The 2025 Volkswagen Taos enters a fiercely competitive compact crossover market with some notable updates, but it faces an uphill battle to make a lasting impression. While Volkswagen’s smallest SUV does many things well, it doesn’t excel in any one area, leaving it as a jack-of-all-trades that risks being overshadowed by both rivals and its larger sibling, the Tiguan.
Overview: What’s New for 2025?
Volkswagen has made incremental improvements to the Taos for the 2025 model year. The most significant updates include:
- A mild power bump to 174 horsepower, up from 158 in the previous model, thanks to revised engine internals and a modified turbocharger.
- A switch from the previous seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to an eight-speed automatic in AWD models, which promises smoother shifts and a more relaxed driving experience.
- Styling updates, including a boxier front fascia with a larger lower grille, and new color options such as Monument Gray and Bright Moss Green.
- Expanded standard features, including LED projector headlights, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive safety suite.
These updates are intended to keep the Taos competitive, but do they do enough to set it apart?
Performance and Driving Dynamics
The Taos’s 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine now produces 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While the engine feels responsive at low speeds, it runs out of breath quickly, particularly above 50 mph. This makes highway merging and passing less confident compared to some rivals.
The eight-speed automatic transmission in AWD models is a welcome improvement, delivering smooth and predictable shifts compared to the outgoing DSG. Front-wheel-drive models retain the same seven-speed dual-clutch setup, which provides quicker but sometimes jerkier shifts.
The Taos handles predictably, with precise steering and a firm but comfortable suspension. However, its driving dynamics won’t thrill enthusiasts. Those seeking a more engaging experience might look to the Mazda CX-30.
Interior: Spacious and Well-Equipped
One area where the Taos shines is interior space. With ample room for both passengers and cargo, it offers one of the most accommodating cabins in its class. Rear-seat passengers will appreciate the generous legroom, while the cargo area provides plenty of room for luggage or groceries.
The interior design strikes a balance between modern tech and user-friendly controls. While many competitors have fully embraced touch-sensitive controls, Volkswagen has wisely retained physical buttons for key functions, such as climate and volume adjustments. The materials, including cloth and leatherette upholstery, feel high-quality, though not quite premium.
Tech features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, multiple USB-C ports, and an optional 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The infotainment system is intuitive, though the screen could benefit from faster response times.
Safety Features: Standard Across the Board
Volkswagen has equipped the 2025 Taos with its IQ.Drive suite of driver assistance technologies as standard. This includes:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Travel Assist.
- Lane-Keeping Assist.
- Automatic Emergency Braking.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
These features, which were once exclusive to luxury vehicles, now come standard even in the base model, reflecting the rapid advancement of automotive safety tech.
Fuel Efficiency and Sustainability
Fuel economy remains unchanged at 31 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models, while AWD variants see a slight improvement to 28 mpg combined. These figures are competitive but fall short of standout options like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid (up to 42 mpg) or the hybrid Subaru Crosstrek.
Volkswagen’s reluctance to bring its European plug-in hybrid technology to the U.S. market leaves the Taos at a disadvantage in an era when efficiency is a top priority for many buyers.
Design: Polarizing Updates
The exterior design of the 2025 Taos has received mixed reviews. The new front end, with its pinched headlights and larger lower grille, gives the vehicle a more rugged, boxy look but also accentuates its slab-sided proportions. Some may find the design modern and assertive, while others might see it as uninspired.
New colors like Bright Moss Green, inspired by Porsche’s Mamba Green, add some visual flair, but overall, the Taos’s styling struggles to stand out in a segment filled with more daring designs like the Hyundai Kona or Kia Seltos.
Price and Value: Close to Its Big Brother
The Taos starts at $26,420, making it Volkswagen’s most affordable SUV in the U.S. The tested SE 4Motion model comes in at $31,040, putting it uncomfortably close to the larger Tiguan, which starts at $33,920 in AWD configuration.
The minimal price difference between a well-equipped Taos and a base Tiguan raises questions about the Taos’s value proposition. For just a few dollars more per month on a lease, buyers can get a larger, more powerful vehicle with similar features.
Competition: Tough Rivals Everywhere
The compact crossover market is packed with strong contenders, each with its own distinct strengths. Here’s how the Taos compares:
- Mazda CX-30: Offers sharper handling and a more premium interior.
- Hyundai Kona: Stands out with bold styling and advanced tech.
- Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: Leads the pack in fuel efficiency.
- Kia Seltos: Combines style, space, and value.
- Subaru Crosstrek: Provides all-weather capability and a hybrid option.
The Taos’s versatility makes it a solid all-around choice, but it doesn’t dominate any single category.
Final Thoughts: Good, But Not Great
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is a competent and practical compact crossover that checks all the right boxes for many buyers. It offers a spacious interior, smooth driving dynamics, and a long list of standard features at a competitive price.
However, in a crowded segment filled with standout options, the Taos struggles to carve out a clear identity. Its lack of a hybrid option, average efficiency, and proximity in price to the Tiguan make it hard to justify for undecided shoppers.
For Volkswagen, the Taos highlights a broader challenge: the need to recapture the bold, innovative spirit that once defined the brand. Until then, the Taos is a solid choice, but not an exceptional one.
