VW’s Little 2022 Taos Gets Its Bigger Brother’s Rugged “Basecamp” Treatment

Volkswagen of America has unveiled a new accessory line for its latest crossover, the Taos. Buyers will be able to option the little crossover with a series of visual upgrades that provide it with a more rugged appearance.

Inspired by the Basecamp accessory line that first graced the Atlas, Volkswagen’s biggest SUV, buyers will be able to option the Taos with front and rear fender flares with integrated splash guards, lower door side plates, and a front grille “Basecamp” badge.

The dealer-installed accessories will cost $999 all-in, but you can order just the side plates or the fender flares individually. The Basecamp badge is only available with the full package.

The production Taos Basecamp package above isn’t as wild as VW led us to believe with the Taos Concept below

“The Taos makes a bold first impression,” said Hein Schafer, Senior Vice President of Product Marketing and Strategy at Volkswagen of America. “Our goal is to build on the vehicle’s dynamic exterior design and provide customers with an extensive catalog of accessory options that cater directly to their desires for distinctive styling and functionality.”

Along with the Basecamp-themed accessories, Volkswagen also offers a range of other accessories like Rubber MuddyBuddy and carpeted Monster Mats to help protect the floor, or Bumperdillo guards to protect the rear bumper while loading and unloading cargo.

The Basecamp trim was unveiled as an Atlas-based concept at the New York Auto Show in 2019 and was then offered for sale in 2020. The package includes a two-tone bumper guard, textured fender flares with splash guards, side door rocker panels, a special rear valence with access for a trailer hitch, and special 17-inch off-roady wheels designed for the package by fifteen52.

The larger 2021 VW Atlas with the Basecamp package

Similarly, the Basecamp accessories for the Taos were preceded by a wilder looking concept that was unveiled on May 19. It featured wheels by fifteen52, H&R Special Springs, all-terrain tires, and a two-tone paint job. Unfortunately, the accessories offered to customers are toned down from that concept quite a bit.

The Taos, along with the Basecamp accessories, will be available to buyers this month.