Edmunds: Volkswagen Taos vs. Chevrolet Trailblazer

A new 2022 Volkswagen Taos compact crossover SUV. Courtesy of Volkswagen of America via AP

The Volkswagen Taos and Chevrolet Trailblazer are two of the latest in a growing crowd of extra-small crossover SUVs. These entry-level crossovers provide lots of utility in a relatively small package and offer many features found in larger SUVs. Cutting back on size doesn’t mean cutting back on convenience.

Chevrolet introduced the Trailblazer for 2021. It quickly stood out as Edmunds’ favorite model in the class thanks to its comfortable interior and wealth of driver aids and technology features. Now for 2022 Volkswagen has debuted its all-new Taos. It too stands out with plenty of space and features. Which of these SUVs is the better buy? Edmunds’ experts compared them to find out.

Engines and Fuel Economy

Part of what makes the Taos and Trailblazer so appealing is their relatively good fuel economy that doesn’t come at the cost of power. Both models offer efficient turbocharged engines and are available with all-wheel drive. The Volkswagen uses a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It’s punchy and makes the Taos feel quick and fun.