VW takes another step up in the SUV market with Taos

VOLKSWAGEN

Volkswagen’s remade Taos sport utility vehicle.

SUVs are the thing no matter the size. 

Most manufacturers have dropped sedans in favor of really small SUVs.

Volkswagen entered the fray in 2022 with the Taos. The car company has reworked the original with some updates that make the 2025 model even better.

Thew 2025 Taos has been cosmetically upgraded to give it an almost new look. The nip and tucks given make it more adult looking and not so much the cute ‘ute. There are some new wheel choices and a new facia that makes it look bolder. LED headlamps re new and so is the front bumper. The bottom portion is all black on the SE black while chrome highlights are featured on the SEL

The interior gets the biggest share of the changes. Everything feels more expensive and not cheap. Everything feels tighter and better put together. The digital dash is now configurable on the top SEL version. There’s also leather seats that are ventilated for the front passenger and driver. The multi-adjustable driver’s seat will make it easy for most drivers to find the best position.

The rear seat may be the Taos’ most surprising element. You have room enough for adults in the rear. Two fit best, but you can fit a third on not-so-long trips. Fold the rear seat forward and you get an astounding 65.9 cubic feet of storage space. That is impressive for such a small SUV.

The driving dynamics of the Taos have also changed. The 1.5-liter engine now makes 177 horsepower – 19 more than last year – and 184 pounds-feet of torque. An eight-speed transmission sends the power to all four wheels.

That setup is standard on the SEL, and you can get it as an option on the SE and above.

Front-wheel drive Taos models have a single torsion beam rear suspension. 4Motion (Volkswagen’s all-wheel drive system) models’ suspensions are upgraded to independent rear suspensions. This makes the Taos an adroit handler. You can aggressively attack twisty roads and get rewarded with a big grin on your face. Cornering is a breeze as well.

The Taos’s tidy size makes it a nearly perfect car to drive in traffic. The turbo engine spools its power up quickly to make acceleration brisk. The suspension tuning allows for dashing quickly in and out of traffic drama free. The eight - speed transmission goes about its business without fuss and does so quickly.

The Taos has a taut but smooth ride. It’s typically German. Not a lot of noise gets into the cabin, but I stop short of calling the ride quiet. While the Taos isn’t loud on the road, some of the competition may be a bit quieter. I think most will find the overall ride experience to be pleasant.

I can’t think of many reasons not to like this car. It gets great gas mileage – up to 36 miles per gallon on the highway – has a sporty, comfortable ride and looks upscale. It was one of the better small Utes on the market and now its pushing for the best.

It’s not cheap. The SEL version starts at $34,695. It comes with just about everything you need: leather seats that are ventilated up front, 8-inch touch screen, 19-inch wheels, integrated light bar in front grille, lighted VW logo in rear, 4Motion, electric power steering, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor, panoramic sunroof, remote start and touch screen climate controls. There are no options, but you can purchase a handful of accessories.
As of writing, Volkswagen is offering a $1,500 incentive or some low interest rates that could make the Taos are very good deal.

Pros:

• Handsome new styling

• Upgraded suspension

• Excellent new interior

• Great cargo space

• Snappy handling

• Brisk acceleration

• Great handling

Cons:

• Wonky climate controls

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