2025 VW Taos: Premium Feel, Petite Price with Features the Family Will Approve
As a mom of a 7-year-old son, most of my driving life is a mix of school drop-offs, errands around town, shuttling to afterschool practices, and the occasional moment of “me time” behind the wheel.
So when I got behind the wheel of the redesigned 2025 Volkswagen Taos SEL, I was curious to see if this smaller SUV could keep up with my real life while still feeling fun and stylish. Spoiler alert: it did.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
First Impressions: A Fresh, Modern Look That Doesn’t Try Too Hard
The 2025 Taos, priced from $25,495, makes a strong first impression with its updated design, the biggest update being its new face. Every trim now comes standard with sleek LED headlights, and the refreshed design looks modern without being over the top.
The model I drove came in a gorgeous Monterey Blue Pearl Metallic with black-painted alloy wheels that struck the perfect balance of bold and polished.
Read: The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Just Got a Makeover, But Which is Better: Gas or Hybrid?
Inside: Comfort & Convenience That You’ll Actually Notice
Stepping inside, the Taos also got an interior makeover for 2025. You can tell Volkswagen put a lot of thought into the little details. Unlike some cars that feel flat in all black, the dashboard features layered textures, gloss black accents, and subtle ambient lighting that gives the cabin an upscale feel. The two-tone black and gray leather seats aren’t just pretty; they’re both heated and ventilated in my SEL all wheel drive edition; this was a lifesaver in this Texas heat.
The seats also hit the sweet spot in their main job: supportive bolsters that hug you just enough, but soft enough to stay comfortable during longer drives.
The storage space is practical and thoughtful too. Along with the usual cup holders, there’s a rubber-lined cubby on the console. I’m always looking for the perfect spot to stash my lipstick without it rolling around, and this was it. I also appreciated the larger cup holders in the door pockets, the glove box is roomy, and there’s a Qi wireless charging pad that keeps your phone powered without a bunch of extra cords.
Read: Nissan Kicks Review: The Compact Crossover for Music Lovers
The Taos Makes Everyday Driving Easy, Smooth, & Fun
The 1.5 liter turbo engine with 174 horsepower paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission under the hood won’t win any drag races, but it delivers just what you need: confidence. It’s exactly what you want in a compact SUV: peppy enough to zip past slow traffic, smooth in everyday driving, and easy to maneuver into tight parking spots.
The Taos feels nimble around town but stable on the highway. Visibility is excellent, and a peek-a-boo window just past the rear window cuts down on blind spots even with my son’s car seat installed. I was impressed by just how much this SUV was designed for real-life driving.
Read: 2023 Honda CR-V: Get Ready to Love Hybrid SUV Driving
The Backseat & Cargo Space Was Built With Families in Mind
This is kind of a shock for an SUV this small, but this is where the Taos shines. The rear seat is roomy enough for growing kids, tall teens, car seats, or even the occasional adult. The child car seats LATCHes (two, in the outboard seats) are refreshingly easy to find and use, which makes a huge difference when you’re installing a car seat in 100-degree Texas heat.
The cargo space is another big win. With nearly 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats (and more than 60 cubic feet with them folded), it rivals much larger SUVs. You’ve got room for everything from groceries to luggage to the spur-of-the-moment garage sale finds.
Read: The Best Compact SUVs Under $32,000: All the Fun and Function For Not a Lot of Cash
Fuel Savings & Smart Tech Make the Taos a Great Daily Driver
Volkswagen estimates the fuel efficiency of the Taos to be 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 28 combined. This impressive fuel economy makes the Taos an excellent choice for a daily driver, helping drivers save money at the pump while keeping errands and commutes stress-free.
The SEL trim I tested was also loaded with features I really appreciate, such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital driver display, dual-zone climate control, and Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE suite of driver assistance technology. Safety is of the utmost importance for my family, and Volkswagen has been really proactive in keeping drivers and passengers safe with advanced safety tech features, all packaged under the IQ Drive suite of features. All of these details add up to make everyday driving more comfortable and confident.
Premium Feel Without the Premium Price Tag
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos starts at $25,495; I tested the top-trim SEL with 4Motion all-wheel drive, which priced out at $36,515 (including destination). For the comfort, technology, and family-friendly practicality that is packed into this small SUV, that price feels well worth it.
In fact, it delivers many of the same features (and space) you’d expect from larger, more expensive SUVs.
I usually test drive the SUVs before looking at the price, so that price doesn’t affect my opinion, and I was genuinely shocked that it came in under $40K. That price tag makes the Taos a smart option for smaller families like mine.
The 2025 Taos Proves That Small SUVs Can Still Feel Big
What stood out most during my time with the Taos is how effortless it made everything. From parking at the grocery store to highway cruising, it’s the kind of SUV that slips seamlessly into your lifestyle and makes the little things feel easier. If the Atlas is way beyond your needs and the Tiguan is still too much, the Taos could be the perfect fit.
With generous cargo space, roomy back seats, and smart technology, the Taos shows that compact doesn’t have to mean cramped. Add in great fuel economy and the affordable price tag, and it’s a standout, for time for the family or for just a bit of quiet ‘me time.’
More About:Car Reviews