Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.MSRP: From $25,495Use the table of contents to jump to a sectionOverviewThe 2025 Volkswagen Taos subcompact SUV remains the smallest SUV in the brand's lineup, but it still makes a strong case for itself with a roomy cabin, clean styling, and solid everyday usability. Front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is available on most trims, and every version uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder with 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic is now standard across the lineup.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhat continues to make the Taos appealing is the way it stretches its footprint. It's easy to park and easy to live with, yet it offers rear-seat space and cargo room that feel closer to a class above in front-wheel-drive form. The result is a subcompact SUV that leans more toward practicality and comfort than sportiness, which is probably the right call for this segment.2025 Volkswagen Taos in Bright Moss GreenVolkswagenWhat's New for 2025For 2025, the Taos gets a substantial refresh. AWD models swap the old 7-speed dual-clutch automatic for an 8-speed torque converter automatic, horsepower goes up to 174 hp, the exterior gets a revised grille and updated lighting details, and the cabin gets a new dashboard layout with a floating 8.0-inch touchscreen now standard. New wheel designs and additional exterior color choices also join the update.2025-2026 Volkswagen Taos in Bright Moss GreenVolkswagenView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleExteriorThe refreshed Taos looks sharper and a bit more upscale than before. The nose is cleaner, the grille design is updated, and the lighting details help it look more in step with the rest of Volkswagen's SUV range. Standard LED projector headlights are part of the package, and upper trims bring a more dressed-up look with larger wheels and extra visual detail.AdvertisementAdvertisementTrim walk matters here. The S starts simpler, the SE and SE Black add more visual presence, and the SEL stands at the top with the most premium look in the lineup. Even so, the Taos keeps its shape tidy and straightforward, which suits a small crossover that is meant to do family and commute duty without trying too hard.2025-2026 Volkswagen Taos in Cornflower BlueVWView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleInteriorInside, the Taos still plays one of its strongest cards. The cabin makes smart use of space, and the rear seat is particularly generous for this class. Every Taos gets a digital gauge display (8.0 inches at the base level; 10.25 inches from the SE) and an 8.0-inch touchscreen, while upper trims add features such as wireless smartphone connectivity, wireless charging, a power driver's seat, heated front seats, and available ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof.Material quality and presentation also improve for 2025. The dashboard design is cleaner, the cabin gets better materials, and the overall setup feels more polished than before. The S uses cloth upholstery, while leatherette and leather are available farther up the range. It's still a practical interior first, but it no longer feels basic.2025 Volkswagen Taos interiorVolkswagenView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articlePrice Range and Best Value TrimTrim LevelPriceS FWD$25,495S AWD$27,195SE FWD$28,395SE AWD$30,095SE Black FWD$30,645SE Black AWD$32,345SEL AWD$35,195The 2025 Volkswagen Taos' price range spans a fair few trims, but the SE makes the most sense. It keeps the same 174-hp engine and 8-speed automatic as the rest of the range, but it adds the features most buyers will actually notice every day, including 18-inch wheels, a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, remote start, wireless charging, a larger 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, and wireless smartphone mirroring.2025 Volkswagen Taos Key SpecsPowertrain OptionsEnginePowerTorqueTransmissionDrivetrain1.5L Turbo I4174 hp184 lb-ft8-speed autoFWD / AWDFuel Economy (MPG)ConfigCityHighwayCombinedRangeFWD283631409 miAWD253328406 miDimensionsMeasurementFWDAWDLength175.8 in175.8 inWidth72.5 in72.5 inHeight64.4 in65.1 inWheelbase105.9 in105.5 inCargo Capacity (min / max)27.9 cu-ft / 65.9 cu-ft24.9 cu-ft / 60.2 cu-ftGround Clearance6.4 in7.6 inWarrantyCoverageTermLimited Warranty4 years / 50,000 milesPowertrain Warranty4 years / 50,000 milesComplimentary Maintenance2 years / 20,000 milesPros and ConsPros:AdvertisementAdvertisementSpacious cabin for a subcompact SUVSmooth eight-speed automatic now used across the lineupStrong feature content, especially in SE trimCons:Acceleration is decent rather than quickPricing can climb close to larger alternativesTouch-sensitive climate controls are not idealVerdictThe 2025 Volkswagen Taos is a smart, sensible small SUV that gets better where it needed to. The updated powertrain setup is a real improvement, the interior is more polished, and the packaging still stands out as one of the best parts of the vehicle. It's not the cheapest option once you start moving up the trim ladder, and it's not the fastest thing in the class, but it feels mature, roomy, and well sorted. For buyers who want a subcompact crossover that does the basics very well and does not feel cramped, the Taos remains easy to recommend.2025-2026 Volkswagen Taos in Bright Moss GreenVolkswagenCompetitorsChevrolet TraxHyundai KonaSubaru CrosstrekMazda CX-30Toyota Corolla CrossAdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Sep 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Cars section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.