2025 Volkswagen Taos Gets Revised Looks and More Horsepower

Volkswagen has learned its lesson about what it should and shouldn't import from Europe. No longer trying to force European styling on North Americans, the brand is now focused on giving the market what it wants. That's the story with the updated 2025 Taos subcompact SUV, which was just revealed.

Engine Improvements

VW engineers have refined the 1.5-liter engine, updating the piston rings, turbocharger housing, fuel injectors, and adding a larger intercooler and a gas particulate filter. The result is a 16-hp boost, raising the total to 174 horsepower. The torque remains at 184 pound-feet, but changes in the torque curve could offer improved acceleration. For reference, the previous 158-hp Taos reached 60 mph in 7.4 seconds with front-wheel drive and 7.5 seconds with 4Motion all-wheel drive.

Additionally, all-wheel-drive models now feature an eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the outgoing seven-speed dual-clutch auto. This change addresses customer feedback about the clunky shift quality of the previous transmission.

Interior and Exterior Updates

The interior of the 2025 Taos has been significantly refreshed. A light-colored lower dash panel now breaks up the previously drab interior, with soft-touch leatherette door panels and varied stitching patterns depending on the trim. An 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard across all models, floating above the dash instead of being integrated as before.

Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, while upper trims include wireless phone mirroring, voice control, and satellite radio. VW's touch-sensitive climate controls are now standard on SE and SEL trims.

On the exterior, the Taos receives fresh front and rear styling, with a full-width light bar at the back and shorter headlights connected by illuminated trim on the top trim. The base S model comes with LED projector headlights, while SE models gain adaptive headlights and parking sensors.

Fuel Efficiency and Availability

VW expects the fuel economy for the updated Taos to meet or exceed 2024 model ratings. In previous tests, the front-drive Taos achieved 40 mpg during 75-mph highway testing, and the all-wheel-drive model scored 33 mpg.

The 2025 Taos will go on sale later this year, with pricing to be announced closer to the release. A new third-generation Tiguan is also expected for 2025, with U.S.-specific details to be revealed at the L.A. Auto Show in November.