Volkswagen has taken its already popular compact SUV, the Taos, and elevated it for 2025 with thoughtful updates that enhance its design, technology, and performance. The 2024 model was already a strong contender in the subcompact SUV market, with its efficient engine, spacious interior, and reliable versatility. For 2025, Volkswagen builds on this solid foundation by introducing key improvements that make the Taos even more appealing. Let’s explore the differences between the 2025 and 2024 models, focusing on what’s new while also highlighting the features that continue to make the Taos a standout choice for buyers.
Bold New Styling: Exterior Enhancements
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos arrives with a refreshed design that adds a contemporary flair to this already sleek SUV. At the front, the updated grille, redesigned bumper, and standard LED projector headlights deliver a more modern and expressive appearance. An available light bar across the grille further enhances the upscale look.
At the rear, connected taillights and an illuminated Volkswagen badge contribute to the Taos’ new visual identity. Volkswagen has also introduced three new paint colors—Serrano Green Metallic, Monterey Blue Pearl, and Alpine Grey—to expand customization options. Additionally, new 17-, 18-, and 19-inch alloy wheel designs across the trims further enhance its overall curb appeal.
The 2024 Taos was already a well-designed SUV with clean lines and understated elegance. However, the updates for 2025 bring a bolder, more distinctive look that ensures the Taos remains visually competitive in its class.
Upgraded Cabin Design and Technology
The 2025 Taos receives an interior redesign that focuses on improving both aesthetics and functionality. A new dashboard layout now incorporates a floating 8-inch infotainment display as standard across all trims, giving the cabin a modern and high-tech vibe. The inclusion of dual-zone Climatronic® automatic HVAC with touch controls—also standard—ensures greater comfort for both driver and passengers.
Volkswagen has also taken steps to make the cabin quieter by adding acoustic dampening treatments, a notable improvement over the 2024 model. Depending on the trim, buyers can choose from a variety of interior materials, such as:
- Trendline Trim: Durable cloth upholstery.
- Comfortline Trim: Upgraded MicroCloud leatherette materials.
- Comfortline Black Edition: Unique black accents, roof, and wheels for a sporty, custom look.
- Highline Trim: Premium leather seating, now available in a striking “Blue Night” dark blue option in addition to classic black.
The cabin of the 2024 Taos was already spacious, with thoughtful ergonomics and high-quality materials. For 2025, these updates refine the experience, making it even more comfortable and visually appealing.
Powertrain Improvements: More Power, Smoother Drivability
One of the most significant updates to the 2025 Taos is found under the hood. The revised 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine now produces 174 horsepower, an increase from the 158 horsepower in the 2024 model. This bump in power enhances performance without sacrificing efficiency, making the 2025 Taos even more versatile for city driving and highway cruising.
Another key change is the transmission on 4MOTION® AWD models. The previous seven-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic has been replaced with a more conventional eight-speed automatic transmission, which provides smoother shifts and improved drivability in a variety of conditions. Front-wheel-drive models continue to utilize an efficient eight-speed automatic transmission.
These updates build upon the 2024 model’s already reliable and efficient powertrain, offering enhanced performance for 2025 while retaining the fuel economy and drivability that buyers have come to expect from the Taos.
Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Safety continues to be a priority for Volkswagen, and the 2025 Taos benefits from a range of advanced driver assistance systems, many of which were already available on the 2024 model. The 2025 Taos offers Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE® suite, which includes:
- Travel Assist: Semi-automated driving assistance.
- Front Assist: Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring.
- Active Blind Spot Monitor.
- Rear Traffic Alert.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop-and-Go functionality.
- Lane Assist: Lane-keeping system.
- Emergency Assist: Semi-automated vehicle control during a medical emergency.
For 2025, new features such as front and rear Park Distance Control have been added, making parking and navigating tight spaces even easier. These features enhance the Taos’ already robust safety offerings, ensuring drivers and passengers enjoy greater peace of mind.
What Carries Over: Key Highlights from the 2024 Taos
While the 2025 model brings several exciting changes, many of the qualities that made the 2024 Taos a great choice remain unchanged. These include:
Compact Yet Spacious Design: The Taos continues to offer excellent interior space for its class, with ample legroom and cargo capacity that make it practical for families and road trips.
Efficiency: Despite the increased power for 2025, the Taos maintains the strong fuel economy buyers loved in the 2024 model.
Affordability: The Taos remains an accessible option for buyers seeking a versatile, feature-rich SUV.
Volkswagen Reliability: As with previous models, the Taos benefits from Volkswagen’s reputation for building durable, dependable vehicles.
Why Buyers Should Consider the 2025 Volkswagen Taos
The redesigned 2025 Volkswagen Taos builds upon an already solid foundation, delivering meaningful upgrades that enhance its design, technology, and performance. The increase in horsepower, smoother transmission for AWD models, and quieter cabin all contribute to a more refined driving experience. Meanwhile, the refreshed exterior styling and new paint options make the Taos more visually appealing, ensuring it stands out on the road.
For buyers in the Greater Toronto Area or beyond, the 2025 Taos offers a smart blend of practicality, efficiency, and style. Whether you’re navigating busy city streets or heading out on weekend adventures, the Taos is a compact SUV that delivers on every front. With its thoughtful updates and competitive features, the 2025 Taos is well worth a closer look for anyone considering a versatile and fun-to-drive vehicle.