Name: 2022 Volkswagen Taos
Brand: Volkswagen
Availability: InStock

Question 1

What trim levels were available for the 2022 Volkswagen Taos in Canada and what were their prices and features?

Accepted Answer

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos marked the first full year of VW's new subcompact SUV in Canada. The lineup was offered in four trim levels. The Trendline FWD started at approximately $27,995 CAD with the 1.5L TSI engine producing 158 hp and a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. The Comfortline (approximately $30,995) added dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8.25-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated seats, and automatic emergency braking. The Highline (approximately $33,995) completed the lineup with 18-inch wheels, blind spot monitoring, parking assist, and a sunroof. The 4Motion AWD version was available on Comfortline and Highline trims for an approximately $1,500 premium, featuring a more powerful 1.4L TSI producing 184 hp (more than the FWD version) and a 7-speed DSG. Cargo capacity was 712 litres with the cargo cover in place, expandable to 1,775 litres with the rear seats folded — generous for the category. Official NRC fuel consumption for the 4Motion version: 9.7 L/100 km city, 7.5 highway, 8.7 combined.

Question 2

Is the 2022 Volkswagen Taos 4Motion AWD suitable for harsh Canadian winters?

Accepted Answer

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos 4Motion AWD is well equipped for Canadian winters, but a few nuances apply. The 4Motion system on the Taos uses a fifth-generation Haldex hydraulic coupling that distributes torque to the rear wheels when the front wheels lose traction — it is therefore not a permanent all-wheel drive but responds quickly to slip situations. Combined with quality winter tires (mandatory in Quebec from December 1 to March 15), the Taos 4Motion offers satisfactory active safety on snow and ice. The ground clearance of 191 mm is adequate for most urban and suburban conditions, but insufficient for forest roads in deep winter. Standard heating features include heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and a rear defroster. Remote cabin preheating is available via the Car-Net app on versions equipped with the connected infotainment system. For regions with intense winters — Saguenay, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Charlottetown — a set of winter tires on 17-inch steel wheels is recommended (budget $1,200 to $1,600 for a complete set). The warranty covers 4 years/80,000 km on mechanical components and 5 years/100,000 km against corrosion.

Question 3

How does the 2022 Volkswagen Taos compare to the Nissan Qashqai and Mazda CX-5 in the Canadian market?

Accepted Answer

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos entered a highly competitive segment in Canada, facing notably the Nissan Qashqai and Mazda CX-5. The 2022 Nissan Qashqai (starting at approximately $28,048 in FWD) offers a more fuel-efficient 1.3L VC-Turbo engine producing 141 hp (8.3 L/100 km combined) and a more expressive exterior line, but with a less refined interior than the Taos. The 2022 Mazda CX-5 (starting at approximately $29,850) is universally recognized for its superior driving quality, upscale interior finish, and 187 hp SkyActiv-G 2.5L engine, but with a smaller cargo area (868 litres). The Taos counters with the largest cargo area in the category (712 litres in standard configuration, 1,775 litres with rear seats folded), a competitive equipment-to-price ratio, and VW brand cachet. The DSG dual-clutch gearbox of the Taos is quicker and more engaging than the CVTs generally offered by competitors. For Canadian families who regularly load their cargo area — sports equipment, weekly groceries, camping gear — the Taos is one of the most rational choices in the category despite a more conventional exterior design than its Japanese rivals.

Volkswagen Taos 2022 for sale