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2022 Volkswagen Taos Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

2022 Volkswagen Taos Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons: S vs SE vs SEL
Reviewed & fact checked by
James Murdoch

What 2022 Volkswagen Taos Trim Should You Buy? What is the Difference Between Trims?

VW's newest addition to the family, the 2022 Taos subcompact SUV, is sure to please. With an ultra-modern style and a wallet-friendly price point it packs quite a punch! Even with its petite size you won't be giving up any of those creature comforts like modern amenities and high tech systems - all at your fingertips no matter where life takes you.

The new VW engine featured in this vehicle is a powerful turbocharged 1.5-liter with four cylinders boasting impressive force - 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque to be exact! It may not measure up against some other crossovers/SUV's on the market, but it offers plenty of juice that will delight drivers shopping around for a subcompact ride.

The Volkswagen Taos offers two drivetrain options - all-wheel and front-wheel. With the former, you'll get a nimble seven-speed dual clutch transmission for precise performance that won't let you down in challenging terrains; meanwhile, eight speeds come standard with the latter to help optimize your ride.

In terms of space, the Taos doesn't have a large footprint, but it does have a good amount of second-row leg room. Its rear-seat passengers can enjoy almost 38 inches of leg room. This amount is similar to what's found in many slightly larger SUVs. Cargo volume when the rear seats are upright is 28 cubic feet, and it can be expanded to about 66 cubic feet by folding those seats down.

Volkswagen offers three spectacular trims for their new Taos model, giving drivers the opportunity to pick and choose what works best for them. With options ranging from the economical S trim all the way up to a luxurious SEL - with a price difference of over eight thousand dollars between - customers have plenty to think about as they make this important decision.

Compare the Taos S vs SE Trims. What is the difference?

From an exterior perspective, the S is pretty much the same as the SE is, except for a few minor details. It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, while the SE gets to have 18-inch ones. On the S, there are black roof rails, and on the SE, those are silver instead. Both look modern with LED headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights.

The interior of the SE trim cabin offers an upgrade worth every penny. While the S comes with basic cloth seating surfaces, those looking to indulge will be pleased by luxurious CloudTex upholstery that looks and feels similar to expensive leather without its hefty price tag - plus it's easy to keep sparkling clean.

The Volkswagen Taos SE offers an option to add leather to your driving experience in the form of a gearshift knob and heated steering wheel, both wrapped luxuriously in leatherette. Enjoy those cold winter days with just the touch of a button.

With the S model, you get a classic setup: manual adjustable front seats with no heating elements. Upgrade to the SE for upgraded comfort and convenience; not only does it have power adjustability for eight directions of motion with lumbar support, but also heated seating surfaces -- perfect for colder days. You won't find climate control however - both trims feature manually operated air conditioning systems.

Volkswagen has made sure that the Taos can appeal to modern consumers who are used to doing almost everything with their smartphones. Both trims have voice control and App-Connect, with the SE also coming with wireless charging. Bluetooth is standard. The S features a 6.5-inch touchscreen and two USB-C data ports in the front. This infotainment package is upgraded in the SE, as it has SiriusXM with 360L, three total USB-C ports (including one that's in the back seat), and an eight-inch touchscreen.

With the SE, getting into the cabin and getting the engine started is a simple process. That's because it has keyless access with push-button start. It even has remote start so that the engine can get going and the heater or air conditioner can start working before people get into the cabin. On the S, there is push-button start but none of the other features just mentioned.

One of the things that people will like about the Taos is the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. Standard on this SUV, it's a high-resolution display that's located behind the steering wheel where one would traditionally find the odometer and various gauges. It takes the place of those gauges and makes things easier to read. Various types of data can be accessed through this display, which is fully customizable.

Purchasing a new vehicle involves more than just picking the design and color you like – safety should be an essential consideration. Luckily, modern drivers can take advantage of some incredible driver-assist technologies that are integrated into many current models. These systems monitor driving conditions to alert any potential problems; they even have capabilities for steering or braking correction - so accidents become much less likely!

The Taos S may not be a car that comes with bells and whistles, but the SE trim offers some serious safety benefits. Included are cutting-edge features like pedestrian monitoring, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking to give drivers peace of mind from any potential hazards on the road. Blind spot monitoring and rear traffic alert also ensure full situational awareness for every journey.

Upgrade your S trim vehicle with the Convenience Package and enjoy all of its added features! You'll be driving in comfort with a heated steering wheel, leather-wrapped gear shifter, automatic high beams that adjust to the level of light around you, adaptive cruise control for stress free highway drives - slowing down if needed when vehicles ahead slow their speed - as well as rain sensing windshield wipers. The SE also offers this package so check it out now and get ready to drive away feeling simply pampered.

Compare the SE vs SEL Trim Levels. What is the difference?

The Taos S and SE are affordable options, with prices well under $30,000. Step up to the sleekly styled SEL trim for a more sophisticated appeal; it comes standard with features like 18-inch black alloy wheels and an illuminated grille that add elegance to its exterior. Be ready for any weather thanks to heated side mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers and adaptive front lighting - headlight beams can pivot 15 degrees in either direction as you take turns on dark roads.

More sophisticated elements are integrated into the SEL's cabin. It has ambient interior lighting and leather seats. The front seats are heated, and the steering wheel is heated, too. Remember that a heated steering wheel is only an option on the SE.

Instead of a manual air conditioning system, the SEL has Climatronic dual-zone automatic climate control. This allows the driver and front passenger to set their own preferred temperatures. Another thing that the SEL has is an auto-dimming rearview mirror. If anyone has ever had bright lights shining right into their rearview mirrors at night, then he/she knows how much a rearview mirror that can automatically dim itself can be appreciated.

Upgrade to the SEL and you can kiss those lost-in-the-city worries goodbye. With standard navigation, this eight inch touchscreen will be your trusty guide - even in unfamiliar terrain! Plus get more from your drive with Digital Cockpit's map view of where you are, so all roads lead home faster than ever before.

With its advanced safety systems, the SEL takes parking convenience to a new level. Park distance control helps you find your way in and out of tight spaces with ease while automatic high beams make night driving safer than ever before. Lane assist keeps drivers on track even when they are feeling drowsy or distracted and Emergency Assist is there if an unexpected danger arises suddenly - it all adds up to an unparalleled peace of mind no matter where the road takes you.

The VW Taos offers drivers an extra level of safety - courtesy of Lane Assist and Travel Assist features! Drivers can rest easy knowing that their vehicle will stay centered in the lane while being kept at a safe distance from other cars. This advanced technology works at speeds up to 20 mph, giving you peace-of-mind on every journey.

Emergency Assist is a driver attention warning system. If the driver seems to be losing focus, an audio warning will be issued. The next step, if the driver doesn't regain focus and control of the vehicle, would be a brief brake check. Finally, if there is still a concern with the driver, the vehicle can bring itself to a stop and then turn its hazard lights on as another layer of protection.

These driver-assist systems are available on the SEL, as they are on the SE, but they would require an extra fee.

Final Thoughts

With the added driver-assist technologies and other features, upgrading from VW's entry-level S to their SE trim is a smart move for safety. In addition to greater assurance on the road, you'll be able to enjoy additional comforts like heated front seats and wireless charging! Plus, SiriusXM radio promises fun entertainment opportunities - so why not take advantage with this upgrade?

If you're looking for a luxurious vehicle with modern-day amenities and an array of safety features, then the Taos SEL is your ride. This top end trim offers high-end extras like navigation, a heated steering wheel and leather seats - but all that comes at quite the price tag: over $30K. So think carefully; decide if these additional components are really worth sacrificing four grand to own.