The 2025 Volkswagen Taos has received some notable updates aimed at making it more competitive in the subcompact crossover market, where it faces tough competition from models like the Mazda CX-30, Kia Seltos, and Subaru Crosstrek.
Volkswagen Taos History
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is an updated version of the small SUV that first came out in 2022. For this new model, Volkswagen has improved the engine to give it a bit more power—it’s now 174 horsepower, compared to the previous 158.
They also swapped out the older 7-speed transmission for an 8-speed automatic, which makes driving smoother and more comfortable. The 2025 Taos is designed for those who need a compact SUV with plenty of space but want something easy to handle around town.
The design of the 2025 Taos has also gotten a fresh look. It now comes with LED headlights and offers an option for an LED light bar on the front.
Inside, the SUV has an updated dashboard with an 8-inch touchscreen and better soundproofing to make it quieter. Volkswagen also added new safety features like adaptive cruise control and parking assistance to make driving easier and safer.
Exterior Updates
Volkswagen has made several changes to the Taos’ exterior, including a redesigned front bumper, grille, and lighting setup. Higher trims feature a full-width light strip at the front, while all models have a full-width light treatment in the rear.
There are also three new color options: Bright Moss Green, Monterey Blue Pearl, and Monument Gray. Depending on the trim level, wheel sizes range from 17-inch to 19-inch, with available front- or all-wheel drive.
Interior Features
Inside, Volkswagen has introduced an 8-inch touchscreen display as standard across all trims, giving the cabin a more modern feel. The cabin also benefits from improved acoustic sound damping, making it quieter than previous versions. Additionally, the interior now features more color and better materials, addressing complaints that the prior version had a somewhat dull cabin.
Engine and Transmission
Under the hood, the 2025 Taos continues with an updated version of the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (EA211), now producing 174 horsepower, up from the previous 158 horsepower, while torque remains at 184 lb-ft.
Changes include revised piston rings, injectors, a larger intercooler, and a modified turbo housing. Both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive versions now come with an 8-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous 7-speed DSG, which should result in smoother shifting.
Competition and Market Position
Volkswagen sells about 60,000 Taos units annually, making it the third-best seller in its lineup after the Tiguan and Atlas. However, it has some catching up to do in a market where Subaru’s Crosstrek moves over 160,000 units annually and Honda’s HR-V has already surpassed 100,000 units in 2024.
Volkswagen has made the Taos more attractive and competitive, but the automaker will need to continue pushing forward with more power options, additional luxuries, and potentially sportier versions (such as GTI or R variants) to fully capture the attention of enthusiasts and practical-minded buyers alike.
This refresh is a solid step, but time will tell if it’s enough to significantly boost sales in the highly competitive subcompact crossover segment.
Release Date & Trim Level Pricing
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is expected to reach U.S. dealerships by the end of 2024, likely around November or December. Pricing details have not been officially confirmed yet, but the 2025 model is expected to have a slight increase from the previous year.
For reference, the 2024 Taos started at around $25,420 for the base model, with a destination fee of approximately $1,425. Buyers can anticipate the new model to maintain competitive pricing within the subcompact crossover segment.
The 2025 Taos will be available in several trims, including the S, SE, SEL, and the SEL Black Edition, which was introduced in 2024. The SEL trim is expected to come exclusively with all-wheel drive, while other trims will offer both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options.
The price range is anticipated to span from the low $26,000 range for the base model, potentially reaching the mid-$30,000s for higher-end trims with additional features.
Expected 0-60 Time
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is expected to improve its 0-60 mph time compared to previous versions, thanks to the enhancements made to its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. In past models, the Taos ranged from 7.4 to 8.8 seconds for its 0-60 acceleration, depending on the drivetrain configuration.
The quickest variant, the 2023 SEL 4MOTION, managed 7.4 seconds with all-wheel drive, while front-wheel-drive versions performed similarly but with minor differences due to transmission and weight.
With the upgraded engine delivering 174 horsepower, up from 158, and a shift from the 7-speed DSG to a smoother 8-speed automatic transmission across all trims, the 2025 Taos is likely to maintain or slightly improve upon these figures.
However, it may not drastically outperform the 2023 model, as the Taos focuses more on smoother shifts and everyday drivability rather than outright performance gains.
Fuel Efficiency MPG
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is expected to maintain or slightly improve upon the 2024 model’s fuel efficiency, which reached up to 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.
The upgraded 1.5-liter turbo engine and new 8-speed automatic transmission aim to optimize power delivery while keeping fuel consumption low. Modifications to the turbocharger and intercooler should also contribute to better efficiency without sacrificing performance, making the Taos competitive in the subcompact crossover segment.
