2022 Volkswagen Taos Earns Best-In-Class Highway MPG

Volkswagen has announced official EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2022 Taos, its new entrant for the crowded subcompact SUV segment, and the numbers are good.

Due to go on sale this summer and starting at $24,190, the Taos comes with a single engine choice: A 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder developing 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission. The small engine benefits from variable geometry turbocharging, which delivers improved performance and better fuel economy.

Case in point, the front-wheel-drive Volkswagen Taos is EPA-estimated at 28 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 31 mpg combined. These figures earn Taos FWD a tie for best-in-class highway fuel economy. For example, Nissan’s front-drive Kicks is EPA-estimated to deliver 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. The front-wheel-drive Hyundai Venue and Honda HR-V come close, at 34 mpg highway each, as does Kia’s Soul, which nabs a 35-mpg highway rating.

Taos models equipped with the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and a unique seven-speed dual-clutch automatic get an EPA-estimated 25/32/28 mpg city/highway/combined; still good, but more in the thick of things with the competitive set.

It may be worth noting that these EPA ratings are based on the use of regular unleaded fuel. As stated by the EPA, compared to the national average for new vehicles, consumers who buy the front-wheel-drive Taos could save up to $750 in fuel costs over five years compared to the average new vehicle. Those buyers who opt for the Taos in all-wheel drive could expect to save $250.

Arriving this June, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos is entering a dog-eat-dog arena. Among its competitors are the Kia Seltos, Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek, and Hyundai Kona. We’ll find out where the Taos stands (beyond fuel economy) in the highly competitive segment in our first test review. Stay tuned.