Compact Cruiser

Whether navigating rough terrain or cruising the highway,
the Volkswagen Taos offers a fun, engaging ride at an impressive value.

By Nitish S. Rele

Empty nesters, first-time buyers, young professionals and small families—your ride has arrived. For 2025, VW has fully revamped the Taos, giving it a bolder look, more power, and cutting-edge technology.

Starting at $24,995 and topping out at $34,695 (plus a $1,425 destination fee), the energetic and value-packed Taos fits seamlessly into the VW lineup and is available in four trims.

While it retains the 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, it now delivers an extra 16 horsepower, bringing the total to 174 hp at 5500 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque at 1750 rpm. The 8-speed automatic transmission comes standard across all models, whether front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Taos also keeps its strut-type front and torsion beam rear suspension, as well as electric power steering.

The exterior gets a fresh look with new wheels, a redesigned bumper, and a chromed-accented grille, now featuring standard projector LEDs and an available light bar. At the back, the LED tail lamps connect with a centered illuminated VW emblem.

Offering a spacious 99.5 cubic feet of passenger space, the cabin has been updated with new materials, colors, and décor. All trims come with an 8-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster as standard. Other features include dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, cloth and leather seating, black or silver roof rails, remote start, 10-color ambient lighting, a manual tilt/telescoping steering column and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. For a sportier option, the SE Black trim offers 18- or 19-inch wheels, black roof, spoiler, roof rails, mirror caps, 4Motion badging (AWD) and a panoramic sunroof.

Safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and hydraulic brake assist, stability control, a rearview camera, post-collision braking, three-point seat belts for all passengers, daytime running lights and a tire pressure monitoring system, all standard. VW’s IQ Drive suite adds blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, rear traffic alert, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and travel/emergency assist—essentially providing a semi-automated driving experience.

Positioned just below the larger Tiguan in VW's lineup, the Taos offers a fun, engaging ride with solid performance, impressive value and commendable fuel efficiency. It’s a smart pick for any potential buyer, but is an especially good choice for first-time buyers.

Specifications

Tires: 215/55R17
Wheelbase: 105.9 inches
Length: 175.9 inches
Width: 72.5 inches
Height: 64.5 inches
Fuel capacity: 13.2 gallons
Combined: 31 mpg
Weight: 3,201 pounds

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