The Volkswagen Taos has been a hit with US consumers, selling around 60,000 units last year. This makes it the brand’s fourth-best-selling nameplate in America, and its top seller in Canada and Mexico. This trend is expected to continue, as the brand has unveiled a stylish new facelift. However, the changes are more than skin deep as the compact crossover receives an upgraded interior and a more powerful engine. More on that in a moment as we’ll initially focus on the new look. The more upscale design is immediately apparent as the Taos adopts a slender grille, which is flanked by new LED headlights.
They’re joined by a more aggressive front
bumper, which features a prominent intake. The model can also be equipped with
an illuminated light bar that visually connects the headlights. The changes to
the rear end are less notable, but designers added a full-width light bar.
They’re joined by an illuminated Volkswagen emblem. Rounding out the highlights
are a revised color palette that includes three new hues known as Bright Moss
Green, Monterey Blue Pearl, and Monument Gray. They’re joined by new 17-, 18-
and 19-inch wheels.
Inside, the Taos benefits from a
Jetta-like makeover that sees the crossover outfitted with a new dashboard and
revised trim. A key highlight is the new 8-inch infotainment system, which
replaces the previously standard 6.5-inch display and has a ‘floating’ design.
It’s accompanied by a familiar 8-inch digital instrument cluster. That’s pretty
much the extent of the changes, but the facelifted Taos has improved sound
damping, expanded availability of touch climate controls, and a new dark blue
leather option on the range-topping SEL trim.
The 2025 Taos comes
standard with a suite of IQ.DRIVE assistance systems. They include Adaptive
Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Front Assist, Travel Assist, and an Active
Blind Spot Monitor. Buyers will also find Emergency Assist, Rear Traffic Alert,
and Lane Assist. Power is provided by an upgraded 1.5-liter TSI four-cylinder
engine, which has new fuel injectors, revised piston rings, and a modified
turbo housing. They’re joined by a larger intercooler and a new gasoline
particulate filter.
Thanks to the changes, the output climbs
from 158 hp to 174 hp. Besides being more
powerful, an eight-speed automatic transmission is now standard on all models.
It replaces the previous seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG in brand
parlance), which was used on the 4Motion all-wheel drive variants. The
refreshed Taos will arrive at U.S. dealerships later this year and pricing will
be announced closer to launch. However, it’ll likely cost slightly more than
its predecessor which began at US$ 23,995 before a US$ 1,425 destination fee.
