The Volkswagen Taos debuted for the 2022 model year as an all-new entry-level compact crossover for that company’s lineup, one that’s actually somewhere in between the Ford Bronco Sport and Ford Escape in terms of sizing. With Ford seemingly focusing its future on the Bronco Sport – which could wind up essentially replacing the Escape in the lineup, if recent rumors prove true – that model’s recent refresh figures to be even more pivotal. Regardless, it will also soon do battle with the refreshed 2025 Volkswagen Taos, which was just revealed.
While new vehicle refreshes tend to vary in terms of scope, the 2025 Volkswagen Taos has received a fairly comprehensive redo, with completely updated exterior styling at the front and rear that includes a full-width light bar up front. The interior has been revamped as well with a new contrasting color that helps give it a more premium look, along with a standard eight-inch touchscreen and various other tweaks.
Mechanically speaking, the 2025 Volkswagen Taos has also received a few tweaks for its turbocharged 1.5L engine that give it a 16 horsepower boost compared to the outgoing model, resulting in a total of 174 horsepower, though torque remains unchanged at 184 pound-feet. VW has also ditched the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission used in prior all-wheel drive versions of the Taos and replaced it with the same eight-speed conventional automatic present in front-wheel drive variants.
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is available in three new exterior colors – Bright Moss Green, Monterey Blue Pearl, and Monument Gray – along with new wheels that include 17-inch aluminum alloys for front-wheel drive S models, 18-inch alloys for the front-wheel drive SE, and 19-inch wheels for SEL. The SE Black trim, which just joined the lineup in 2024, will continue to be available and offers up special touches like a black roof, trim, and unique 18-inch wheels for front-wheel drive models, or 19-inch rollers for all-wheel drive models. The refreshed 2025 Volkswagen Taos is slated to reach U.S dealerships by the end of 2024, though pricing won’t be announced until we get closer to that launch.
Comments
I wouldn’t cross-shop the two, though. Admittedly, this is a good update for VW, fixing the complaints, like the DCT, and adding more power. But I doubt someone who is interested in a Bronco Sport is even considering a Taos, of all things, lol.
At least the author got the fact that they are in the same class, right. Most put the Bronco Sport in a class above (competing with the likes of the Equinox and RAV4), which it isn’t. But both are overpriced into the size class above. No idea about cross-shopping since I wouldn’t want either. In this class, I’d take a Trailblazer.
My old dealership rented a Taos for us about a month and half ago for three days. Overly sensitive throttle response and strange brakes.