Meet The 2025 VW Taos: Your City’s New Best Friend (With Surprises)

The 2025 VW Taos, it has always been one of those quiet achievers in the compact SUV segment.

So what about this SUV? If you look from the outside; it never tried to shout the loudest or look the most aggressive.

But it built a reputation for being sensible; efficient, and a lot of room inside.

However, for 2025; Volkswagen decided it was time to sharpen that formula, the result is a refreshed VW Taos that feels more confident, more refined and much better suited to modern city life.

2025 VW Taos SUV Specs

So it has 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine; not a big one like the US SUVS with 4.0-liter, but it has been carefully reworked.

Power output now rises to 174 HP, so it increased from the last model.

It may not sound dramatic on paper but in daily driving the difference is noticeable and especially when merging into traffic or climbing hills.

Torque remains a healthy 184 lb-ft, which means the VW Taos still delivers its strength low in the rev range. This makes it feel responsive around town without needing to push the engine hard.

So we believe that the most important changes for 2025 is the transmission; VW has simplified things by fitting every Taos, whether front-wheel drive or 4Motion all-wheel drive, with a conventional eight-speed automatic gearbox.

However, the previous dual-clutch unit used in AWD models was efficient but could feel awkward at low speeds.

And the new setup is smoother and more predictable; better sutied to stop and go urban driving.

Front-wheel drive remains standart; while the available 4Motion system adds confidence in bad weather.

And yes; with selectable drive modes for snow, on-road, and light off-road use, it gives the VW Taos a bit more versatility than most city-focused SUVs.

A Cabin That Finally Feels Complete

Inside the 2025 VW Taos; the dashboard design is cleaner and materials feel softer to the touch. Cabin finally matches the modern expectations buyers have in this segment.

And every trim now comes standard with a floating 8-inch infotainment touchscreen; replacing the smaller display from the earlier model.

The screen is easier to see and quicker to respond; it is positioned more naturally within the driver’s line of sight.

However, the steering wheel; behind it, the digital cluster is also standard. Base versions use an 8-inch display, while higher trims receive the larger 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro.

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Connectivity Without the Frustration

2025 VW Taos has also cleaned up the tech experience; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all models with wireless connectivity available on higher trims.

With wireless charging pad is also offered and it helps to reduce cable clutter in the cabin.

The controls are still largely touch-based; which may divide opinions but they are more responsive than before and easier to live with day to day.

Subtle Styling, Smarter Presence

From the outside, the 2025 Taos still looks like a Taos, nothing shocking at first glance. But when you look a bit closer, you notice small changes. The front and rear bumpers are slightly reshaped, and the whole SUV feels cleaner, more grown up than before.

The biggest visual change is the lighting. LED headlights and taillights now come standard, and on higher trims there is a full light bar that runs across the front and the back. On some versions, even the VW badge lights up at night, which looks simple but kind of premium.

Wheels start at 17-inch on the base models and go up to 19-inch on higher trims, so you can pick comfort or a sportier look. There are also new colors this year, like Bright Moss Green, Monterey Blue Pearl, and Monument Gray. They add some character, but still keep things calm and not too flashy.

VW Taos Safety and Everyday Practicality

Safety is still one of the main reasons people look at the Taos. Every 2025 model comes with VW’s IQ.DRIVE system as standard. That means things like adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, blind spot warning, lane assist, and other helpful tech are already included, no need to pay extra.

In the city, the Taos is very easy to live with. It is not big or bulky, so parking is simple, and the turning circle is tight, almost like driving a hatchback. Inside, there is more space than you expect. Front-wheel drive models have close to 28 cubic feet of cargo space, and even the all-wheel drive versions still have enough room for shopping bags, luggage, or weekend stuff.

A Clear Step Forward

The 2025 VW Taos does not try to be something completely new, and that is actually why it works. VW added more power, fixed the transmission, improved the interior, and cleaned up the tech. Most of the weak points from the older model are now gone.

For people who want a compact SUV that is easy to drive every day, good in the city, and still comfortable on longer trips, the Taos makes a lot of sense. It feels smoother, more confident, and just better put together than before. This time, it feels complete, not like something is missing.

In a very crowded SUV market, the 2025 Taos stands out in a quiet way. It is not flashy or trying too hard, it just gets the basics right, and that is what really matters.

You can find more info at other sources like The Road Beat: images and more.

2025 VW Taos Price

Trim	Price	Worth It For…	Skip If…
S	$25,300	Budget buyers. Still gets key tech/safety.	You want AWD/leather.
SE	$29,000	Sweet spot. Heated seats, power driver seat, wireless charger.	You hate touch controls.
SEL	$34,000	Luxury seekers. Ventilated seats, HK audio, sunroof.	Your budget tops $30k.