LOOKS

Starting on the exterior, the 2025 Volkswagen Taos gets a solid redesign, include some unique color options such at the Cornflower Blue paint on my test vehicle, or the Bright Moss Green Metallic option.

My test vehicle’s trim level featured black exterior elements, including rear spoiler, roof rails and side mirror caps.

A new lighting design is in place with integrated LED light bar designs in front and back. If you’re familiar with the look of VW's larger Atlas SUV, much of that style is replicated here at a smaller size. It’s an attractive overall look, one of the best in the segment.

Small but not too tiny, the Taos is a strong option for city dwellers and commuters who also want to be able to transport their family and friends around in comfort. You can also move up one size level to VW’s Tiguan SUV if you need more space.

My test vehicle featured 18-inch black painted alloy wheels with all-season tires. Wheel size options range from 17 to 19 inches on the Taos.

The adaptive front lighting system also features dynamic cornering lights, which swivel for better illumination while turning.

Other exterior features include:
— Heated, foldable, power adjustable side mirrors
— Rain-sensing, variable intermittent front wipers with heated washer nozzles
— Power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof

Moving inside the Taos, you’ll find a respectable amount of cargo space, strong leg room for back seat passengers, and leatherette or leather seating materials offered. It’s one of the biggest and most comfortable little SUVs you can find.

The cargo capacity maxes out at 66 cubic feet with the back row down, and 28 cubic feet with those seats upright — solid numbers for the compact SUV segment.

Updates were also made to the dashboard and tech setup, and features like ambient lighting, multi-zone climate control, and heated/ventilated seats are also included.

While not the most upscale vehicle in the segment, nothing in the vehicle feels cheap.

Other interior features include:
— Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel
— Center armrest in 2nd row
— USB ports in both rows
— Illuminated and carpeted cargo area

HOW’S THE RIDE?

There is one engine offered on the 2025 Volkswagen Taos — a 1.5-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder power plant that is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and delivers 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The horsepower number sees a solid boost from the previous version of the Taos.

The Taos comes standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option.

The overall driving experience in the Taos is smooth and handles corners well, but not noticeably fast. That being said, it’s delivering enough oomph to make it a memorable experience for most families, just don’t go in expecting a speed demon.

Looking at the 0-to-60 times on the Taos, it comes in at the mid 7-second range, which is solid for the segment. Drive modes offered include Normal, Eco, Sport and a custom option.

As long as you recognize you’re driving a family hauler and not a hot rod, you should be able to enjoy your time behind the wheel.


TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

Tech is somewhat of a mixed bag on the 2025 Taos.

On the positive side, an 8-inch touch screen in the center console responds well to touch-screen controls and has controls that are easy to master. It’s worth noting though that some rival SUVs offer larger screen sizes.

But on the weaker side, the voice commands on the Taos are not as reliable as rival systems. Beyond that, the slider-style controls for climate (which VW seems to have embraced across the lineup) will prove divisive. I got used to them quickly, but some people prefer physical buttons.

Overall the system is not flashy but is quite functional, and is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Navigation is offered, along with Bluetooth, wireless phone charging and satellite radio, and several charging ports.

Moving on to safety, the Taos delivers nearly perfect government ratings.

The backup camera is very helpful, as are the sensors all around the vehicle. And the Travel Assist feature (offering semi-autonomous driving assistance) can come in handy on longer trips.

Other safety features include six airbags, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, LATCH system for child seats, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking.
IQ.Drive features on the Taos include::
— Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
— Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System)
— Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency)
— Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring
— Active Blind Spot Monitor
— Rear Traffic Alert

MPG

The FWD Taos that I tested had official fuel mileage numbers listed at 28 city/36 highway/31 combined. The AWD version is listed at 25 city/33 highway/28 combined.

During my time in the Toas, I averaged 25 mpg, which was pretty low compared to the numbers listed, even accounting for mostly driving in the city. I’m sure I could have improved that number some if I had focused on maximizing fuel economy, but fuel mileage is one area that may give pause to some potential buyers.

PRICE

The 2025 Taos that I tested was priced just over $32K, and its base price starts about $26K.

Trim levels include the base S model, SE, SE Black and SEL.
If you want to upgrade from the base, you can opt for the SE trim, you can stay under the $30K mark, and still get a solid vehicle with lots of solid features.

In terms of pricing, the Taos falls around the middle of the pack among compact SUVs. Some rivals come in much lower in the $20K range, while others start out even higher and push close to the $30K mark even on base models. All in all, the Taos offers a happy medium.

You’re paying a bit more than some rivals, but you’ll get more room plus better design and more features.

Warranties are solid on the Taos, including:
— New Vehicle Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
— Powertrain Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
— Scheduled maintenance covered at 1 year/10,000 miles and 2 years/20,000 miles
— 24-hour roadside assistance for 3 years/36,000 miles

BOTTOM LINE

Small but stylish, roomy inside for the segment, and offering decent power, the 2025 Volkswagen Taos is a solid overall compact SUV offering that competes well in this very busy segment.

It’s a vehicle you’ll want to include on your list of test drives if a mini-ute is what you want to bring home.

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