The overview!
Complete with a revised engine for this model year, resulting in 174 horsepower, an extra boost all the way around is in store when it comes to the Taos, the smallest SUV in Volkswagen’s lineup. Spacious and featuring richer materials throughout, the 2025 model year kicks things up a notch! From a thorough refresh in the form of updated styling and a more powerful engine, this small but mighty contender is all things amazing.
A peak under hood reveals a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 174 horsepower and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front and all four wheels. This replaces the seven-speed–dual-clutch automatic on AWD models. This engine has been given a massage of sorts, resulting in a 16-hp boost. Both front- and all-wheel drive models now use an eight-speed automatic transmission, while previously the 4Motion all-wheel-drive Taos received a seven-speed dual-clutch auto. Experts cite the engine’s low-speed thrust as a plus, as well as the eight-speed’s unobtrusive operation. And while the Taos and its updated engine has not been tested, for reference, a front-wheel drive model with the 158-hp engine gets to 60 mph from 0 in 7.4 seconds.
Good fuel economy is also found here, with the front-drive Taos EPA-rated at 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive model is at 25 mpg city and 33 highway. This represents a slight uptick in highway fuel economy for the AWD model than before.
On the outside, the Taos is updated with a new grille as well as illuminated VW badges. New wheel designs are offered in 17-, 18- and 19-inch sizes. In addition, there are new exterior colors presented in shades of blue, green and gray.
Within the cabin is all-out comfort, and a design that is popular for a reason. The Taos is put forth with a fully digital gauge cluster, fitted to every dashboard, and two-tone cloth-covered seats as standard. Those desiring a bit more luxury can opt for either leatherette or leather upholstery. Options are also plentiful throughout the cabin, with buyers able to equip it with such key features as customizable ambient lighting, an eight-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof. Roominess is also
found within, made clear in the 37.9 inches of rear-seat legroom, which is only 0.8 inches less than the two-row Tiguan. The Taos for 2025 also features 28 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seatbacks and 66 cubes with them folded flat.
Tech lovers will relish in the cool-looking infotainment system with subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. Standard within the Taos is an 8.0-inch touchscreen, which features the ever-popular Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity with a wired connection. Those opting for the upper trim levels receive wireless mirroring. The system can also be equipped with built-in navigation, a six-speaker stereo, SiriusXM satellite radio and wireless smartphone charging.
Safety is at the core of the Taos, with a plethora of driver-assistance technology, including forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. More info on the Taos’s crash-test results can be found by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety websites. Other notable features include standard blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert, standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking and standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature.
More than just minor tweaks, the Taos’ update is worth celebrating! Couple that with an appealing base price, a new transmission and plenty of space, and the open road awaits! Big driving appeal is found here in this small but powerful SUV. A mighty mite indeed! Take a test drive, and reserve yours today!