2025 Volkswagen Taos Gets More Power, Golf-Like Nose

• DSG dropped for conventional automatic

• New safety features across the board

A sharper new nose, a sharper upgraded engine, and a smoother new transmission. Those are the big changes for the 2025 Volkswagen Taos as VW updates its smallest crossover.

More powerful competitors mean VW has had to boost the 1.5L turbo-four in the 2025 Taos. Thanks to some small internal changes, a new intercooler, and new fuel injectors, the engine now makes 174 hp instead of 158. AWD Taos models will also get a new eight-speed automatic instead of the seven-speed DSG because the company said buyers didn’t like the sportier (and clunkier) DSG in a crossover. Front-drive models already had the auto, so they’re unchanged.

A new nose that looks a lot like the 2025 Jetta’s replaces the gaping grilles of the previous Taos. It’s a small change, but it now looks more like a Volkswagen to us. LED headlights are now standard, and there is a rear light bar that looks like the one on the larger Atlas models. New paint shades and new wheels complete the facelift.

Inside, the Taos gets a new 8.0-inch center screen. It’s now floating instead of integrated into the dash, which is a cosmetic downgrade, but functionality with the new hardware should be improved. Dual-zone climate control is now standard, and it uses VW’s new Climatronic design with touch-sensitive sliders instead of knobs or dials.

An updated safety suite brings Travel Assist and adaptive cruise to all grades. Front and rear park assist are now available options.

The 2025 Volkswagen Taos should hit dealers in early 2025. Pricing has not been announced, but expect a slight increase from the current $27,395 starting point.