The 2025 Volkswagen Taos arrives with a fresh face and renewed vigor, positioning itself as a compelling subcompact SUV for American buyers seeking a European alternative to the Subaru Crosstrek or Honda HR-V. As Volkswagen’s entry-level SUV below the Tiguan, the Taos has undergone a significant refresh for 2025, including more power, a smoother transmission, and updated styling. Priced starting at $29,595 for the SE trim (our tested model came to $32,811 with options), it targets those who crave German engineering in a practical package.
In this detailed review, we explore Taos’s design, performance, features, and value. With a 1.5L turbo engine now making 174 hp, an 8-speed automatic, and a host of standard safety tech, is the 2025 Taos finally a standout? Let’s find out if this refreshed model lives up to its potential.
Quick Overview & Key Specs (Table)
The 2025 Taos builds on its predecessor with meaningful upgrades. Here’s a snapshot of the key specs for the SE trim we tested:
| Feature | 2025 Taos |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Power | 174 hp (up from 158 hp) |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed torque-converter automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard; AWD optional |
| Fuel Economy | 28 mpg combined (EPA est.) |
| Starting Price | $29,595 (SE trim) |
| Tested Price | $32,811 (with options) |
| Final Assembly | Puebla, Mexico |
| Cargo Space | 27.9 cu ft behind rear seats (65.0 cu ft folded) |
This table underscores the Taos’s compact efficiency and refreshed powertrain, but let’s break it down further.
Exterior Design & Styling Updates
The 2025 Taos receives a facelift that gives it a more mature, “grown-up” appearance, aligning with Volkswagen’s modern design language seen in the refreshed Tiguan. The front fascia features sharper LED projector headlamps with integrated DRLs, a bolder grille with chrome accents, and a more aggressive lower air dam, creating a wider stance. The side profile remains practical, with 18-inch alloys (standard on SE) and a subtle character line running along the doors for added visual interest. At the rear, connected LED taillamps and a redesigned bumper with diffuser-like elements enhance the sporty vibe.
Compared to rivals, the Taos’s styling stands out for its European sophistication. The Subaru Crosstrek’s boxy, rugged look appeals to off-roaders, while the Toyota Corolla Cross’s conservative design feels bland. The Taos strikes a balance—elegant yet approachable, with square door openings that make entry/exit easier than the sloping-roof Honda HR-V. The SE trim’s 18-inch wheels fill the arches nicely, but the optional 19-inch wheels on higher trims can harshen the ride. Overall, the facelift transforms the Taos from a bland subcompact to a stylish contender, appealing to buyers who want a German touch without the GTI price.
Interior & Comfort
The Taos’s interior is a mix of upscale materials and subcompact realities, but it leans toward the former. The dashboard features soft-touch surfaces with contrast stitching, and the CloudTex seats (faux suede with cloth bolsters) provide good grip and comfort for long drives. The driving position is excellent, with a highly adjustable steering wheel and seats that accommodate drivers from 5’2″ to 6’4″. The center console’s armrest is fixed, creating a slight mismatch with the door armrests—a minor annoyance noted by testers—but the overall ergonomics are driver-focused.
Rear space is surprisingly generous for a subcompact SUV, with ample headroom (thanks to no sloping roofline) and legroom for adults. The wide door openings facilitate easy access, and rear air vents ensure passenger comfort on hot days. Fit and finish is solid, with minimal hard plastics in visible areas, though piano-black trim around the infotainment attracts fingerprints. The glovebox opens smoothly, and door pockets hold 1-liter bottles comfortably.
Cargo versatility is a highlight: 27.9 cu ft behind the rear seats expands to 65.0 cu ft with the 40/60 split-folding seats, plus a center pass-through for skis or lumber. A full-size spare tire (rare in this class) adds peace of mind for road trips. Compared to the Chevy Trax’s cramped rear, the Taos feels roomier, making it a family-friendly choice.
Technology & Infotainment
The Taos’s 8-inch touchscreen is logically laid out and responsive, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless on higher trims). The proximity sensor—icons appearing when your hand nears the screen—is innovative but divisive; some testers found it distracting. Physical steering-wheel buttons for audio and cruise control are intuitive, but the touch-capacitive climate controls drew criticism for their sensitivity.
The IQ.DRIVE suite is standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster (on SE+) is customizable, displaying navigation and speed clearly. Small item storage is average: the wireless charger doubles as a cubby (limiting space for keys), and the center console is small but covered. Overall, the Taos’s tech is user-friendly, though the proximity UI may require adjustment.
Storage & Practicality
The Taos shines in practicality, with a versatile cargo area featuring a 40/60 split for flexible loading. The center pass-through accommodates long items without folding seats, and the full-size spare tire under the floor adds reliability for highway travel. Door pockets and the glovebox are spacious, though the wireless charger takes up prime real estate.
For families, the Taos’s square cabin and wide doors make loading kids or groceries effortless. The optional AWD enhances traction on snow or mud, a plus for northern states. Compared to the Toyota Corolla Cross’s smaller boot, the Taos offers better versatility, making it a practical daily driver.
Driving Experience
Engine & Transmission
The 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder now produces 174 hp (up from 158 hp) and 184 lb-ft of torque, a noticeable boost for merging and overtaking. Paired with the new 8-speed torque-converter automatic, it’s smoother than the previous 7-speed dual-clutch, with quick shifts and no hesitation in traffic. EPA estimates 28 mpg combined, competitive but not class-leading (Honda HR-V edges at 29 mpg). Real-world testing yielded 26–30 mpg in mixed driving, with the turbo providing peppy low-end torque.
Ride & Handling
The Taos’s compact dimensions make it agile, with minimal body roll in corners thanks to taut suspension tuning. It’s composed on highways, absorbing small bumps well, though larger potholes transmit harshly. Sport mode firms the steering, enhancing confidence on twisty roads. Compared to the Subaru Crosstrek’s softer ride, the Taos feels more engaging, though the Chevy Trax is lighter on its feet.
Noise & Refinement
Road and wind noise are typical for the class, with a steady hum at 70 mph. Engine noise under acceleration is refined, lacking the harshness of non-turbo 4-cylinders. The cabin remains quiet for calls or podcasts, a step up from the pre-refresh Taos.
Safety & Driver Assistance
The Taos excels in safety, with the IQ.DRIVE package standard: Travel Assist (adaptive cruise + lane-keeping), automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The rear occupant reminder prevents forgotten children, and forward collision warning adds peace of mind. Six airbags, stability control, and a rearview camera round out the suite. Volkswagen’s 5-star NHTSA rating underscores its safety credentials.
Trim Levels, Pricing & Value
The SE trim ($29,595) is the sweet spot, adding heated seats, heated steering wheel, and power driver seat for $32,811 as-tested. The base S ($26,170) is bare-bones, while the SEL ($34,495) with 19-inch wheels compromises ride quality. AWD adds $2,000, useful for snow. Value is strong against the Honda HR-V ($27,950), with more power and tech.
Pros & Cons Snapshot
Pros:
- Significant powertrain upgrade and smooth 8-speed transmission
- Spacious rear seat and square cabin design
- Strong standard safety tech (IQ.DRIVE)
- Refined driving dynamics for the segment
- Full-size spare tire adds practicality
Cons:
- Hard plastics and piano black surfaces feel budget
- Touch-capacitive climate controls not user-friendly
- Ride can feel firm over large potholes
- 28 mpg combined is average
- Armrest height mismatch
Competitors to Consider
- Subaru Crosstrek ($26,195): Better AWD and fuel economy (29 mpg), but less power (152 hp) and dated interior.
- Toyota Corolla Cross ($24,035): Reliable with 31 mpg, but bland styling and less tech.
- Honda HR-V ($27,950): Smooth ride and 29 mpg, but cramped cargo and no standard AWD.
- Chevy Trax ($21,495): Cheaper and agile, but noisier and less refined.
The Taos offers European flair and better handling, but the HR-V edges in efficiency.
Verdict: Is the 2025 Taos Worth It?
The 2025 Taos is a substantial upgrade, with 174 hp, a smoother transmission, and refined styling making it a viable European subcompact SUV. The SE trim balances features and value, offering heated seats and IQ.DRIVE for $32,811. It’s spacious, safe, and engaging to drive, appealing to buyers wanting German engineering without the Jetta’s price. However, the firm ride over potholes and average fuel economy hold it back from class-leading status.
Recommendation: Buy the SE with AWD for all-season versatility. It’s worth it for Volkswagen fans or those seeking a balanced subcompact, but test drive the HR-V for a softer ride.
Annual maintenance is ~$500, with oil changes at $80–$100; Volkswagen’s service network is reliable but pricier than Toyota.
Buying Advice
Look for launch incentives like 0% APR financing or $1,000 cash back. Seasonal offers in spring 2025 could sweeten the deal. Test drive at a VW dealer to feel the handling.
Blog Source: 2025 Volkswagen Taos Review
