The 2025 Volkswagen Taos has made its grand entrance into the compact SUV market, offering a blend of practicality, modern technology, and performance that’s set to continue its success as one of VW’s most popular models. Positioned as the brand’s entry-level SUV, the Taos caters to buyers looking for an affordable, well-equipped vehicle that doesn’t compromise on style or capability.
With the 2025 model, Volkswagen has introduced several key updates that enhance its appeal, from upgraded infotainment systems to more advanced driver-assistance features. In this complete guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the 2025 Volkswagen Taos, including design enhancements, performance improvements, new technology features, and what sets it apart from its competitors.
Exterior Design: Subtle Refinements with a Modern Edge
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos continues to feature the sharp, clean lines that have made it a favorite among compact SUV enthusiasts, but it also includes some subtle exterior updates that give it a more modern and dynamic look. Volkswagen has refined the front fascia with a slightly more aggressive grille design and reshaped LED headlights, giving the Taos a more assertive stance on the road. The rear end has also received minor tweaks, including redesigned taillights and a refreshed bumper that adds to its sporty appeal.
For 2025, Volkswagen is offering new color options, allowing buyers to choose from a broader palette of vibrant hues that reflect the personality of this compact SUV. The 18-inch alloy wheels come standard on higher trims, while the base models feature a stylish 17-inch option. Roof rails, standard across all trims, give the Taos added functionality for outdoor adventures, making it a great choice for those who enjoy active lifestyles.
Interior Comfort and Space: Compact Yet Spacious
Despite its classification as a compact SUV, the 2025 Taos boasts a spacious and comfortable interior that rivals larger vehicles in the segment. One of the Taos’s standout features is its generous cargo space, offering up to 28.1 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats in place and up to 65.9 cubic feet with them folded down. This makes the Taos not only an ideal choice for daily commuting but also for weekend getaways and family trips.
Inside, the cabin is fitted with high-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces and available leatherette upholstery on higher trims. For 2025, Volkswagen has upgraded the interior with new trim accents and an available panoramic sunroof, which floods the cabin with natural light and enhances the overall feeling of openness.
Passenger comfort remains a priority, with supportive seats in both rows and ample legroom for both front and rear occupants. The Taos is also equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control in higher trims, allowing both driver and passengers to set their ideal temperatures for a more comfortable driving experience.
Powertrain and Performance: Efficient Yet Engaging
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos retains the same turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that has become a hallmark of its lineup. This engine produces 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, providing plenty of power for most driving situations, whether it’s navigating through city traffic or cruising on the highway. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission in front-wheel-drive models, while all-wheel-drive variants come with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
One of the key advantages of the Taos is its balance between performance and fuel efficiency. The 2025 model continues to deliver impressive fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway for front-wheel-drive versions. The all-wheel-drive models offer slightly lower fuel efficiency but still deliver respectable numbers for the class.
Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, available as an option, provides enhanced traction and stability in various road conditions, making the Taos a versatile choice for drivers who encounter challenging weather or terrain. This system constantly monitors driving conditions and automatically adjusts power delivery between the front and rear wheels to maximize grip and performance.
Technology and Infotainment: Keeping You Connected
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos shines in the technology department, with Volkswagen making significant improvements to the infotainment system and connectivity features. The base S trim now comes standard with a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen display, while higher trims are equipped with a 10.25-inch digital cockpit display that allows drivers to customize the information they see, from navigation maps to vehicle performance data.
Volkswagen’s latest MIB3 infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing drivers to seamlessly connect their smartphones without needing a cable. The system is intuitive and responsive, with sharp graphics and a user-friendly interface. Bluetooth connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and USB-C ports are also standard across all trims, ensuring that both drivers and passengers stay connected and charged up on the go.
For audiophiles, the 2025 Taos offers an available premium sound system by BeatsAudio, which delivers crisp, high-quality sound throughout the cabin. The voice control system has been upgraded for greater accuracy, making it easier to control various functions without taking your hands off the wheel.
Driver-Assistance and Safety Features: A Focus on Security
Volkswagen has made safety a top priority for the 2025 Taos, equipping it with a suite of standard and available driver-assistance technologies. The base S trim comes with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and pedestrian detection. Higher trims add features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, which enhance safety on long drives and busy highways.
One of the standout safety features for 2025 is Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive system, which is available on higher trims. IQ.Drive includes semi-autonomous driving features such as Travel Assist, which helps with lane-centering and adaptive cruise control, and Emergency Assist, which can bring the vehicle to a stop if it detects the driver is no longer responsive.
The 2025 Taos has also earned high marks in crash tests, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarding it a five-star overall safety rating. This provides added peace of mind for families and safety-conscious buyers.
Trims and Pricing: Options for Every Buyer
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is available in three trims: S, SE, and SEL, each offering a unique set of features to meet different budget and preference levels.
- S Trim: The base model comes with the upgraded 8.0-inch touchscreen, Volkswagen’s MIB3 infotainment system, and a solid range of safety features. It’s an affordable option for those looking to get into a well-equipped SUV without breaking the bank.
- SE Trim: This mid-level trim adds key features like the larger digital cockpit, wireless charging, and a power driver’s seat. The SE trim is a sweet spot for those who want extra comfort and technology without going all-in on the top-tier model.
- SEL Trim: The top-of-the-line SEL trim comes with premium features like leather upholstery, the panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and the IQ.Drive safety suite. It’s ideal for those who want a more luxurious driving experience.
Pricing for the 2025 Volkswagen Taos starts at around $25,000 for the base S trim and goes up to approximately $33,000 for the fully-loaded SEL trim. All-wheel-drive versions are available at an additional cost, typically adding around $1,500 to the total price.
Conclusion: A Winning Combination of Value and Features
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos continues to impress with its well-rounded package of features, performance, and affordability. The latest updates, from the improved infotainment system to the refined exterior design, make it an even more attractive option in the competitive compact SUV market. Whether you’re looking for a practical daily driver or a capable vehicle for weekend adventures, the Taos delivers on all fronts.
With its spacious interior, fuel-efficient engine, and cutting-edge technology, the 2025 Taos is poised to remain a top choice for buyers who want the perfect balance of value and modern amenities. As Volkswagen continues to refine its SUV lineup, the Taos proves that compact doesn’t mean compromising on quality or features.