Volkswagen is set to spice up the compact SUV segment with its updated TaosThe baby intersection will benefit from the usual nip-and-tuck treatment we’ve come to expect from a midcycle update — with one nice twist: the 1.5-liter engine remains, but with some useful upgrades that boost output to 174 horsepower. That’s up 16 hp over the 2024 — not bad at all for a simple refresh. VW The all-wheel drive model now combines with a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission, with the old seven-speed DSG transmission taking a back seat.
The new face loses the sidewall air curtains that dominated the lower bumper ends. This cleaner look is accentuated by the body-colored grille insert. But don’t worry; there’s still plenty of plastic mesh left in the lower half of the bumper. Joking aside, we’d call this an upgrade. It’s good news at the rear, too. While the new wraparound taillight look may not be original, it works nicely here.
Inside, there’s good news and bad news, though your personal preferences may play a role. Let’s start with the bad: Gone are the HVAC dials. In their place are the touch-sensitive sliders that VW has incorporated into many of its new interiors. They don’t do a better job than what they replaced, but they do match the gloss black trim around the new 8-inch infotainment array, for better or for worse. VW also put some love into the seats; the new contrasting arrangement suits them well.
VW doesn’t have pricing information to share yet for the 2025 Taos. Expect details (and deliveries) before the end of the year.