The 2025 Volkswagen Taos has been unveiled with a series of updates. The smallest SUV in the brand’s lineup has undergone a revamp including design improvements, a powerful engine and technology upgrades.
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One of the changes in the 2025 Volkswagen Taos is the boost in horsepower. The Taos retains its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine but now delivers 174 horsepower, an increase of 16 hp from the previous model’s 158 hp.
New piston rings and turbocharger housing for improved efficiency. Upgraded fuel injectors and a larger intercooler for better combustion and cooling. The inclusion of a gas particulate filter to improve emissions control.
Despite the boost in horsepower, torque remains the same at 184 pound-feet. The torque curve might be adjusted. The outgoing 158-hp model achieved 0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds with front-wheel drive (FWD) and 7.5 seconds with the all-wheel drive (AWD) option. The 2025 version might provide slightly better performance.
Unlike the previous model, where the grille dominated the front, the 2025 Volkswagen Taos now sports a thinner upper light strip that connects to the smaller LED headlights similar to other Volkswagen models like the Jetta, GTI and the electric ID. Buzz.
The lower section of the front fascia now carries a larger grille, which enhances airflow but also gives the vehicle a bolder appearance.
At the rear, a light bar now connects the taillights, which retain their previous size but come with newly designed housings.
The illuminated Volkswagen badge is another feature at the back. Volkswagen adds a splash of freshness with three new color options, Bright Moss Green, Monterey Blue Pearl and Monument Gray.
Inside the 2025 Volkswagen Taos, a redesigned dashboard features a more modern look, anchored by a floating 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen.
This new design replaces the previously integrated 6.5-inch screen and provides a more intuitive user experience. The climate control system has been updated with new capacitive touch controls on the SE and above trims.
This system is both pleasing and user-friendly. Interior materials see an upgrade as well, with SE trims receiving a combination of CloudTex and cloth upholstery, while the SEL trim has leather seating available in either dark blue or two-tone black and gray. The S trim retains two-tone black and gray cloth seats.
The floating 8.0-inch touchscreen is now standard across all trims. It provides a more responsive and user-friendly interface compared to the model, helping drivers easily manage navigation, music and other features.
Volkswagen ensures that safety is a top priority with an array of driver-assist technologies. These include
Travel Assist, this system helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane when active cruise control is engaged.
Front Collision Warning & Brake Assist, To enhance safety in crowded city streets or highways. Rear Traffic Alert, this assists drivers in detecting objects or vehicles behind the car when reversing. Park Distance Control, available on the SE trims, this feature provides an extra layer of safety during parking. Adaptive Front Light System, this feature is also available on SE trims.
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos Retains its 1.5-liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine, But it Comes with Upgrades including:
- New Piston Rings
- Updated Fuel Injectors
- Larger Intercooler
- Redesigned Turbo Housing
These changes result in an increase in horsepower from 158 hp to 174 hp, an improvement in acceleration and overall performance. The mechanical update is the switch from the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission to an eight-speed automatic, which is now standard across all drivetrains.
This change for the 4Motion all-wheel-drive models, directly addresses one of the biggest customer complaints, the clunky, unrefined performance of the previous DSG transmission.
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The eight-speed automatic transmission provides smoother engagement, quicker shifts and a more refined driving experience for those opting for the all-wheel-drive system.
AWD models continue to benefit from an independent multilink rear suspension, while front-wheel-drive models maintain a torsion-beam setup.
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is Available in Three Trims, S, SE, and SEL:
- S Trim comes with standard two-tone black and gray cloth seats, LED projector headlights and the 8.0-inch infotainment screen.
- SE Trim, adds a CloudTex and cloth seating combination, capacitive HVAC controls and Park Distance Control.
- SEL Trim, the top-tier trim provides leather seating in dark blue or two-tone black and gray, dual-zone climate control and additional luxury and tech features.
- SE Black Edition: Volkswagen introduces a Black Edition for the SE trim featuring blacked-out exterior and interior elements including black wheels, roof and other accents.
Buyers have more wheel options for the 2025 Volkswagen Taos, ranging from 17 to 19 inches. These new designs not only enhance the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal but also improve handling and ride comfort, depending on the chosen size.
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos now Provides New Wheel Designs:
- 17-inch wheels for FWD S models.
- 18-inch alloys for SE models.
- 19-inch wheels for SEL models.
Safety and driver-assistance technologies are becoming important for consumers and Volkswagen has responded by making its IQ.DRIVE suite of driver assistance features standard across all 2025 Taos trims. This system includes:
- Travel Assist: Semi-automated driving assistance for highway cruising.
- Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking (Front Assist) helps tackle or avoid frontal collisions.
- Active Blind Spot Monitor alerts the driver to vehicles in the blind spots and helps prevent lane-changing accidents.
- Rear Traffic Alert provides warnings of oncoming traffic while reversing.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop and Go maintains a set speed and distance from the car ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic.
- Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist) keeps the vehicle centered in its lane.
- Emergency Assist takes over in case of a medical emergency by safely bringing the car to a stop.
The Taos has been a strong performer in the US market since its 2022 debut with sales averaging around 60,000 units per year.
While pricing for the 2025 model is yet to be announced, it is expected to be higher than the outgoing model. The 2024 Volkswagen Taos starts at $25,420 for the base-model S with front-wheel drive.
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