Volkswagen continues to refine its smallest SUV, the Taos, with the 2025 model blending subtle redesigns and powertrain upgrades. While it’s not an entirely new generation, the updates offer more than just a refresh. The 2025 Taos adopts VW’s evolving design language, enhances interior features, and delivers a notable boost in performance under the hood. Let’s dive into what makes the latest Taos worth your attention.

Updated Exterior is A Familiar but Fresh Design

At first glance, the 2025 Taos sports a sharper, more refined look. Volkswagen has shifted design cues to better align with its latest models, like the GTI, Jetta, and the ID. Buzz. The front fascia introduces a sleeker upper portion with a thin light strip that stretches to newly standard LED headlights. Below, a larger grille now dominates the lower fascia, contributing to a bolder, more commanding stance on the road.

Around the back, you’ll notice a similar treatment with a new light bar connecting the redesigned taillight housings. These small yet impactful changes give the Taos a more modern appeal while maintaining the SUV’s practical dimensions. New color options—Bright Moss Green, Monterey Blue Pearl, and Monument Gray—further expand customization possibilities for buyers looking to stand out.

Interior Tweaks Featuring More Tech and Comfort

Inside, the 2025 Taos introduces a floating 8.0-inch center touchscreen, standard across the lineup, replacing the previous 6.5-inch unit. This new setup enhances the dash’s design, offering a cleaner, more sophisticated look. The infotainment system comes equipped with the latest tech, ensuring a user-friendly interface for navigation, media, and vehicle controls.

Volkswagen didn’t stop at just visual upgrades. A new climate control system provides enhanced functionality, and features like Park Distance Control and the Adaptive Front Light System are now available on the SE trim. These updates make for a more connected and convenient driving experience, something tech-savvy buyers will appreciate.

Powertrain Enhancements with More Power, Smoother Ride

Under the hood, the 2025 Taos features a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, but this isn’t just a carryover from last year’s model. Volkswagen’s engineers have made several changes, including new piston rings, injectors, a larger intercooler, and an upgraded turbo housing. These modifications boost the engine’s output to 174 horsepower, up from the previous 158 hp, giving the Taos a bit more punch for highway merging and city driving.

Another major update comes with the transmission. Volkswagen replaces the seven-speed DSG automatic in 4Motion all-wheel-drive models with an eight-speed automatic across all trims, addressing customer feedback for smoother, more intuitive shifting. Whether you opt for front-wheel drive or the 4Motion system, the 2025 Taos promises a refined, more enjoyable driving experience.

Aiming to Continue Sales Success

Since its 2022 debut, the Volkswagen Taos has seen consistent success, with an average of 60,000 units sold annually in the U.S. With the 2025 model, VW aims to build on that momentum by offering more choices in wheels and exterior colors, alongside its updated styling and performance improvements.

Pricing details will be released closer to the SUV’s official launch later this year, but expect a slight increase from the current base model price of $25,420. As competition in the compact SUV segment heats up, the Taos continues to offer strong value with its blend of style, tech, and performance.

The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is a smart evolution of a popular compact SUV. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel but instead polishes its existing strengths with a design refresh, tech upgrades, and a welcome power boost. For those looking for a stylish, capable, and tech-forward small SUV, the Taos stands out as a compelling option in a crowded market.

Whether you’re a current Taos fan or considering your first VW, the 2025 model offers enough new features and updates to make it worth a test drive when it hits dealerships later this year.