The Carefree Maintenance Program provides scheduled maintenance services for two years or 20,000 miles (whichever occurs first) at no additional charge and can be transferred to a subsequent owner throughout the remainder of its duration.
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About Volkswagen
Volkswagen of America, Inc. is an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, which is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Volkswagen Group of America's operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and a state-of-the-art assembly facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Arteon, Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, Golf, Golf GTI, ID.4, Jetta, Jetta GLI, Passat, and Tiguan vehicles through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.