2022 Volkswagen Taos vs. 2021 Toyota RAV4

The Volkswagen Taos is the latest SUV to join the automaker’s lineup of reliable, capable SUVs. Launching now at VW dealerships like Lewisville Volkswagen here in Texas, the VW Taos aims to be a competitive newcomer on the block that gives other SUVs a run for their money. While the Taos might not have the longstanding name recognition that SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 have, it does offer many strengths to rival even the most popular SUVs.

Better fuel economy

The 2022 Taos is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that uses an eight-speed automatic transmission. According to the EPA, this engine averages 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.[1] That’s a bit better than what you’d average if you drove the RAV4 with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which carries an EPA rating of 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. This difference may not seem like much, but consider how much that adds up to over years of driving here in Lewisville, Texas.

Short and lightweight

Although the Taos and RAV4 are technically in the same class of compact SUVs, the Taos is lighter and shorter, making it easier to drive and maneuver. The 2022 Taos weighs 3175 pounds while the 2021 RAV4 weighs 3370 pounds. The lighter build is one of the elements that contribute to the Taos SUV’s efficiency. The Taos measures 5 inches shorter in length than the RAV4, making it easier to squeeze into tight parking spaces and street parking in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, as well as small residential garages and parking garages.

More room for passengers

Even though the Taos is shorter than the RAV4, it offers more room for passengers. Both SUVs provide seating for five people, but the passenger volume in the 2022 Taos is more than what the RAV4 offers. The Taos provides 99.5 cubic feet, which lets those in the front and rear rows stretch out on road trips.

More luxuries

The Taos offers many standard and available features to increase convenience and comfort — some of which the RAV4 doesn’t even offer. For instance, every 2022 Taos comes with keyless start, allowing you to simply push a button to start the engine; this isn’t something the RAV4 offers. Also, a heating function on the steering wheel is an optional upgrade on the Taos, but the RAV4 doesn’t offer that option. You’ll definitely want that on those chilly winter mornings here in Lewisville!

A better warranty

Volkswagen wants to make sure that you get the most value out of your purchase and aren’t stuck driving a vehicle suffering from problems. That’s why the automaker currently offers a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty on all new vehicle purchases, which includes the 2022 Taos. It’s part of the automaker’s Carefree Coverage package, which also includes initial maintenance service and roadside assistance. Toyota doesn’t offer the same length of coverage that Volkswagen does. The warranties on the 2021 RAV4 only lasts 3 years/36,000 miles for qualifying bumper-to-bumper components.

Affordability

Considering all these ways that the Taos outdoes the RAV4, you’d think that the Taos would be the more expensive of the two SUVs. But, the 2022 VW Taos has a lower starting MSRP than the 2021 RAV4. The base model of the Taos— the S trim with the 1.5-liter TSI® engine — costs a few dollars under $23,000, not including extra fees like transportation, taxes, title, and dealer charges.[2] The lowest-priced version of the 2021 RAV4 is the LE model, at it costs nearly $3,500 more than that: $26,350! Why would you spend that much more on your family’s SUV when you don’t need to?

There’s a lot to love about the brand-new Volkswagen Taos, and you can learn more about its winning qualities when you visit Lewisville Volkswagen and speak with our expert sales staff.

[1] 28 city/36 highway mpg (2022 Taos 1.5L, 8-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

[2] Starting MSRP of $22,995 for a 2022 Volkswagen Taos S 1.5L TSI® with 8-speed automatic transmission. Price excludes transportation, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

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