10
Loading video...
By Jake Lingeman
Managing Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The subcompact Volkswagen Taos SUV was sold in China and built in Mexico for several years before it entered the U.S. market in 2021 as a 2022 model. It is VW's second-best seller and one of its least expensive vehicles making it the one that gets buyers into the dealership door. A quick update is for those models is always important and VW seemed to hit everything on the Taos from the look to the interior to the powertrain and wheels.
The new front-end design on the 2025 Volkswagen Taos brings it more in line with the company's new electric vehicles like the ID.4, with an optional full light bar in the front. It has a new bumper design too with standard LED lights and available adaptive front headlights. In the back the taillights are now also connected with an illuminated Volkswagen badge in the center.
Bright Moss Green, Monterey Blue Pearl, and Monument Gray are new color options for 2025 as are new wheel choices in 17-, 18- or 19-inches. The SE Black trim, introduced for 2024, is still available as is 4Motion all-wheel drive. The base Taos drives the front wheels only.
Read More on Autos
The new VW Taos features an updated version of its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. With internal changes and a new intercooler, it now makes 174 horsepower (hp) up from 158 hp. A traditional eight-speed automatic transmission replaces the slightly less smooth seven-speed dual-clutch automatic on 4Motion models.
Inside, the 2025 Taos comes with new material and color options and a redesigned dashboard that looks more modern. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display is standard on all models, while a separate touch control panel is offered on the SE trim and above.
The base S model comes with two-tone black and grey cloth upholstery; SE and SE Black models have a material called CloudTex and cloth materials. Leather seats are available in the top SEL models, either in a two-tone black and grey combination or dark blue. VW says it will also be quieter with new acoustic dampening treatments help to reduce interior noise.
Safety features start with VW's standard IQ.DRIVE system that includes emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, Travel Assist, with steering and acceleration assistance at lower speeds, blind spot monitor, lane keeping and adaptive cruise control. It also has Emergency Assist that will slow and stop your vehicle in case of a medical emergency. Front and rear parking sensors are also now available.
Volkswagen didn't give a price for the refreshed 2025 Taos, which will reach U.S dealerships by the end of this year, but the current model starts at about $25,000 with destination and handling. That price puts it right in line with its competitors like Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek. Those sell for $25,965 and $25,195 respectively. The new Chevy Trax will also be cross shopped, and is a little less expensive at $21,495. The Subaru Crosstrek is the only one that comes standard with all-wheel drive.
"The Taos has been an immensely popular gateway to the VW brand ever since it debuted in 2021, so more power, a new transmission, updated tech, and crisp styling should help keep Taos sales strong. However, all automakers hope their small crossovers draw in price-conscious and younger shoppers alike, so the Taos has its work cut out for it in one of the most brutally competitive segments in the industry," Dave Undercoffler, Editor-in-Chief at Autolist told Newsweek.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines