If you’re on the hunt for a stylish, feature-packed compact SUV that won’t break the bank, the 2025 Volkswagen Taos deserves a serious look. We’ll walk you through the price, key features, specifications, and the what’s new for 2025 — all in clear, conversational terms.
Price & Value
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In the U.S., the base trim of the 2025 Taos starts at an MSRP of around US $24,995, excluding destination fees.
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Depending on the trim level (S, SE, SE Black, SEL) and whether you choose front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (4MOTION®), the price can rise up to about US $36,000 or more.
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For many buyers, this puts the Taos in the sweet spot: affordable for a new SUV with solid features, yet not so inexpensive that it feels budget-bare.
Engine & Performance Specs
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The 2025 Taos is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque in its U.S. specification.
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It uses an 8-speed automatic transmission. Most trims are front-wheel drive as standard; all-wheel drive is optional or standard depending on the trim.
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According to experts, the Taos hits 0–60 mph in around 7.0–8.9 seconds depending on configuration.
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Efficiency is decent: combined mileage ratings are improved slightly over previous versions, with FWD models scoring well on the highway.
What’s New for 2025
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The 2025 model brings a refresh: more horsepower over the prior version, improved cabin materials and a more modern infotainment layout.
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The interior gets a revamp: VW has redesigned the dashboard, given all trims an 8-inch (or larger) infotainment screen, and upgraded tech features.
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Safety and driver-assist tech get better: features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist are more widely standard.
Features & Highlights
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Seating for five with a reasonably spacious rear and cargo area for the class.
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Smart connectivity: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, some trims offer wireless versions.
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Materials and tech feel a notch up: even the base trims look and feel more premium than you might expect in this price range.
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Practical dimensions make the Taos suited to both city driving and highway cruising — a good mix of compact size + real utility.
What’s It Good At?
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Excellent value: You get premium-looking features without luxury pricing.
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Good balance of tech and performance: If you pick a higher trim, the Taos punches above its price class.
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Versatile for families or daily drivers: Size is manageable, tech is modern, and it’s easy to live with.
What to Consider
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It’s still a five-seater only (no third row) — so if you need room for 7, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
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Some trims with AWD cost significantly more — upgrading adds cost.
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If you’re outside North America (e.g., India), local pricing, availability and specifications may vary significantly.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is one of those SUVs where you don’t feel like you’re making too many compromises. It hits the right notes: modern tech, smart design, reasonable performance, and good value. If you’re shopping compact SUV and like the idea of a capable, stylish option without going full-luxury, the Taos should be high on your list.
If you’re interested, I can pull together a detailed comparo between the 2025 Taos and the 2025/2026 Volkswagen Tiguan (another VW SUV option) — so you can decide which fits you better.
