Keeping in line with the company's T naming scheme for SUVs and crossovers, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos slots underneath the Tiguan as a new subcompact SUV. This new model is already in production at VW's Puebla, Mexico plant and will soon arrive at US dealerships. We knew this would be the VW brand's least expensive crossover model, but today the German automaker has released full pricing information. Here's how the Taos stacks up.

The entry-level Taos S starts at $22,995 for front-wheel-drive or $25,040 for 4Motion AWD. Both use a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower. Front-wheel drive models receive a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission, while AWD versions get a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch unit.

For comparison, a base Tiguan S costs $25,245 with FWD, though it uses a more potent 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 184 hp. The base Taos comes nicely equipped with LED lights, a digital cockpit display, and Car-Net with Wi-Fi capability. Upper Taos trim levels add niceties such as IQ.Drive driver assistance technology, a panoramic sunroof, 18-inch and 19-inch wheels, adaptive front-lighting, MIB3 infotainment system with wireless App-Connect, heated and ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and Beats audio.

The Taos SE costs $27,245 for FWD ($28,695 for 4Motion), while the top-of-the-line SEL model starts at $31,490 for FWD ($33,045 for 4Motion). Compare this to a fully-loaded Tiguan SEL R-Line, which costs $39,095, and the Taos starts to make sense in VW's lineup.

The Taos isn't just a good value compared to the larger Tiguan; it's also larger sizewise than its competition. This crossover measures 175.8 inches long, which is only 9.3 inches shorter than the Tiguan and just 5.1 inches shorter than a Toyota RAV4. Passenger space is generous with 99.5 cubic feet (only 1.6 less than the Tiguan), making the subcompact Taos comparable to many "larger" compact models. The Taos offers 28.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity or 66.3 cubic feet with the seats folded in the back.

Even larger subcompact models like the Honda HR-V and Kia Seltos fail to match the space found in the Taos. Those models do undercut the Taos on price, though, so there is a small tradeoff for the added practicality.