Volkswagen of America Inc. announced a range of updates for the 2025 Taos that deliver an updated look, upgraded technology, and more power.

New wheel designs join the revised exterior, while upgraded in-car tech and powertrain refinements are featured in the latest model year compact SUV. 

Under the hood of the 2025 Taos is an updated version of the 1.5L EA211 turbocharged four-cylinder TSI engine. Hardware changes include:

• Revised piston rings and fuel injectors

• Modified turbo housing

• Larger intercooler

• New gasoline particulate filter

These changes raise the powerplant’s output from the outgoing model’s 158 hp to 174 hp. An eight-speed automatic transmission replaces the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic on 4Motion models.

2025 Taos models will start at an MSRP of $24,995 for the S front-wheel drive (FWD) model and $26,695 for the S 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD) model. Other pricing includes:

Drive Assistance with IQ.Drive

The 2025 Taos features VW’s suite of IQ.Drive driver assistance features across all trims, including:

• Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance)

• Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring)

• Active Blind Spot Monitor

• Rear Traffic Alert

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Go

• Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System)

• Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency)

Front and rear Park Distance Control are also now available, which helps to provide guidance when parking or in tight spaces.

Tailored Interiors and New Tech

Moving into the cabin, the 2025 Taos features a new dashboard design, materials, and colors. 

An 8-inch floating infotainment display is standard on all models, while touch control for the Climatronic HVAC system is available on the SE trim and above. New acoustic dampening treatments help to reduce interior noise.

Taos S features two-tone black and grey cloth upholstery; SE and SE Black models are equipped with CloudTex and cloth materials — SE in two different two-tone options and SE Black in all black. SEL models are outfitted with leather seats in either a two-tone black and grey combination or a new dark blue.

Refreshed Exterior and Wheel Design

The 2025 Taos exterior features a refreshed front end. Changes include a new bumper design, a new grille with an available light bar, and standard LED projector headlights with available AFS. Connected taillights and an illuminated Volkswagen badge were added to the rear end.

New wheel offerings include:

• 17-in. aluminum alloys for FWD S models

• 18-in. alloys for the FWD SE

• 19-in. wheels for SEL

The SE Black trim, introduced for 2024, continues with a black roof, trim, and different wheels — 18-in. for FWD models and 19-in. for 4Motion AWD models.

The refreshed 2025 Taos will reach U.S. dealerships by the end of this year.

Editor's Note: This story was originally published Oct. 4, 2024, and was updated Oct. 11 with newly-released information on pricing.