2022 Volkswagen Taos — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV

2022 Volkswagen Taos

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $23,396–$27,476
Fuel Economy 29 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $1,810/yr
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos scores 7.5/10 at Carivo, ranking #947 of 2454 suvs, with 6 NHTSA recalls on record and an estimated $1,810/year fuel cost.

Key Specifications — 2022 Volkswagen Taos

Engine1.5L 4-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic 8-spd
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeRegular
City / Hwy MPG28 / 36 MPG
Combined MPG31 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$1,950
CO₂ Emissions286 g/mi
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$23,396–$27,476

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2022 Volkswagen Taos

Our scoring places the 2022 Volkswagen Taos at 7.5/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 9.0/10, while Value at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 8.0/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.9/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance scores 7.5/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 9.0/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.

Priced from $23,396–$27,476, 29 MPG, seating 5, the Volkswagen Taos sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. The value score of 6.7/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 4 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Our take: The 2022 Volkswagen Taos is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is value — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos ranks #947 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 61% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $23,396 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 35%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $25k →

5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2022 Volkswagen Taos

Fuel (75,000 miles)~$9,050 ($1,810/year at $3.50/gal)
Recall repairs$0 — 6 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
InsuranceVaries widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying

We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.

Which Taos Year Should You Buy?

Across the Taos model years we've scored, the 2022 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.7/10$25,636 Read review →
2025 7.7/10$25,636 Read review →
2024 7.7/10$24,890 Read review →
2023 7.5/10$24,143 Read review →
2022 (this review) 7.5/10$23,396

Pros & Cons — 2022 Volkswagen Taos

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
  • Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Few standout weaknesses — review individual sub-scores for nuance
  • Some competing models offer a higher overall score at a similar price

NHTSA Recalls — 2022 Volkswagen Taos (6 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.

Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
20/08/2021 · 21V651000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Taos vehicles. The underhood fuel supply quick-connector may detach from the fuel supply line causing a fuel leak in the engine compartment.
Engine and engine cooling / Engine / Engine control module (ecu/ecm) / Software
06/08/2021 · 21V615000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Taos vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive. The engine control unit (ECU) software may cause a stall when coming to a stop.
Suspension
23/03/2022 · 22V176000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Tiguan, Taos, and 2021 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. A second notice will be sent once remedy parts become available. The left or right rear suspension knuckles may…
Back over prevention / sensing system / camera
20/07/2022 · 22V514000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory…
Engine and engine cooling / Engine / Engine control module (ecu/ecm) / Software
14/09/2022 · 22V687000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 TAOS vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive. The engine control unit (ECU) software may cause a stall when coming to a stop.

Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.

Own a 2022 Volkswagen Taos that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →

Common Questions — 2022 Volkswagen Taos

Is the 2022 Volkswagen Taos reliable?

We rate the 2022 Volkswagen Taos's reliability 8.0/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).

How many recalls does the 2022 Volkswagen Taos have?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Is the 2022 Volkswagen Taos worth buying?

It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #947 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 61% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2022 Volkswagen Taos cost?

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos starts at $23,396 and ranges up to $27,476 across trims (MSRP when new). At 29 MPG, expect roughly $1,810/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Which Taos years should you avoid?

No standout weak years: across the 5 Taos model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.7/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.

What problems does the 2022 Volkswagen Taos have?

The documented issues for the 2022 Volkswagen Taos are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Fuel system, gasoline, Engine and engine cooling, Suspension, Back over prevention (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.

Owner Essentials — Volkswagen Taos

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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