2025 VW Taos Summary Points
- The 2025 VW Taos benefits from mindful styling updates, an efficient turbo engine, and a host of active safety features.
- 2025 Taos models with 4Motion AWD have Active Control, which allows owners to select different vehicle profiles based on driving conditions.
- Available in S, SE, SE Black, and SEL trim variants, with an entry-level starting MSRP of about $26,500.
2025 VW Taos Powertrain Updates
The comprehensively restyled 2025 VW Taos has a modified version of the 1.5-liter EA211 turbocharged four-cylinder from the 2024 Taos. It now features Miller cycle internals that enable the intake valves to close earlier during the induction stroke to save fuel.
Next, VW engineers installed new piston rings, fuel injectors, a higher-capacity intercooler, a modified gasoline particulate filter, and a reconfigured turbo housing. The changes enable the 2025 Taos to produce 174 horsepower, 16 more horses than before. The torque output remains unchanged at 184 lb-ft.
Volkswagen took the right step in enhancing the power output of its small SUV. In a world where a 2025 Mazda CX-30 has a standard 191-horsepower naturally aspirated engine (CX-30 Turbo variants have 250 horsepower), the prior Taos and its 158-horsepower engine wouldn’t cut it.
Next-Gen 4Motion AWD
Front-wheel drive variants (FWD) of the 2025 VW Taos get an eight-speed automatic transmission with a Sport mode. However, Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drivetrain (AWD) remains optional across the board. For 2025, 4Motion models receive an eight-speed automatic to replace the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic of the 2024 Taos 4Motion.
The latest generation of VW’s 4Motion AWD can engage or transfer torque before wheelspin occurs to better maintain traction. The system could disengage the rear wheels and operate in front-wheel drive when coasting at speed, helping save fuel. By contrast, the rear wheels can be quickly activated again should the road conditions call for it. The 2025 VW Taos relies on a center differential with an electro-hydraulic oil pump for the transitions between front-wheel and all-wheel drive.
As described by Volkswagen, an onboard control unit continually calculates the ideal torque for the rear wheels and determines how much the multi-plate clutch should be closed by activating the oil pump. The oil pressure increases the contact pressure at the clutch plates in proportion to the torque desired at the rear axle.
When required, it can send up to 50 percent of the available torque to the rear axle. The system includes electronic differential locks that function laterally as part of the vehicle’s electronic stability control (ESC). They allow brake activation to the slipping wheel for an uninterrupted torque transfer to the wheel on the other side.
2025 VW Taos Fuel Economy
The 2025 VW Taos FWD can return an EPA-estimated 28 in the city, 36 on the highway, and 31 combined on regular unleaded gas. Taos 4Motion variants are EPA-estimated at 25/33 city/highway and 28 combined.
Active Control Drive Modes
2025 Volkswagen Taos models with the optional 4Motion AWD have Active Control. It features driver-selectable modes via a rotary knob and push button. It has four main settings: Snow, On-Road, Off-Road, and Off-Road Custom, the latter of which allows drivers to change the behavior of the steering, engine, transmission, Hill Descent Assist, and Hill Start Assist.
However, VW said the Off-Road Custom mode is not available for S models with 4Motion AWD. If selected via the rotary knob, the vehicle will operate in Off-Road mode.
Off-Road Mode
The Off-Road setting adds Tiptronic manual shifting and has driving characteristics similar to the Snow mode (outlined below). When engaged, the system turns off the start/stop system and relaxes the stability control. Moreover, it activates the hill descent control when the Taos is driving on a gradient of more than 10 percent.
It includes bespoke programming for the anti-lock brakes (ABS) so the wheels can lock up momentarily before the system intervenes to reduce the braking pressure. In doing so, VW said it “allows time for a small wedge of material from the ground—such as gravel and sand—to build up in front of the wheel, helping increase the braking effect” while reducing the stopping distance.
Off-Road mode is active at speeds between one and 19 mph.
Snow Mode
2025 Taos buyers in colder climates may appreciate the Snow mode. As described by VW, when the Taos is in Snow mode, the vehicle controls are adjusted to help prevent unintentional and excessive wheelspin. The transmission upshifts earlier to help optimize traction, while the traction control system itself communicates with the accelerator and individual wheel speed sensors to dial back engine power the moment wheel slippage occurs.
On-Road Mode
The default On-Road setting has four sub-menus: Normal, Sport, Comfort, and Individual. Each option will alter the engine, gearbox, and drivetrain parameters. Turning the rotary knob will engage the drive modes while pushing the button triggers a pop-up menu on the infotainment display to toggle between the On-Road settings.
When the On-Road setting is active, the torque distribution between the front and rear axles varies depending on the road conditions.
Chassis & Suspension
Volkswagen’s MQB platform underpins the 2025 Taos. Described as a “unitary construction chassis” by Volkswagen, it has two solid-mounted subframes with bolt-on front fenders and “wobble seam” welding. All 2025 Taos models benefit from a stamped steel body with a large percentage of high-strength, hot-formed steel.
Both FWD and 4Motion AWD models utilize a strut-type front suspension, although they differ in the rear. 4Motion AWD models have a rear multilink suspension, while FWD models have a torsion beam rear suspension. Regardless, braking duties are courtesy of 12.3-inch ventilated front and 10.7-inch solid rear disc brakes.
Enhanced Styling
The 2025 VW Taos has reconfigured front and rear façades. It has redesigned projector LED headlights, a redesigned front bumper, a new grille (available with a distinctive light bar), an illuminated rear Volkswagen badge, and an available adaptive front-lighting system.
The base Taos S FWD has 17-inch wheels, while the SE FWD and range-topping SEL have 18 and 19-inch rollers. Meanwhile, the SE Black has 18-inch (FWD) or 19-inch (4Motion AWD) wheels to complement its standard black roof and dark exterior trim.
Naturally, the VW Taos has a fresh palette of paint colors for the 2025 model year. New colors include Monument Gray, Monterey Blue Pearl, and Bright Moss Green Metallic.
Legroom & Cargo Space
The 2025 VW Taos remains part of the first-generation model that debuted in 2022. It has a 105.9-inch wheelbase (105.5 inches for Taos AWD) to deliver an interior volume of 99.5 cubic feet.
The cabin is adequate for four adults (five in a pinch), offering up to 40.1 inches and 37.9 inches of front and rear legroom, respectively. Taos FWD has 27.9 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats. Folding the second row reveals 65.9 cubic feet of cargo space.
Taos AWD variants have less cargo room but still enough to haul stuff. They offer 24.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 60.2 cubic feet when it’s folded down.
2025 VW Taos Starting MSRP
The 2025 Taos is available in S, SE, SE Black, and SEL trim variants. Below is a breakdown of each model and the corresponding MSRPs. The price figures include the $1,425 destination charge.
If you have questions about vehicle financing, see this helpful video from our YouTube channel.
Taos S
Starting MSRP: $26,420 (FWD) & $28,120 (AWD).
The Taos S is available in Pure White, Deep Black Pearl, Pyrite Silver, Platinum Gray, and Monterey Blue Pearl.
The standard equipment includes gray and black cloth seats, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, 17-inch aluminum wheels (18-inches for AWD), automatic on/off LED projector headlights, and black roof rails.
Other standard features include an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen display, two USB-C charging ports with 45-watt fast charging, remote start, keyless go, Volkswagen Car-Net with Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Taos SE
Starting MSRP: $29,320 (FWD) & $31,020 (AWD).
The SE is available in Pure White, Deep Black Pearl, Platinum Gray, Pyrite Silver, Monument Gray, Bright Moss Green Metallic, Monterey Blue Pearl, and Cornflower Blue.
Standard equipment includes 18-inch aluminum wheels, remote start, silver roof rails, two-tone CloudTex and cloth seats, a leatherette multi-function steering wheel, power and heated front seats, and rear A/C vents. A panoramic glass roof is available for an additional $1,200.
Technology upgrades include wireless smartphone charging, wireless app connect, Climatronic touch controls, full KESSY remote start, satellite radio, voice control, and adaptive front LED headlights.
Taos SE Black
Starting MSRP: $31,570 (FWD) & $33,270 (AWD).
The SE Black has a black roof and dark exterior trim. FWD models get 18-inch wheels, while AWD variants get 19-inch wheels. Standard equipment includes an illuminated black grille, a panoramic sunroof, and black mirror caps.
Taos SEL
Starting MSRP: $36,120 (AWD).
The range-topping SEL is available in Platinum Gray, Bright Moss Green Metallic, Deep Black Pearl, Pure White, Pyrite Silver, Monument Gray, Monterey Blue Pearl, and Cornflower Blue.
Standard features includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, 19-inch machined alloy wheels, an illuminated front grille, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof.
VW IQ.Drive
Every 2025 Taos is standard with VW’s IQ.Drive suite. The package includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision braking, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, active blind spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and emergency assist.
VW’s Travel Assist, a semi-automated driving feature, is also part of the IQ.Drive suite. As described by VW, Travel Assist blends the functions of adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to help the Taos maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
VW Factory Warranty
The 2025 Taos will have a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty with powertrain coverage for the same duration. Volkswagen’s factory warranty includes three years (or 36,000 miles) of 24/7 roadside assistance and two years (or 20,000 miles) of scheduled maintenance. Options are available to extend the warranty on any Volkswagen, including the Taos.
Alvin Reyes is an Automoblog feature columnist and an expert in sports and performance cars. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.
Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
