Volkswagen Fixes the Rare Fault in the 2024 Taos for 2025

– Volkswagen replaces the problematic 7-speed DSG with a smoother 8-speed automatic for the 2025 Taos.

– The 2025 Taos gets a power boost with a revised 1.5L engine, delivering 174 horsepower.

– New 2025 Taos design updates include a modernized front grille, connected taillights, and improved cabin quietness.

Volkswagen has revealed the changes it will make to their subcompact Taos SUV for 2025. At the exact same time, I was driving a 2024 Taos, and I could not help myself but to use this opportunity to share a thought or two on the SUV at hand.

The big save

I first drove the then all-new Taos in late 2021 and in that review, I complained that the 7-speed DSG transmission, or direct-shift gearbox (In German: Direktschaltgetriebe) wasn’t very cooperative, and left it at that. This 2024 unit however, the DSG is an absolute nightmare.

As I put in my 2022 review, getting the DSG to do its job is akin to “to wake a cat mid-nap after a large meal.” I must have been in a good when I reviewed the 2022 because the 2024 is awful, drunk, tuned ass-wards, and plain unpleasant. As in 2022, I attempted to toggle through the various drive modes but to no avail – this here is the main reason why any and all of you considering a new Taos MUST wait a little while and get a 2025.

The new model is served by a conventional 8-speed slushbox which should save the driving experience. Previously, the 8A was reserved for the FWD models, it will now transmit power to all four wheels.

More power is always, almost, better

For 2025, the Taos gets semi-significant powertrain upgrade, featuring a revised 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Power is up to 174 hp, up from the 158 hp offered in the 2022-2024 models. I cannot find the 2025 torque figure therefore I assume that it continues to stand at 184 lb-ft, still a generous amount.

No word on fuel consumption improvements either. The “old” 1.5T returned an average of 8.2L/100km in mixed driving, which is acceptable. Performance however seems to have improved, the 0-100km/h looking as though it’s dropped a few tenths of a second.

For everything else, 2024 is fine

The 2025 Taos features a fresh front-end design, with a new bumper, grille, and standard LED projector headlights across all trims. The grille now includes an available illuminated light bar, adding a modern touch. Rear design changes include connected taillights and an illuminated Volkswagen badge. Even though these updates increase the Taos’ appeal, the 2022-2024 design remains youthful and sufficiently muscular with LED lighting and an available illuminated light bar in the grille

Inside, the 2025 Taos debuts a redesigned dashboard that integrates a standard 8-inch infotainment display. This is an upgrade from the 2022-2024 base models, where a 6.5-inch display was standard on Trendline, which were not sold in massive quantities.

For a large subcompact SUV, the Taos remains spacious and well-appointed. According to VW, cabin quietness has been improved for 2025. Currently, while some road noises do penetrate into the cabin at speeds, the Taos is far from being the loudest in the segment. The seats are comfortable though, like many Volkswagen seats, could use more lumbar support.

One of many

The war for attention is fierce in this segment. Every mainstream automaker has at least one player in the category. The 2024 is priced from $27,395 for the base FWD model and $29,995 with AWD. 2025 pricing is not out yet however to compete with the likes of the all-new and very interesting 2025 Nissan Kicks, which is priced under $30,000 with AWD, Volkswagen will need to be wise.

Other alternatives include the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Venue and Kona, Chevrolet Trailblazer and Trax, Mazda CX-30, Mitsubishi RVR, Toyota Corolla Cross, Honda HR-V, Jeep Compass, and that’s about it. On a personal note, the Taos is the best looking of the lot, following by the Kicks the GMs.

If you’re still thinking about a 2024 Taos, simply take one for a test drive. I have little doubt that within minutes, you’ll be convinced that you need to wait for the 2025 Taos.