2025 Volkswagen Taos near Cornelius, NC

The 2025 Volkswagen Taos represents a detailed application of engineering, efficiency, and digital integration within a compact SUV platform. This model introduces updated powertrain specifications, refined chassis components, revised suspension systems, and upgraded onboard technology. Designed within Volkswagen’s MQB architecture, the 2025 Volkswagen Taos maintains the brand’s structural integrity and dimensional utility while integrating improvements in performance, interior layout, infotainment configuration, and safety technology.

Reengineered Turbocharged Performance

The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is equipped with a revised 1.5-liter EA211 turbocharged four-cylinder TSI engine. It produces 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Engine modifications include updated piston rings, optimized fuel injectors, a revised turbo housing, a larger intercooler, and a gasoline particulate filter. The powertrain employs Volkswagen’s version of the Miller cycle, closing the intake valves early during the induction stroke. This configuration allows for improved fuel economy while retaining effective thermal efficiency and a high compression ratio of up to 11.5:1.

Front-wheel-drive models are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission featuring a selectable Sport mode. In contrast, all-wheel-drive variants use a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the former seven-speed DSG dual-clutch. All models operate using regular unleaded fuel, with front-wheel-drive models offering EPA-estimated efficiency of 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. All-wheel-drive versions are estimated at 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

Disclaimer: 28 city/36 highway mpg (2025 Taos 1.5L FWD, 8-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depend on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

Dynamic Driving Control and Adaptive Capabilities

2025 Volkswagen Taos 4Motion all-wheel-drive models integrate Volkswagen’s Active Control system. This interface features selectable driving profiles including Snow, On-Road, Off-Road, and Off-Road Custom. On-Road mode provides additional driver selections such as Normal, Sport, Comfort, and Individual. These settings allow modifications to throttle response, transmission behavior, steering weight, and adaptive cruise functions. The rotary dial and push-button interface connects to the infotainment display, enabling user interaction with drive settings.

Under normal load, the 4Motion system operates in front-wheel drive. Torque can be redistributed to the rear wheels when needed, using an electro-hydraulic oil pump and multi-plate clutch system. Rear torque distribution may reach up to 50 percent, depending on traction demands. Electronic differential locks, controlled through the Electronic Stability Control system, assist in lateral torque vectoring by applying braking force to a slipping wheel.

Snow mode moderates power delivery and prompts earlier upshifts. The Traction Control System adjusts sensitivity dynamically during cornering or straight-line driving. Off-Road mode allows for manual gear selection through Tiptronic, disables the automatic start/stop system, and relaxes electronic stability thresholds. Hill Descent Control activates automatically on gradients above 10 percent and remains adjustable between 1 and 19 mph. Off-Road Custom mode permits driver selection of individual components, including engine response, steering configuration, and hill-assist features, though it is not accessible on S 4Motion trims.

Structural Layout and Suspension Enhancements

The 2025 Volkswagen Taos continues to use Volkswagen’s MQB chassis, which incorporates stamped and hot-formed high-strength steel. Front suspension remains a strut-type system across all models, while the rear suspension varies. Front-wheel-drive models use a torsion beam configuration, and all-wheel-drive models employ a multilink design for improved damping and handling dynamics.

Braking components include 12.3-inch ventilated front discs and 10.7-inch solid rear discs. Solid-mounted subframes and bolt-on fenders support repairability and component rigidity. Wobble seam welds are employed for added structural strength in confined areas of the chassis.

Design Integration and External Refinement

The exterior of the 2025 Volkswagen Taos incorporates changes to the front and rear bumpers, a newly designed grille, and standard LED projector headlights. Adaptive Front-lighting System availability enhances forward visibility. The rear is updated with connected taillights and an illuminated Volkswagen badge. Squared-off wheel arches and a continuous character line contribute to a unified side profile. Trim-specific features include black roof rails and mirror caps for S models, while SE and SEL models receive silver roof rails and color-matched mirrors.

Multiple wheel options are available, ranging from 17-inch aluminum-alloy to 19-inch black alloy variants. Tires are all-season across all trims. The SE Black variant, continuing from the prior model year, features blackout exterior detailing and a gloss-black interior scheme. New exterior paint options include Bright Moss Green Metallic and Monterey Blue Pearl, joining an expanded palette for 2025.

Interior Configuration and Cabin Layout

Interior upgrades begin with a redesigned dashboard featuring integrated contrast trims and a semi-floating infotainment screen. The instrument panel is bordered with soft-touch materials extending through the front door panels. The Digital Cockpit display sits behind the steering wheel and varies by trim, with S models including an 8-inch screen and SE/SEL models featuring a 10.25-inch fully configurable unit.

Passenger volume remains at 99.5 cubic feet. Front legroom measures 40.1 inches, and rear legroom is 37.9 inches. Cargo space is 27.9 cubic feet (FWD) or 24.9 cubic feet (AWD) behind the second row, increasing to 65.9 or 60.2 cubic feet, respectively, with rear seats folded.

Trim-specific upholstery ranges from two-tone cloth in S models to leather seating surfaces in SEL variants. SE and SE Black use CloudTex and cloth combinations. Ambient interior lighting with 10 selectable colors is standard on SEL. All trims feature a leatherette-wrapped heated multifunction steering wheel, push-button start, and automatic headlights. SE and SEL trims add features such as remote start, heated seats, dual-zone Climatronic® controls, an 8-way power driver seat, and heated washer nozzles.

Infotainment Technology and Connectivity Architecture

Standard infotainment is managed through the MIB3 platform with an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen. Wireless App-Connect, Bluetooth® integration, and SiriusXM® with 360L are included across all trims. Two USB-C ports with 45-watt fast charging are located in the front center stack, with additional ports in the center console.

SE and SEL models expand functionality with Composition Media and Discover Media systems. These provide integrated navigation, online map updates, and optional advanced voice control via the Plus Speech with AI subscription. Wireless charging for compatible devices is also standard on these trims.

S trims include four speakers, while SE and SEL include six. All infotainment units are compatible with Car-Net services and myVW app integration for expanded user access and remote services.

Integrated Safety Systems and Driver Support

All 2025 Volkswagen Taos models include six airbags, a rearview camera, and the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. The Intelligent Crash Response System deactivates the fuel pump, unlocks doors, and activates hazard lights following certain crash scenarios.

The IQ.DRIVE system provides semi-automated driving support. This includes Travel Assist, which coordinates Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist for sustained hands-on driving assistance between 0 and 95 mph. Front Assist monitors for frontal collisions with vehicles and pedestrians and can initiate emergency braking. Lane Assist intervenes during unintended lane departure and counters with steering input. Blind Spot Monitoring is enhanced with Active Blind Spot Monitoring, which adds corrective steering assistance if the driver signals during lane change with an adjacent vehicle present.

Rear Traffic Alert monitors cross traffic during reversing maneuvers and may apply the brakes if necessary. Adaptive Cruise Control maintains set speeds and adjusts distance relative to leading vehicles. Emergency Assist can slow and stop the vehicle in the event of driver incapacitation, using a series of escalating alerts and interventions.

Additional features include Park Distance Control with Maneuver Braking, Dynamic Road Sign Display, and automatic high beam management via Light Assist. Park Distance Control engages at low speeds and uses ultrasonic sensors to detect objects. Dynamic Road Sign Display identifies traffic signs using a front camera and presents them in the Digital Cockpit and infotainment screen.

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