We’ve always been fans of VW’s Taos, their smallest SUV/Crossover, and the de-facto replacement for the VW Golf that we always liked as well. Despite being their most affordable offering, for 2025 VW has given the Taos updated looks, enhanced technology and more power. Sounds like a great reason for a road test!
Clean and Modern
You’ll really notice the update on the front, which reminds us of VW ID4, one of the manufacturer’s popular EV models.
There’s a new larger grille with an aggressive pattern, a light bar that spans the width of the hood and brackets the familiar VW badge. New sleek LED projector headlights give a meaner look as well.
The profile sees fewer changes, and continues to look like its larger sibling, the Tiguan, which is about 9 inches longer. The Taos is a surprisingly nice size in its class and looks a bit larger than competitors like the Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek. Helping our Taos stand out in the mall was the optional Black trim, which serves up a black roof, blacked-out trim and tough-looking, 18-inch blacked-out wheels on our front wheel drive tester. (4Motion AWD models get larger 19-inch blacked out wheels).
Like the front, the rear gets a crisper look, with connected taillights that span the rear hatch and an illuminated VW badge that also functions as the handle for the hatch and swings up to allow the rearview camera to take a look. Along with an integrated rear spoiler above the window, T A O S spelled out in big block letters and a contrasting lower bumper fascia, the look is crisp, fresh and upscale. We also loved our tester’s Cornflower Blue paint – a little richer than a smurfy blue, and quite eye-catching.
If you’re not a Smurf fan, the paint palette includes three new colors for 2025 —Bright Moss Green, Monterey Blue Pearl, and Monument Gray. Should be something to please anybody.
Upsize and Upscale
One of the most impressive aspects of the Taos is the interior space. It may not look big on the outside, but it feels huge on the inside. Not only that, for 2025 it has an upscale edge added to the mix.
Along with the space, the little VW impresses with the quality of materials and the sheer amount of goodies you get for a reasonable cost. While you can find hard plastics in the cabin, they’re not where you come in contact, and we really like the suede-like material on the dash and door trim. Classy!
The heated front seats are comfortable and are covered in Cloud Tex and Cloth that look and feel nice. The thick-rimmed 3-spoke wheel (also heated) feels good in your hands. There’s an 8-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit driver display that’s configurable – we like the tachometer with digital speedo readout in the center.
There’s an 8-inch touchscreen for info-tainment, and with volume and tuning knobs as well as convenient pushbuttons on the steering wheel, the system works great, and we wonder why VW didn’t just put this system on the GTI, which has received heat for its complex design.
Plenty of tech is along for the ride, with the SE enjoying pushbutton ignition, remote engine start, keyless entry for the front doors and hatch, wireless smartphone charging, and new digital dual-zone climate control with its own panel for easy access. We’d also note that the vent design was impressive for the amount of airflow – super easy to get frosty or stay warm – it’s the attention to little details that make the Taos so livable day-to-day.
Most livable has to be the sheer space. The rear seats are impressive for headroom, expansive legroom and comfort. Even with 5 aboard, the cargo area is huge – the Taos really competes with larger vehicles in the next class up. Bringing along gear, drop the rear seats and you have 65.9 cubic cargo feet. Add in standard roof rails – and some nice available accessories for bikes, skis or whatever, and you’re ready for your next big expedition!
Ready for the Drive
VW has improved the drive for the 2025 Taos as well.
The biggest change is a welcome increase in power, the 1.5-liter, turbo 4-cylinder now produces 174 horsepower, a 16-horse bump. Torque is equally strong at 184 lb.-ft. at just 1,750 rpm.
While it’s tempting to think VW just turned up the boost, this was actually a comprehensive upgrade in the engine compartment – with revised piston rings and fuel injectors, a modified turbo housing, a larger intercooler, and a new gasoline particulate filter. Impressive.
And that extra power is notable. Our front wheel drive tester had plenty of zip off the line, and like most VW engines, it’s smooth with a nice throaty exhaust note. Keeping the engine on the boil is an excellent 8-speed automatic – now standard on all Taos models. With a combined 31 EPA mpg rating, the fuel economy is as inspiring as the power.
Responsive also defines the handling. With its handy size, and European-style suspension tuning, the Taos if fun to slice and dice traffic, while still staying smooth and refined in the commute. VW has made the Taos quieter for 2025 and its noticeable, this is a comfy highway ride.
Interestingly, the front wheel drive models have a simpler rear suspension than the independent rear on 4Motion models. We found the front driver rode excellently, and we’d only say go for the 4Motion if weather and road conditions require – otherwise save your money, the front driver does an excellent job.
We mentioned before the feeling of great value for money – the nice interior loaded with goodies, and a smooth, sweet ride. The Taos also impresses with its protective technology.
VW’s IQ.DRIVE driver assistance is state of the art, with Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance), Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring), Active Blind Spot Monitor; Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Go; Lane Assist even Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency). It’s amazing how all this tech that used to be only on luxury models is now standard on basic models.
Great Value
Frankly, we were surprised at the great price on our Taos. The line up starts at just $24,995 – with all the new goodies, plus free maintenance for two-years/20,000 miles and roadside assistance for 3-years/36,000 miles – it’s a bargain.
So much so that you can go for our nicely loaded 2025 SE Black model, starting at $30,145. Our two-tone paint added $455, and Destination came in at $1,425. All totaled, we rang the bell at $32,025. With all the goodies, European road manners and huge interior, we think the Taos is a great choice in its class.
There are some attractive choices in the class to tempt you. We like the Mazda CX-30, also a strong value at $31,555, it’s a got a plush interior, sporty performance and AWD, but feels tiny inside compared to the spacious VW. We like Subaru’s Crosstrek as well at $33,345, it’s more off-roady and rugged looking, but in the day-to-day, we think the VW outshines it.
With more power, enhanced tech, huge space, great value and European road manners the 2025 VW Taos is at the top of the small SUV class!
Ben Lewis grew up in Chicago, and after spending his formative years driving sideways in the winter – often intentionally – moved to sunny Southern California. He now enjoys sunny weather year-round — whether it is autocross driving, aerobatics, and learning to surf.