2022 Volkswagen Taos is a budget small SUV with upscale ambition

This is the 2022 Volkswagen Taos, a new compact crossover SUV. Slotting in underneath the German automaker's popular Tiguan model, the Taos will be VW's smallest and least-expensive SUV offering in North America.

The new Taos features a crisp (if familiar) appearance. It's a bit predictable in design, but the look is likely to age better than a lot of today's overstyled small crossovers.

The Taos will compete against models like the Hyundai Tucson, Subaru Crosstrek and Nissan Rogue Sport in America's hugely popular small crossover class.

Despite its small size, VW says the Taos boasts similar interior space to its larger Tiguan relative, which is also a compact SUV.

At 175.8 inches long, the Taos is 9.3 inches shorter than the Tig. The Taos rides atop a 105.9-inch wheelbase, spans 72.5 inches wide and stands 64.4 inches tall.

Despite its small size, VW says the Taos boasts similar interior space to its larger Tiguan model, which is also a compact SUV. The company says the model features 99.5 cubic feet of passenger space.

In addition, the Taos offers 28.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 66.3 cubes with the rear seats folded.

The interior is available with a raft of upscale options, including heated and ventilated leather seats, a panoramic moonroof, wireless charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The Taos' standard infotainment touchscreen is 8 inches, but upscale models receive a larger 10.25-inch display.

The Taos is powered by an enlarged 1.5-liter version of the turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in the Jetta.

The engine delivers 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. 

At least for the moment, it's the only powertrain available -- there's no hybrid or more powerful gas engine option.

The Taos will be built in Puebla, Mexico, alongside VW's Jetta and Tiguan.

This is a standard Taos, but it's reasonable to expect a racier-looking R-Line variant at some point soon. In fact, VW officials admit they are considering an off-road appearance package or model trim eventually, too.

Named after a historic and beautiful New Mexico town, the new 2022 Volkswagen Taos is expected to go on sale in Q2 of next year.

Keep clicking or scrolling for more photos of the 2022 Volkswagen Taos.