The compact SUV segment is overflowing with over-styled offerings that can leave your head spinning, but Volkswagen’s latest entry stands out with its premium design and accessible price. The 2025 VW Taos combines refined styling with affordability, making it an ideal choice for first-time buyers or those seeking a fun-to-drive second car without breaking the bank. For 2025, VW has refreshed the Taos with updated exterior styling, new wheel designs, and an expanded selection of paint options, enhancing its curb appeal. Inside, upgraded in-car technology and powertrain refinements further elevate this neatly packaged compact SUV.
Volkswagen’s design team set out to bring a fresh perspective to the compact SUV segment, starting with a more expressive front-end look for the 2025 Taos. Updates include a redesigned bumper, a new grille with an available light bar, and standard LED projector headlights with an optional Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS). At the rear, connected taillights and an illuminated Volkswagen badge add to its distinctive, upscale presence.
The 2025 Taos offers an expanded color palette with three new paint options, including the eye-catching Bright Moss Green featured on our photo car. Fresh wheel designs further elevate its style: 17-inch aluminum alloys for front-wheel-drive S models, 18-inch alloys for the front-wheel-drive SE, and 19-inch wheels for the SEL. Meanwhile, the SE Black trim—introduced in 2024—returns with an even bolder presence, boasting a black roof, trim, and exclusive wheels: 18-inch alloys for front-wheel-drive models and 19-inch alloys for 4Motion® all-wheel-drive versions.
Inside, the 2025 Taos boasts a redesigned dashboard with updated materials and fresh color options. A standard 8-inch floating infotainment display enhances the cabin’s modern appeal, while the SE trim and above offer touch controls for the Climatronic® HVAC system. Improved acoustic dampening further reduces interior noise for a quieter ride.
The Taos S features two-tone black and grey cloth upholstery, while SE and SE Black models combine CloudTex and cloth—SE in two distinct two-tone options and SE Black in an all-black interior, naturally. The SEL trim elevates comfort with leather seating, available in a classic black-and-grey combination or a striking new dark blue hue.
The 2025 VW Taos delivers a more spirited drive, thanks to an updated version of the efficient 1.5-liter EA211 turbocharged four-cylinder TSI® engine. Key hardware upgrades include revised piston rings and fuel injectors, a modified turbo housing, a larger intercooler, and a new gasoline particulate filter. These refinements boost the engine’s output from 158 horsepower to 174 hp.
To enhance drivability, 4Motion® all-wheel-drive models now feature an eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous seven-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic. Additionally VW’s advanced IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance suite is now standard across all trims, further elevating safety and convenience.
With its upgraded technology, refined powertrain, and enhanced styling, the 2025 Taos is an even more compelling choice for those seeking a well-rounded, fun-to-drive compact SUV.
