The subcompact crossover category is a popular one in Canada, and it’s no surprise that many mainstream automakers offer one, and even two models in the segment. The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is also part of that group, which represents the fourth model year for the nameplate.
2025 Volkswagen Taos Changes and Updates
For the 2025 model year, the Taos obtains a mid-cycle refresh with revised front and rear fascias as well as new paint colors and wheels designs. LED headlights are now fitted as standard, while a horizontal light bar is available. Roof rails are also part of the standard feature list.
On the inside, the Taos gets a new dashboard, new materials and colors, while the automaker claims a quieter cabin thanks to improved noise insulation. A digital driver instrument cluster, or VW calls its Digital Cockpit Pro, is sized at 8.0 inches in the more affordable trim levels, 12.3 inches in the range-topping variants.
The Taos’ engine has been improved, too, with revised piston rings and fuel injectors, a modified turbo housing, a larger intercooler and a gas particulate filter—resulting in 16 more horsepower. The seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission in AWD variants has been replaced with a conventional eight-speed automatic, which was already found in FWD units.
Lastly, the Comfortline trim level is no longer available with a front-wheel drivetrain, receiving AWD as standard for 2025.
2025 Volkswagen Taos Trim Levels and Pricing
In Canada, the Taos lineup consists of Trendline, Comfortline, Comfortline Black Edition and Highline trims. The Trendline is available with FWD or 4MOTION AWD, while the latter is standard on the rest of the lineup.
The Taos is equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that develops 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
| Engine | Trans | Drive | MSRP | Freight & PDI | A/C Tax | Dealer Fees | Net Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trendline | Turbo 1.5L I4 | 8AT | FWD | $29,795 | $2,175 | $100 | $500 | $32,570 |
| Trendline 4MOTION | Turbo 1.5L I4 | 8AT | AWD | $31,795 | $2,175 | $100 | $500 | $34,570 |
| Comfortline 4MOTION | Turbo 1.5L I4 | 8AT | AWD | $35,295 | $2,175 | $100 | $500 | $38,070 |
| Comfortline Black Edition 4MOTION | Turbo 1.5L I4 | 8AT | AWD | $36,995 | $2,175 | $100 | $500 | $39,770 |
| Highline 4MOTION | Turbo 1.5L I4 | 8AT | AWD | $38,995 | $2,175 | $100 | $500 | $41,770 |
2025 Volkswagen Taos Specifications
| Trendline | Trendline 4MOTION | Comfortline 4MOTION | Comfortline Black Edition 4MOTION | Highline 4MOTION | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Turbo 1.5L I4 | Turbo 1.5L I4 | Turbo 1.5L I4 | Turbo 1.5L I4 | Turbo 1.5L I4 |
| Transmission | 8AT | 8AT | 8AT | 8AT | 8AT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Output (hp @ rpm) | 174 @ 5,500 | 174 @ 5,500 | 174 @ 5,500 | 174 @ 5,500 | 174 @ 5,500 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 184 @ 1,750 | 184 @ 1,750 | 184 @ 1,750 | 184 @ 1,750 | 184 @ 1,750 |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio (kg/hp) | 8.4 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| City/Highway/Combined Fuel Economy (L/100 km) | 8.4 / 6.5 / 7.6 | 9.4 / 7.2 / 8.4 | 9.4 / 7.2 / 8.4 | 9.4 / 7.2 / 8.4 | 9.4 / 7.2 / 8.4 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (L) | 50 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 |
| Required Fuel | Regular | Regular | Regular | Regular | Regular |
| Standard Wheels and Tires | 215/55R17 | 215/55R18 | 215/55R18 | 235/45R19 | 215/55R18 |
| Turning Diameter, Curb-to-Curb (m) | 10.7 | 10.7 | 10.7 | 10.7 | 10.7 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,689 | 2,689 | 2,689 | 2,689 | 2,689 |
| Length (mm) | 4,467 | 4,467 | 4,467 | 4,467 | 4,467 |
| Width Excluding Mirrors (mm) | 1,841 | 1,841 | 1,841 | 1,841 | 1,841 |
| Height (mm) | 1,638 | 1,654 | 1,654 | 1,654 | 1,654 |
| Track Width Front/Rear (mm) | 1,572 / 1,537 | 1,572 / 1,537 | 1,572 / 1,537 | 1,572 / 1,537 | 1,572 / 1,537 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 164 | 193 | 193 | 193 | 193 |
| Approach/Breakover/Departure Angles (degrees) | 17.3 / 18.0 / 24.8 | 19.7 / 20.4 / 25.8 | 19.7 / 20.4 / 25.8 | 19.7 / 20.4 / 25.8 | 19.7 / 20.4 / 25.8 |
| Headroom Front /Rear (mm) | 1,033 / 1,011 | 1,033 / 1,011 | 1,033 / 1,011 | 1,033 / 1,011 | 1,033 / 1,011 |
| Legroom Front/Rear (mm) | 1,019 / 963 | 1,019 / 963 | 1,019 / 963 | 1,019 / 963 | 1,019 / 963 |
| Shoulder Room Front/Rear (mm) | 1,435 / 1,403 | 1,435 / 1,403 | 1,435 / 1,403 | 1,435 / 1,403 | 1,435 / 1,403 |
| Hip Room Front/Rear (mm) | 1,390 / 1,153 | 1,390 / 1,153 | 1,390 / 1,153 | 1,390 / 1,153 | 1,390 / 1,153 |
| Cargo Volume Min/Max (L) | 790 / 1,866 | 705 / 1,705 | 705 / 1,705 | 705 / 1,705 | 705 / 1,705 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1,452 | 1,561 | 1,561 | 1,561 | 1,561 |
| Towing Capacity (kg) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
2025 Volkswagen Taos Warranty Coverage
In Canada, the Volkswagen Taos is covered by a 4-year/80,000 km Limited Warranty (whichever comes first) and a 5-year/100,000 km Powertrain Limited Warranty, along with a 7-year/unlimited km Corrosion Perforation Limited Warranty.
24-hour roadside assistance is offered on the Taos for 4 years or 80,000 km in Canada.
What the 2025 Volkswagen Taos Does Well
- As with most VW products, the Taos is fun to drive. It’s got good road manners, its steering feel is great and the little turbo engine has plenty of get-up-and-go.
- The Taos’ cabin is big for a subcompact-sized crossover. The cargo area is among the most spacious in its class.
- The infotainment system is relatively easy to use, even while driving. The touchscreen is reactive and are many physical buttons around the screen to quickly access the system’s main functions. The rotary-dial climate controls couldn’t be any simpler, which is great.
- Subjectively, the Taos looks good. Its exterior design is classy, somewhat athletic, while its 18- and 19-inch wheel options add an upscale flair to the crossover. The interior design is also tasteful.
What The 2025 Volkswagen Taos Doesn’t Do Well
- Fuel economy isn’t bad, but it’s not great either. On paper, the Taos’ efficiency ranks average among subcompact crossover models, with the combined rating on AWD units dropping from 8.8 to 8.4 L/100 km. There’s no fuel-saving tech on board here, aside from the fact that it’s got a small-displacement, turbo engine.
- Thinking of towing something? Look elsewhere. The Taos isn’t rated for that, at least in North America. There are other subcompact crossovers that can’t tow, either, so it’s not the only one in its category with this shortcoming, but several rivals can tow up to 1,500 pounds or 907 kg.
- For the 2025 model year, Volkswagen improved the cabin’s design and choice of materials, which we like. However, it replaced the climate control rotary dials with a flat surface housing touch-sensitive buttons, an ergonomic downgrade because it’s distracting to use while driving. There was nothing wrong with the old controls.
- Unfortunately, the Taos’ reputation for reliability is poor. In fact, American watchdog publication Consumer Reports gave the VW crossover a score of 24/100 for reliability, which is really not good. Problem areas cover almost everything from powertrain to build quality and in-car electronics. There is definitely room for improvement here. If we’re still attracted to the Taos, it may be wiser to lease it instead of buying it, at least for now.
2025 Volkswagen Taos Competition
The Volkswagen Taos competes with the Buick Encore GX, the Chevrolet Trailblazer, the Dodge Hornet, the Honda HR-V, the Hyundai Kona, the Kia Niro, the Kia Seltos, the Mazda CX-30, the Mitsubishi RVR, the Nissan Kicks, the Subaru Crosstrek and the Toyota Corolla Cross.
