2025 Volkswagen Taos
Our VerdictThe 2025 Taos is a small SUV with a spacious, well-equipped cabin, modern tech and strong safety features, making it great for commuters and small families. However, its 174-hp turbo engine provides only adequate acceleration, and cargo space is smaller than in larger rivals
Commuters, Tech Lovers, Safety-Conscious Buyers, Small Families
Off-Roaders, Speed Enthusiasts
The Case For
- Roomy rear seats and generous cargo area
- Smooth, refined driving experience on highways
- Standard 8″ touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- VW’s IQ.DRIVE driver-assist suite on all trims
- Good fuel efficiency (EPA ~28/36 mpg (city/hwy) on FWD models
Considerations
- Underpowered engine – 174 hp feels modest. 0–60 mph is around 8.9 seconds
- Soft suspension sacrifices sporty cornering for comfort
- Lack of spacious cargo available
- No hybrid option
Who It's For
The Taos is a subcompact crossover aimed at drivers who want more space and style than a typical small car. It stands out with a roomy interior and family-friendly dimensions and remains easy to maneuver in city traffic. The 2025 refresh gives it a bolder look with a stylish exterior plus an upgraded cabin with better materials and an 8″ touchscreen. Overall, the Taos offers a strong value: solid fuel economy, modern tech, and a full set of driver assists make it an appealing choice for commuters and small families.
Choose Your Specification
S
$25,495Entry - Level Value
The base S comes well-equipped for the price. Standard kit includes 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, roof rails, an 8.0″ digital gauge cluster and 8.0″ touchscreen, plus cloth seats and a heated leatherette steering wheel. Safety aids like forward-collision braking, blind-spot monitor and lane-keeping assist are included. AWD is optional; adding AWD brings 18-inch wheels, heated front seats and selectable drive modes. This trim is best for budget buyers and urban commuters who still want modern tech.
SE
$28,395Comfort and Tech Upgradepd
Building on the S, the midrange SE adds features like keyless entry and push-button start, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, and a power-adjustable (heated) driver’s seat. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a six-speaker audio system are standard. Some models have a panoramic sunroof option. Overall, the SE is best for buyers who want extra comfort and tech without the luxury price.
SE Black
$30,645Sporty Style Edition
The SE Black trim adds sporty visual upgrades. Outside, it features black 18″ (FWD) or 19″ (AWD) wheels, blacked-out exterior accents, and an LED light bar across the nose. Inside, it largely shares SE equipment, but the tinted accents give a more aggressive look. It’s ideal for buyers who like the SE’s features but want a more distinctive, athletic appearance.
SEL
$35,195Luxury - Focused
The SEL is the top trim, and it comes standard with AWD. It adds premium features: 19-inch wheels, full LED accent lighting, and automatic wipers. Inside, the SEL upgrades to leather seats (heated & ventilated front seats), a power passenger seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a premium audio system. Technology upgrades include a 10.25″ digital configurable gauge cluster, built-in navigation, 10-color ambient interior lighting, and parking sensors. A 360-degree camera system is optional. This trim is best for those seeking near-luxury features in a compact package.
- Has keyless entry, wireless smartphone integration, dual-zone climate, and a power driver’s seat
- Includes all premium features without jumping to SEL's pricing
- It offers a smooth ride and stronger handling (especially if you opt for AWD) plus all the core infotainment and safety tech.
- The SE has the best balance of price, comfort, and long-term value
Trim by Trim
Select your car trims and compare them instantly
| Specification | S | SE | SE Black | SEL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Gas (1.5L Turbo) | Gas (1.5L Turbo) | Gas (1.5L Turbo) | Gas (1.5L Turbo) |
| Horsepower | 174 | 174 | 174 | 174 |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 28/36 (FWD); 25/33 (AWD) | 28/36 (FWD); 25/33 (AWD) | 28/36 (FWD); 25/33 (AWD) | 25/33 (AWD) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo Capacity | 27.9 / 65.9 | 27.9 / 65.9 | 27.9 / 65.9 | 24.9 / 60.2 |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto | 8-speed auto | 8-speed auto | 8-speed auto |
| MSRP | $25,495 | $28,395 | $30,645 | $35,195 |
| Car Type | SUV | SUV | SUV | SUV |
The Cost of Ownership
Here is the Volkswagen Taos's annual ownership costs:
Assumptions: Based on average U.S. driver (12,000 miles/year, fuel price ~$3.75/gal, good driving record).
From Every Angle
Exterior
4.5Modern and Sharp
The 2025 Taos gets a new front bumper and full-width LED light bar giving it a distinctive, upscale look. From the standard LED headlights to the optional panoramic sunroof (on higher trims), the styling is fresh and eye-catching. Available two-tone paint and black wheels (on SE Black/SEL) add flair.
Interior
4Spacious and Refined
Inside, the Taos feels roomy and well-built. Rear legroom is generous for this class, and cargo space is 27.9 cu ft behind the seats (up to 65.9 cu ft folded) Higher trims add leatherette or cloth/CloudTex seats, ambient interior lighting, and soft-touch surfaces. A standard 8″ touchscreen (with wireless CarPlay/Android) sits between the driver and passenger, and SEL models get a larger 10.25″ digital gauge display.
Safety
4Well - Equipped
Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE suite is standard on all trims, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering. In testing, the Taos earns ‘Good ratings’ in most crash categories.
Warranty
3Rivals Offer Longer Coverage
The Volkswagen Taos comes with a factory New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first), covering defects in materials or workmanship. There’s also a Limited Warranty Against Corrosion Perforation lasting 7 years or 100,000 miles, protecting body sheet-metal from rust-through. Roadside assistance is included for a more limited period (commonly 3 years/36,000 miles). The plan omits routine wear items (brake pads, tires, wipers) and covers only workmanship faults. Considering that some rivals provide longer terms, this warranty is adequate but not class-leading.
Fuel Economy
4.5Efficient for Class
The Taos delivers competitive fuel economy with upto ~36 mpg (FWD) and ~25/33 mpg (AWD). This fuel efficiency beats many mainstream SUVs and is very cost - effective.
Tech and Infotainment
4Modern and User - Friendly
The Taos comes with a solid tech suite. All models get an 8-inch touchscreen display with voice control and both Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Connectivity is strong with wireless smartphone integration, plus an available in-car Wi-Fi hotspot. The instrument panel is fully digital on all trims, with the SEL upgrading to a 10.25″ configurable cockpit. Controls are mostly physical knobs/buttons for quick use, except the touch-sensitive climate panel. Audio is decent (four-speaker stereo base, six-speaker on higher trims).
Performance and Handling
3.5Comfort-Oriented, Not Sporty
Performance is adequate for daily driving but not thrilling. The 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder’s 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque provide modest acceleration. The ride is tuned for comfort, and the handling is stable but not sharp. The Taos excels at a quiet, relaxed ride but lacks the sporty feedback some drivers crave.
New This Year
- All-new styling with a front bumper, grille, and full-width LED lighting
- Turbocharged 1.5L engine now makes 174 hp (+16 hp), improving acceleration.
- Old dual-clutch AWD gearbox replaced with a conventional 8-speed automatic
- An 8-inch floating infotainment display is now standard on all trims
- Higher-quality materials and ambient lighting.
- New touch-sensitive controls like climate panels are also added
- All Taos models now come with the standard IQ.DRIVE safety suite
Cars similar to the 2025 Volkswagen Taos
The 2025 Taos competes with other small SUVs like the Kia Sportage and Subaru Crosstrek. Below is a quick comparison:
2025 Volkswagen Taos
2025 Kia Sportage
2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer| Aspect | 2025 Volkswagen Taos | 2025 Kia Sportage | 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | 174-hp turbo. Adequate acceleration, soft ride | Smooth ride; base engine is sluggish; available hybrid boosts both power and fuel economy | 1.2L turbo (137 hp, CVT) or 1.3L turbo. Acceleration is modest but lacks sporty feel |
| Tech & Interior | Freshly updated interior. Standard 8″ touchscreen with wireless CarPlay/Android | Modern dual 12.3″ screens on higher trims with advanced tech. | Trailblazer leads with a massive 11″ touchscreen, standard wireless CarPlay/Android Auto and an 8″ driver display. Interior materials are mid-grade, but tech content is class-leading |
| Practicality | Good rear legroom; 27.9 cu.ft. cargo (FWD) plenty of cupholders and small storage. | Best-in-class cargo (39.6 cu. ft.) and passenger space; versatile rear seats | Cargo space is decent: 25.3 cu. ft. behind seats, 54.4 cu. ft. max. |
| Comfort & Space | Comfortable seating for 5; quiet cabin with ample leg and head room | Very spacious and plush interior with lots of legroom | Comfortable for passengers with a forgiving suspension, especially on the highway. Rear seating is spacious, with good head- and legroom |
| Who's It For? | Urban commuters and small families; value-conscious buyers who want modern gadgets and safety tech | Tech-savvy families; those wanting hybrid efficiency; drivers who favor comfort and warranty | Perfect for young buyers, city drivers, and tech lovers seeking a modern, affordable SUV with bold styling and available AWD. |
| Best Choice For | Updated styling & tech Strong safety kit Fuel economy | High tech features Smooth ride Hybrid option | Modern infotainment Sporty style options (RS/Activ) Roomy back seat and front flat-fold seat for long items |
Asked & Answered
Does the Taos offer FWD?
Yes. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on the Taos S and SE, while all-wheel drive (AWD) is available as an option on S, SE and SE Black trims. The SEL trim comes with AWD as standard
Is there a hybrid or electric version of the Taos?
No. For 2025, the Taos is offered only with the turbocharged 1.5L gasoline engine. VW has not announced a hybrid or plug-in version of the Taos.
What warranty does Volkswagen provide?
The 2025 Taos comes with Volkswagen’s standard “Car-Net” coverage: 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 6-year/72,000-mile powertrain warranty
How safe is the 2025 Taos?
Very safe. It includes a full suite of active, standard safety tech (AEB, blind-spot monitor, lane assist, etc.) In crash tests, the Taos earned a 5-star NHTSA overall rating for most trims. Its new LED headlights also improve nighttime visibility.