Photo by Lucas Pezeta via Pexels
Look, compact SUVs are everywhere. But the Taos? It’s that rare breed that actually gets urban life. For 2025, VW didn’t just tweak it – they gave it a caffeine jolt. More power, smarter tech, and a cabin that shames rivals $10k pricier. Let’s rip off the brochure and get real.
What’s New? (Spoiler: It Matters)
1. The Heart Transplant:
- Old engine: 158 hp (adequate but yawn-worthy).
- 2025’s 1.5L Turbo: 174 hp, 184 lb-ft torque. Finally wakes up when you floor it.
- 8-Speed Auto: Replaces the sluggish 7-speed DSG. Smoother, quieter, no more rubber-band lag.
2. The Face Lift (That’s Not Superficial):
- Headlights: Slimmer, meaner – like a mini-ID.4.
- Grille: Wider, more aggressive. No longer looks like a “discount Tiguan.”
- Wheels: New designs – 18-inchers on SE/SEL look sharp.
3. Cabin Revolution:
- Goodbye, Fisher-Price Plastics: Soft-touch dash, padded armrests, real metal trim.
- Ambient Lighting: 30 colors. Mood lighting for… commuting? Sure, why not.
- Infotainment: 12.3-inch Digital Cockpit STANDARD. Wireless Apple/Android on all trims. Thank you, VW.
4. Safety You Actually Want:
- Standard on EVERY Taos:
- Adaptive cruise (with stop-and-go traffic jam assist)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane centering (not just lane departure)
- Rear cross-traffic alert
This isn’t just “new” – it’s a game-changer for the class.
Driving It: Zippy Commuter, Not Canyon Carver
- 0-60 mph: ~7.8 seconds. Respectable for the class (HR-V: 9.2 sec, Kona: 8.5 sec).
- City Driving: Turbo torque hits early – darts through traffic. Steering’s light but precise.
- Highway: 8-speed hushes the engine. Suspension soaks up potholes better than a CR-V.
- AWD (4MOTION): $1,900 option. Worth it if you see snow/mud. Not for off-roading.
“It’s like your favorite sneakers: comfy, grippy, but don’t run a marathon in ’em.”
Fuel Economy: The Sweet Spot
| Drivetrain | City MPG | Highway MPG | Real-World Highway |
|---|---|---|---|
| FWD | 28 | 36 | 38-40 |
| AWD | 25 | 32 | 34-36 |
| Secret Sauce: The engine shuts off 2 cylinders when cruising. You’ll never feel it. |
Interior: Small SUV, Big Surprises
The Wins:
- Rear Legroom: 37.9 inches – beats a RAV4 (37.8″). Adults fit without amputation.
- Cargo Space: 65.9 cu ft seats down → swallows an IKEA KALLAX (tested!).
- Tech: Wireless charging pad, 4x USB-C ports, optional 10-color ambient lighting.
- Seats: 8-way power driver’s seat (SE+) – finally! Ventilated seats on SEL.
The Quirks:
- Touch Controls: HVAC sliders are still annoying. Buttons > screens, VW!
- Rear Seats: Don’t recline. Fine for kids, adults get stiff after 2 hours.
Safety & Tech: No More Upcharge Angst
Standard on ALL Trims:
- IQ.DRIVE Suite: Adaptive cruise, lane centering, emergency braking.
- Digital Cockpit Pro: 12.3-inch configurable screen – maps, media, trip data.
- Wireless Everything: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, charging.
SEL Goodies:
- Harmon Kardon Audio: 480-watt thumper.
- Panoramic Sunroof: Opens up the claustrophobic-feeling cabin.
- Navigation: Built-in (but you’ll still use Google Maps).
Pricing: Where It Shines (and Stumbles)
| 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. |
Warranty Peace:
- 4-year/50k bumper-to-bumper
- 2 years free maintenance (oil changes, inspections)
Above average for non-luxury brands.
The Dealbreakers (Be Honest)
BUY IF:
- You commute daily in a city/suburbs.
- Want German refinement at Japanese prices.
- Crave tech without the luxury tax.
- Need rear seat space for kids/carpools.
SKIP IF:
- You drive gravel roads weekly (get a Subaru).
- Demand hybrid MPG (Taos has no electrified option).
- Tow over 1,500 lbs (max capacity).
VW’s Best Urban Warrior Yet
The 2025 Taos fixes the old model’s sins:
- Weak engine? Gone.
- Cheap interior? History.
- Missing safety tech? Standard now.
It’s not flashy, not a rock crawler – but for city slickers who value polish over poser vibes, it’s a home run. Test drive it against the CR-V or RAV4. The Taos will surprise you where it counts: living with it daily won’t make you hate your life.
Final Tip: Spring for the SE trim. The heated seats and power driver seat are worth every penny when winter hits.
About the Author
