Like every other automaker today, Volkswagen is doubling up their SUV lineup. First, with the mid-size Atlas SUV in 2018, the coupe-like Atlas Cross Sport in 2020, the all-new ID.4 electric SUV, and now, the 2022 Taos compact SUV powered by a 1.5L gas engine. So, as of Summer 2021, when the Taos hits North American dealer floors, VW’s SUV lineup will look like this, from smallest to biggest:
The only model missing here is a full-size SUV from the German. Though we’re guessing that’s in the works. But what’s the Taos interior like? How much cabin tech will Volkswagen’s smallest sport utility offer? How about cargo space, legroom, and dimensions? Let’s take a look.
A Look at the Tao’s Overall Dimensions
Let’s first look at overall dimensions to get an idea of interior space. Compared to other compact SUVs on the market, the 2022 Taos sits somewhere in the middle — not too big or small. Unlike its Tiguan sibling that’s grown into the largest compact SUV in the segment, the Taos sits 175.8 inches long (just over 9 inches shy of Tiguan) with a wheelbase of 105.9 inches. It sits 64.4 inches tall and 72.5 inches wide.
Exterior dimensions:
| Spec | Metric |
|---|---|
| Length | 175.8 inches |
| Wheebase | 105.9 inches |
| Width | 72.5 inches |
| Height | 64.4 inches |
Related – Inside the VW Atlas Cross Sport: A Closer Look
2022 Volkswagen Taos interior dimensions & space
Interior dimensions:
| Spec | Metric |
|---|---|
| Passenger space | 99.5 cubic feet |
| Rear space (seats down) | 66.3 cu ft |
| Rear space (seats up) | 28.1 cu ft |
| Front legroom | 40.1 inches |
| Rear legroom | 37.9 inches |
Regarding cabin space, the small Taos does a good job opening up real estate with 99.5 cubic feet of passenger space. That’s not bad at just 1.6 cu ft less than the two-row Tiguan. The rear cargo volume is 28.1 cu ft of luggage space behind the second-row seats and 66.3 cu ft with the second row folded down. Legroom for both front and rear passengers is respectable as well, at 40.1 inches and 37.9 inches, respectively. Below is a side-by-side view of the current generation Tiguan front cabin compared to the new Taos.
Key interior features
At first look, the interior is upscale, though the Taos isn’t necessarily a ‘premium’ offering compared to other luxury compact SUVs. Much like VW’s other SUV interiors, the overall look here is clean with horizontal lines, coupled with a premium fit and finish. Every Taos receives two-tone seats as standard — another mark for the more upscale look. The range-topping models find a more posh French Roast and black combination.
Standards and upgrades
Both push-button start and automatic headlights will be standard. Some other higher-end features inside the 152-hp Taos include standard Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, and available MIB3 with wireless App-Connect and IQ.DRIVE driver assistance suite
Some worthy cabin upgrades for the Taos include:
- 8-way power driver seat
- dual-zone Climatronic climate control
- rain-sensing wipers
- a heated leatherette steering wheel
- heated and ventilated front seats
- heated side mirrors
- heated washer nozzles.
There you have it, a quick look at the new Taos interior. Overall, what really separates this cabin is the truly VW look — the clean lines void of big, bubbly design elements found in other compact SUVs. Volkswagen keeps the inside simple while incorporating all the luxe and high-end features that consumers expect. Some like this look, others expect more. However, seeing as the compact SUV market currently makes up 24% of all sales, consumers have plenty of choices.
