We couldn’t be happier about a makeover of the VW Taos. That’s because this compact SUV is the mini-mini-me of the super popular VW Atlas, the brand’s capable and elegant full-size 3-row SUV (the mini-me is the VW Tiguan, which is also slated for a makeover soon). We love how the VW Taos is sort of like driving only the front cabin of the Atlas: it has all the style, great components and a nice view of the road, but without the living-room-on-wheels guilt you get from driving around in a 3-row SUV by yourself.
The 2025 VW Taos follows an update of the Jetta—which also came in with a lower entry level price for 2025 than it did in 2024—and will be followed by an updated Tiguan later this year and finally, the roll out of the VW ID Buzz.
For 2025, VW kept the Taos same four trims—S, SE, SE Black and SEL—updating each with more power, better standard features, new technology and some fun and flashy details on the top models. Here’s what you’ll find when this fun little compact SUV goes on sale at the end of the year.
This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. No AI was used.
The New Face Of 2025 VW Taos Adds a Fresh, Modern Look
VW kept the basic silhouette and chiseled look of VW Taos, but updated its face. Gone are the chrome bars across the grille, which has been lowered; added is a bar and VW badge across the front at the hood line; these elements are lighted in the top two trims. The front bar connects the headlights, which wrap around the front corners of the Taos in a winking nod to the VW ID.4, which was the first to have this animated look.
Same Engine, More Power — 16 More HP To Be Exact
It’s sort of crazy how car makers are eeking out more power from the same engines, but, they can. So they do. That’s the case here; VW didn’t replace the engine in the Taos, but improved its performance. So now it delivers a respectable 174 HP, versus the just-enough 158 HP of the outgoing model.
Add to that a new 8-speed transmission for AWD models that is designed for comfort and confidence, and it should be even more fun to drive, and it was pretty fun before.
Adaptive Headlights and VW IQ Drive Assist and Safety Features
It’s worth another look at the new lights on the VW Taos because they are adaptive lights, meaning they move to illuminate the road ahead when you turn the wheel (in SE trim and above). This is a bonus to the full suite of driver assist and safety features, which are standard. These include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keep assist
- Emergency braking
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear traffic alert
- Front and rear park distance control parking sensors
Read: Are Your Kids Properly Secured? Child Passenger Safety Week
This Cabin of the VW Taos is an Atlas Mini-Me
From cloth and soft-touch surfaces to chrome and leather—yes, leather in this compact, budget-friendly SUV—you can pick the level of pampering you want. The new interior is nicely appointed with a leatherette covered dash and lighter color options that keep the mood light. There’s a nicely organized center console with a lever shifter, rather than the toggle found in the Atlas, but most of the functions are in the same general area, including a wireless phone charger (SE and above).
There are also controls on the steering wheel (Just like the Atlas) and a large driver display with an expanded version of VW’s Digital Cockpit that, in the top trim, allows you to customize your view. The two higher trim levels also feature a panoramic sunroof.
Read: The Best Compact SUVs Under $32,000 — All the Fun and Function For Not a Lot of Cash
A Larger Center Screen With All the Goodies
The floating 8″ center display, which is standard on all trims, anchors the dashboard and adding more function. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which is wireless in SE and above and voice control (again, SE and above) as well as media and vehicle settings. The top SEL model also has built-in navigation.
Read: Here’s Everything You Need to Know to Change Your Own Oil
New Wheels and AWD Available in All Models
For buyers who opt for front wheel drive, VW has sweetened the deal with new wheels 17″ or 18″ aluminum blade-style wheels. For those who need AWD, which carries an extra charge on all but the SEL model, buyers can go even larger, with a 19″ wheel option on the two top trims.
Four VW Taos Trims Offer a Lot of Features
For 2025 there are the same four trim levels: S, SE, SEL Black and SEL. The S model includes cloth seating, the 8″ screen, WiFi, roof rials and rain sensing wipers. Add AWD and also get heated front seats. SE adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charger, voice activated assistance, leatherette seating and remote start. SEL Black adds gloss black details including wheels, roof and mirror caps, as well a front light bar and panoramic sunroof.
The SEL edition upgrades upholstery to leather, adds vented seats, a larger 10″ driver display, navigation, road sign reader, ambient lighting, AWD and 19″ wheels.
What Will the 2025 VW Taos Cost?
VW is mum on this point for now, but let’s venture a guess: The current 2024 model is priced at $23,995 for the S model, $28,165 for the SE, $30,365 for the SE Black and $33,515 for the SEL edition. AWD can be added for about $1,500 to all but the SEL model, which has it standard. Our guess is that the added power, new look, larger screen and enhanced features will come in at just a hair above current prices. VW actually reduced the price of the 2025 Jetta over the 2024 model, so who knows?
We’ll have to wait until closer to the end-of-year on-sale date to find out, but surely it’ll be worth the wait for this updated compact SUV that delivers all the goodness of VW’s SUVs.
