The Volkswagen Taos has carved out a reputation as an affordable, versatile compact SUV. For the 2025 model year, Volkswagen has given it a significant refresh, aimed at making it even more appealing in the highly competitive SUV market. With upgrades ranging from exterior styling to powertrain improvements and advanced technology, the new Taos promises to deliver more of what drivers are looking for.
Exterior Design Enhancements: A Bold New Look
One of the first things drivers will notice about the 2025 Volkswagen Taos is its updated exterior. The front end now features a redesigned bumper and grille, with an available light bar adding a sleek, modern touch. Standard LED projector headlights on all trims contribute to a sharper, more refined appearance, while connected taillights and an illuminated Volkswagen badge at the rear enhance the overall look.
Volkswagen is also offering three new paint colours for the 2025 Taos: Bright Moss Green, Monterey Blue Pearl, and Monument Gray. These additions provide drivers with more ways to express their style on the road. New wheel designs further differentiate the trims, with 17-inch, 18-inch, or 19-inch included as standard. The Comfortline Black trim, introduced in 2024, continues to offer its distinctive all-black aesthetic with unique wheel options, appealing to those who want a sportier look.
Interior and Technology Upgrades: Comfort Meets Innovation
Inside, Volkswagen has revamped the Taos’ cabin with a redesigned dashboard and new materials that lend a more contemporary look. The centrepiece of the interior is an 8-inch floating infotainment display, which comes standard across all models, offering intuitive control and easy access to entertainment and navigation. The Comfortline trim and above also feature touch controls for the Climatronic HVAC system, adding convenience and a sleek, modern aesthetic to climate management.
Beyond the tech upgrades, Volkswagen has also made efforts to improve cabin comfort. New acoustic dampening treatments help reduce road noise, ensuring a quieter and more enjoyable ride.
Powertrain and Performance Improvements: More Power Under the Hood
Under the hood, the 2025 Volkswagen Taos has undergone significant improvements, starting with a revised 1.5-litre turbocharged engine. This engine now produces 174 horsepower, up from 158 in the previous model. The enhancements come from updated hardware, including new piston rings, fuel injectors, and a larger intercooler, along with a new gasoline particulate filter that boosts efficiency while reducing emissions.
Another major upgrade is the replacement of the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in the all-wheel-drive models. In its place, Volkswagen has equipped the 4Motion versions of the Taos with a more conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. This change is aimed at providing smoother shifts and improved drivability, whether in stop-and-go city traffic or on the open highway.
Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance: Technology for Peace of Mind
Safety is a top priority for Volkswagen, and the 2025 Taos reflects this with the inclusion of the IQ.DRIVE suite of driver assistance features. This system comes standard across all trims and includes a range of helpful technologies designed to keep drivers safe and reduce stress on the road. Key features include Travel Assist for semi-automated driving, Front Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Active Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, and Emergency Assist.
Conclusion
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos brings a host of exciting updates that enhance its appeal in the compact SUV segment. From bold exterior styling and a more comfortable, tech-forward cabin to increased power and advanced safety features, this refresh positions the Taos as a strong contender in a crowded market. With these improvements, Volkswagen has ensured that the Taos remains a smart choice for drivers looking for a compact SUV that offers more than just the basics.