US market gets refreshed VW Taos, with a more efficient, powerful engine

Volkswagen US has updated the Taos SUV for 2025. The refreshed entry-level-embigged-Golf gets a smidge more power and a revised cabin.

On the outside, a sleeker, narrower grille with new LED projector headlights meets a deeper bumper. While the contrast trim around the air intake won't be to everyone's liking, the Taos maintains its practical, inoffensive styling.

Other exterior changes mean the Taos gets an optional light bar on the refreshed grille, connected tail lights and a light-up rear badge (ooh, pretty). There are also new wheels for each of the three grades: S, SE and SEL.

Under the bonnet, the 1.5-litre turbo four-pot engine gets new piston rings and fuel injectors, a modified turbo housing, a bigger intercooler and a new particulate filter. Those changes add 17 horses, taking power from 155bhp to 172bhp. For the four-wheel-drive variants, VW’s upgraded the transmission, switching the seven-speed auto ‘box for an eight-speeder.

Inside the cabin, the dashboard has been revamped with new materials and colours. The once-optional 8in touchscreen now comes as standard and the climate control gets a digital control in the fancier models. Ugh. Perhaps the new acoustic dampening will drown out the persistent chants of “we want buttons”.

Elsewhere, the comprehensive IQ.Drive driver assistance suite has been integrated to all trims, and now features front and rear Park Distance Control, among the usual suspects like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, etc – to name a few.

We’re told pricing for the updated Taos – with a rep for affordability – will follow soon.