These days, it doesn't take many years for a product, if not seriously updated, to fall incredibly behind its competitors. We see this with the Nissan Qashqai. Despite its recent arrival on the market in 2018, it is rapidly aging. It's true that before presenting it to us, Nissan was already marketing it elsewhere.

This only accentuates the gap with its rivals, such as the 2022 Volkswagen Taos, which appeared last year. This model is moons ahead of its Japanese competitor. In fact, there is a world of difference between the two. We're talking about a gap that makes it easier to choose when it comes to leasing or buying.

Let's look at five important points.

The powertrain

The 2022 Taos has a big advantage over the Nissan Qashqai; a more powerful engine. Basically, Volkswagen's 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder offers 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. That's a lot more than the 141 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of the Qashqai's naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder.

A Taos is a great performer. It's more of a pain with the Qashqai.

Fuel economy

Both models are available with either all-wheel drive or a two-wheel drive configuration. In the latter case, the Taos is much more frugal with an average rating of 7.6 L/100 km versus 8.0 L/100 km for the Nissan Qashqai. With the four-wheel drive models, it's more equivalent. And you get more power in the process, I might add.

Cargo volume

Once again, the numbers favor the Taos here. Behind the first row of seats, the Taos has 1,866 liters of cargo space, while the Qashqai has 1,730 litres. Behind the two rows of seats, it's 790 liters with the 2022 Volkswagen Taos, only 566 liters with the Nissan Qashqai.

All-wheel drive

Sometimes, no matter how good a system you offer, the competition beats you to the punch. That's what's happening here with the Qashqai, which, despite an all-wheel drive system that does a good job, can't compete with a system like Volkswagen's 4Motion, a device that benefits from years of expertise at Audi with the famous quattro system.

The drive

Finally, to add insult to injury, let's compare the driving experience of the two models. In addition to being more anemic, the Qashqai offers a more neutral driving experience, marked by a more permissive suspension. It's comfortable, but you don't want to push the machine too hard.

With a Taos, you can drive in a sporty manner without fear of being destabilized. This model is reminiscent of the Golf because it offers such good balance on the road.

In summary, the 2022 Taos is more interesting to drive, more frugal, more spacious, more powerful and has a more competent all-wheel drive system.

Really, a world of difference between the two models.