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Pros
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What's New for 2025?
The 2025 Taos gets a significant refresh that includes tweaked exterior styling, standard LED headlights and a reshaped dashboard with an 8-inch touchscreen that's standard across the lineup. Also, the all-wheel-drive Taos ditches its "DSG" dual-clutch automated manual in favor of a conventional eight-speed automatic to match the front-drive version, while the 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine gets 16 extra horsepower. Unfortunately, VW's touch-based climate controls have made it into the 2025 Taos, replacing last year's foolproof knobs.
FAST FACTS
"The Taos stands out in this segment for its energetic acceleration, sprinting to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds with either front- or all-wheel drive. Multiple rivals can't even break the 9-second barrier, so that's serious speed for a subcompact SUV — and although some of the models here offer optional engine upgrades, the Taos comes standard with swiftness. VW's smallest SUV doesn't skimp on fuel economy, either, so you get to have it both ways. Additional strengths include generous cargo space and surprisingly decent rear legroom, but the mandatory 8-inch touchscreen is underwhelming. Another issue is that the new-for-2025 climate controls have sworn off knobs in favor of a distracting touch-based interface."—Ranked #3 out of 18 Subcompact SUVs
MotorDonkey's proprietary vehicle data identifies every significant version of each model so that you can compare and decide. Ordered by price from low to high, here are the versions of the 2025 Volkswagen Taos that you need to be aware of, along with our expert analysis and recommendations.
We're fans of this powertrain in the Jetta, so it's no surprise that it works well in the Taos, too, especially with 16 more horses for 2025. Acceleration is quick for a subcompact SUV, while the fuel economy is impressive given that quickness. Be aware that the front-drive Taos utilizes a less sophisticated torsion-beam rear suspension that's ultimately less supple than the AWD Taos's fully independent multilink rear setup. On the bright side, however, the torsion beam takes up less space, which helps explain why you get more cargo capacity in the front-drive version.
The Taos with VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is all kinds of different from the base front-drive version, thanks to its more sophisticated independent rear suspension as well as the AWD powertrain. It's got an extra 1.2 inches of ground clearance but notably less cargo capacity, and the fuel economy takes a significant hit. You're paying substantially more for all of this, of course. The acceleration, at least, stays about the same.
What are the different versions of the 2025 Taos, and how much do they cost? Select a version below or just hit the button to see our full 2025 Taos specs and model data.
| Version | Price | Fuel | MPG | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Volkswagen Taos 1.5T Front-Wheel Drive | $24,995 | Gas | 31 | 174 hp | 184 lb-ft |
| 2025 Volkswagen Taos 1.5T All-Wheel Drive | $26,695 | Gas | 28 | 174 hp | 184 lb-ft |
Publisher and Donkey-in-Chief
Josh has been reviewing cars professionally since joining Edmunds.com fresh out of grad school in 2008. Prior to founding MotorDonkey, he spent 15 years shaping Edmunds' expert automotive content in various capacities, starting as an associate editor and ultimately serving as a senior editor before wrapping up with a five-year term as the company's first-ever director of content strategy. Josh is a card-carrying member of the Motor Press Guild and a lifelong car nut who has driven, compared and critiqued thousands of cars in his career. Helping people find their perfect car never gets old—seriously!
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