The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- More standard features
- Big interior
- More power
- AWD models should ride and handle well
- Has been a good value
Dislikes
- It’s not exciting
- Competition looks more exciting
- Could use a hybrid option
- FWD models handle worse
Buying tip
The 2025 VW Taos adds more tech and pizazz to the value equation, but those seeking excitement will be underwhelmed.
What kind of vehicle is the 2025 Volkswagen Taos? What does it compare to?
The 2025 Taos is a compact five-seat SUV. It squares off with the Hyundai Kona, Subaru Crosstrek, and Kia Seltos.
Is the 2025 Volkswagen Taos a good SUV?
The 2025 Taos arrives with fresh design details and more tech while retaining a comfortable and spacious interior. Last year the Taos earned a TCC Rating of 6.6 out of 10, besting much of the competition thanks to its value, and we expect it to match or beat that when it arrives later in the year. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2025 Volkswagen Taos?
VW has given the Taos a nip and a tuck with updated lighting, more standard features, and a stronger revised powertrain.
Available in S, SE, SE Black, and SEL trims, the Taos lineup is simple and straightforward. VW has brought some of the top-trim’s features down to the SE grade for 2025. Front-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive is available.
Inside and out the Taos remains a conservatively styled small SUV that won’t offend anyone.
Taos SUVs get revised front and rear bumpers, updated front grille, and LED lighting elements. Top trim models now feature an LED bar across the front end that connects the headlights, similar to what’s found on VW’s ID.4 electric car. The LED taillights are now connected with a light bar as well. Base models roll on 17-inch aluminum wheels while front-wheel-drive SE models upsize to 18s and top-spec SEL models get 19s.
Inside VW’s added some soft-touch materials to the door panels with stitching. The dashboard still wears hard plastic as do the tops of the rear door panels. Last year’s 6.5-inch touchscreen has been ditched in favor of a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen for 2025. A 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster is standard.
Every Taos is still powered by a 1.5-liter turbo-4, but power output rises 16 hp to 174 hp. Torque holds steady with 184 lb-ft. Every Taos now features a conventional 8-speed automatic, where previously the all-wheel-drive models swapped in a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. VW said the 8-speed offers a smoother driving experience. Front-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive is available on mid-grade SE and SE Black models becoming standard on SEL the grade.
The front-wheel-drive Taos still uses a simple twist-beam rear suspension system while all-wheel-drive models upgrade to a more sophisticated multi-link rear axle. To date, the all-wheel-drive models have better ride quality and handling. VW said the suspension tuning hasn’t changed.
The little sibling to the Tiguan, the Taos checks in 9.3 inches shorter than the Tiguan with most of the reduction happening between the wheels. Despite the small footprint the Taos packs a large interior in a small space. Four adults will be comfortable and cargo carrying capacity should check in between 24.9 and 27.9 cubic feet depending on front-wheel or all-wheel-drive configurations.
EPA fuel economy ratings are still pending, but VW expects the updated 2025 Taos to match or exceed last year’s model. The 2024 Taos checked in with EPA fuel economy ratings as high as 28 mpg combined.
Every Taos will come standard with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Previously the Taos earned a four-star rating from the NHTSA and the IIHS called out the small SUV’s headlights as mediocre. The headlights are new for 2025 while the Taos’ structure carries over.
How much does the 2024 Volkswagen Taos cost?
Last year VW wanted $25,345 for the S model, which was a value by all measures. Volkswagen said pricing will be announced closer to the 2025 Taos going on sale later this year, but expect the value proposition to continue. All-wheel drive tacked about $2,500 onto the bill previously.
Where is the 2024 Volkswagen Taos made?
In Mexico.
