2025 Volkswagen Taos SEL 4MOTION Review

The compact SUV space is a competitive one, and to stay relevant, a vehicle can't stay in 'Park'. It must keep moving. The 2025 Volkswagen Taos does that thanks to a comprehensive refresh - it's first since being introduced in 2022 -that includes design tweaks along with tech and powertrain updates. The SEL 4MOTION sits atop the five-trim lineup.  

Exterior

The refreshed 2025 Taos is overall, a more refined SUV.  It starts on the exterior with a new for-2025 upscale Monterey Blue Pearl paint hue which looks great set against a 19-inch black alloy wheel package ($395).

The front end gains a new sleeker grille with an integrated light bar along with the slimmer LED headlights.  I am still digesting parts of the new front end design- the SEL's bold silver accents on the redesigned lower front fascia certainly make a statement.

The tail end undergoes a wonderful transformation. It looks more modern with new connected LED taillights and the Volkswagen badge now illuminates.

The SEL is equipped is equipped with LED daytime running lights and an adaptive front lighting system with dynamic cornering lights.  Other exterior features include black body cladding, body-colored, heated side mirrors and silver roof rails.

Powertrain

Things get a bit better for the Taos in the power department as well. Engine updates net a horsepower upgrade from 158 to 174. Its 184 pound-feet of torque is unchanged.  In another great move, 4Motion all-wheel drive models are also now equipped with an 8-speed automatic which equates to smoother shifting and better fuel economy. The engine, which you can start remotely via key fob, is equipped with stop/start which can be disabled.  

Interior 

The changes in the refreshed cabin are a welcome sight as well.  A redesigned dash, new semi-floating multimedia screen and new touch climate controls give it a more contemporary look.   There's less plastic, too, thanks to the use of more soft-touch materials up front.

A gray and black leather interior features contrast stitching and Vienna leather seating. The 8-way driver's seat is on the firmer side but comfortable. Both front seats are heated and ventilated. A leatherette-wrapped and heated multi-function steering wheel features white contrast stitching.  Above it, VW's 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro driver display is terrific and can display full navigation maps.

New for 2025 - a standard, semi-floating 8-inch display with a higher resolution glass. VW's MIB3 Discover Media with Navigation (and voice control) offers great graphic and map quality, however, the backup camera resolution could be better. A 6-Beats premium audio system sounds great in the space.  Connectivity-wise, there are 2 USB-C ports up front and one for rear passengers. 

Another big change for 2025 is in the center stack which ditches old-school plastic climate knobs for new Climatronic touch controls.

I do wish VW had spent some time updating the slim center console, which looks all the more dated amid all the other updates in here.  It houses the leather-wrapper gear shifter,  drive mode controls,  electric parking brake and automatic stop/start.  

A roomy 60/40 split second row also offers nice headroom since there is only slight stadium seating. Soft touch seat backs are an nice surprise. Back seat passengers get A/C vents and a drop-down armrest with cupholders and a passthrough to the trunk. Cargo space is great, but the lift-gate is rather heavy and unfortunately it's not power operated.

Carpeted floor mats with contrast piping elevate the interior and the SEL's panoramic sunroof is a highlight.

Standard SEL features also include a wireless charger, rain sensing wipers, front row metal door sill plates, and a 10-color LED ambient lighting system.

Ride and Drive

The Taos makes a great, easy going daily driver. It's easy to drive, maneuver and park. Steering is on the looser side,  but Sport mode does tighten it up a bit. 

Its suspension gives it an overall nice ride feel and braking is confident.  VW says it's also added acoustic dampening treatments designed to help reduce interior noise.

Safety 

All 2025 Taos models features standard IQ Drive. It's a great suite of driver assistance features that includes Travel Assist, an impressive semi-autonomous feature. It also includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, Front Assist,  Active Blind Spot monitor and Rear Traffic Alert.

The SEL is additionally equipped with Park Distance Control and Dynamic Road Sign Display.

Options and What You'll Pay

A 19-inch black alloy wheel package ($395) brings the my test vehicle's total MSRP to $36,515.

Verdict

The VW Taos is a well-built practical small SUV that stays competitive in the segment with its great updates for 2025.  

• What I liked most:  All the great updates.
• What I would change: Center console needs update; SEL should have power liftgate.
• MSRP: Base price $34,695 , as equipped $36,515 with transportation.
• Fuel Economy: 25 city/33 highway/28 combined.
  
• Odometer reading when tested:  976 miles.     
• Official Color:  Monterey Blue.
• Weight:   3,441 pounds.
• Spare Tire:  Temporary spare.
• Length-Width-Height: 175.9" long/73.5” wide/65” high.
• Fuel Tank Capacity:  14.5 gallons with filler on the passenger’s side. 
• Towing Capacity: N/A.
• 2025 Taos in a few words:   A more refined entry-level small SUV for 2025, adding to its appeal in the segment.
  
• Final Assembly Location:   Puebla, Mexico.
• Manufacturer’s website:  Volkswagen 
• Warranty:   4-year/50,000 miles new vehicle warranty; 7-years 100,000 mile corrosion perforation warranty; 2 years/20,000 mile scheduled free maintenance; 3-years/36,000 miles roadside assistance.