2025 Volkswagen Taos review and features for compact SUV buyers

The compact SUV market remains one of the most fiercely competitive segments in the automotive industry. With buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency, safety, and everyday practicality, the 2025 Volkswagen Taos continues to stand its ground by refining rather than reinventing its winning formula. Volkswagen’s subcompact SUV first hit the market in 2022 and has since carved out a niche among drivers seeking Euro-inspired styling, spacious interiors, and drivability—qualities all intact in the latest 2025 refresh. But is it enough to keep the Taos ahead of rising competitors?

In this in-depth review, we explore what the updated 2025 Volkswagen Taos has to offer, examine where it excels, and highlight what might leave some enthusiasts wanting more.

What’s New in the 2025 Volkswagen Taos?

From a design and engineering standpoint, the 2025 Taos doesn’t drastically diverge from its earlier iterations, but it introduces thoughtful updates that reflect the evolving expectations of drivers.

• Subtle exterior revisions to the front and rear façades offer a fresher look while preserving the recognizable VW DNA.
• Improved technology in the infotainment system, now better integrated with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit.
• Enhanced safety features such as standard adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, even on base trims.

Volkswagen’s decision to “stay the course” with the Taos isn’t about complacency—it’s about building upon a well-received package with incremental but meaningful improvements.

Exterior Design: Familiar but Modern

The 2025 Taos retains its compact profile and strong presence. The SUV continues to feature a clean, squared-off design punctuated by sharp lines and angular lighting elements. New for this year are slightly revised bumpers and headlight clusters that give the vehicle a more cohesive and modern appearance.

Buyers can also opt for the popular R-Line trim, which adds sporty blacked-out accents, unique wheels, and a more aggressive front grille—a visual upgrade that appeals to younger demographics.

Interior and Cabin Comfort

Inside, the Taos is surprisingly roomy for its classification. Volkswagen’s designers have managed to blend functionality with sophistication, creating an environment that feels upscale without drifting into luxury pricing territory.

Interior Highlights

• Spacious Seating: Ample legroom in both front and rear seats makes it practical for family outings and rideshare drivers.
• Generous cargo space: With 27.9 cubic feet of trunk space (expandable to 65.9 cubic feet when rear seats are folded), the Taos offers best-in-class versatility.
• Updated infotainment: The new 8-inch touchscreen delivers sharp resolution, intuitive menus, and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Premium upholstery options: Higher trims offer leatherette or genuine leather seats, along with ambient lighting.

Noise insulation is commendable, reducing highway and engine noise for a quieter cabin compared to rivals like the Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the hood, the 2025 Taos returns with a familiar 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant, carried over from the previous model, is known for its balance between performance and fuel economy.

Transmission and Drivability

• 8-speed automatic transmission (front-wheel drive)
• 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (4Motion all-wheel drive)

While the Taos won’t win drag races, its refined steering and composed handling make it a pleasure to navigate through tight city streets and winding rural roads. The available 4Motion AWD system offers enhanced traction for drivers in snow-prone regions.

Fuel Efficiency and Sustainability

One of the Taos’s biggest strengths is its fuel economy. The 2025 model delivers:

• 28 mpg in the city
• 36 mpg on the highway
• 31 mpg combined (FWD configuration)

These figures position the Taos among the top of its class, rivaling hybrid powertrains without requiring the same purchase investment. However, the lack of an electrified variant might be a stumbling block as automakers begin to aggressively deploy hybrids and EVs in this segment.

Safety Features and Ratings

Volkswagen has doubled down on active safety features in 2025.

Standard Across All Trims

• Front Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Rear Traffic Alert
• Adaptive Cruise Control

Optional upgrades include park assist and a surround-view camera system. The 2025 Taos maintains strong ratings from major testing agencies, including a projected 5-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick status (pending confirmation).

Trim Levels and Pricing

Volkswagen offers the Taos in three core trims: S, SE, and SEL. Each includes a variety of standard and optional features to meet different budget and lifestyle preferences.

Price Breakdown (Estimated)

• Taos S: Starting $24,995
• Taos SE: Starting $28,500
• Taos SEL: Starting $33,900

The Taos SE offers the best value with upgraded safety tech, larger wheels, and the more capable infotainment system—balancing cost and functionality for the everyday driver.

Where the Taos Stands in the Market

Despite being a newer player relative to long-standing competitors, the Volkswagen Taos has quickly become a standout thanks to smart styling, efficient space management, and refined German engineering. It competes closely with:

• Mazda CX-30 – sportier dynamics but less cargo space
• Honda HR-V – roomier interior but weaker engine
• Chevrolet Trailblazer – lower base price but fewer refined features
• Kia Seltos – robust tech features and available turbo engine

The Taos’s unique blend of European design sensibility and smart practicality helps it maintain a strong foothold in a rapidly advancing segment.

Dealer and Market Insights

For automotive dealers, the Taos remains a high-margin vehicle, especially in SE or SEL trims. Inventory turnover remains strong, thanks in part to Volkswagen’s consistently aggressive lease incentives and financing packages.

• High resale value compared to other subcompacts
• Eligibility for Volkswagen Care+ maintenance programs—an attractive selling point for buyers
• Appeals to young professionals and small families—a demographic with serious long-term brand loyalty potential

For automakers and dealers alike, the Taos represents a stable product line—an essential asset as the market fluctuates between electrification strategies and consumer affordability.

Final Thoughts: A Compact Standout That Climbs Quietly

The 2025 Volkswagen Taos isn’t revolutionary—but that’s not its goal. It remains a sensible, feature-rich, and well-executed compact SUV for drivers who value reliability, design, and efficiency in equal measure. Whether you’re a weekend warrior in need of cross-country versatility or a commuter looking for everyday comfort, the Taos checks all the right boxes.

Volkswagen’s commitment to refining—not reinventing—the Taos means that fans of the model will likely embrace the new model with enthusiasm, while new buyers may find it’s one of the better-kept secrets in an increasingly noisy segment.

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