2025 Volkswagen Taos Gets Refreshed Styling, Ditches 7-Speed DSG
Introduced in 2022, the Taos is a relatively young member of the Volkswagen family, but has nonetheless managed to become the German manufacturer's best-selling SUV in Canada. So, for the 2025 model year, its offering has been enhanced with a few cosmetic tweaks, as well as mechanical iterations and new interior technologies designed not only to maintain its popularity, but also to address some of its irritants.
The Car Guide headed to Orlando, Florida, to take a closer look at the Volkswagen Taos 2025.
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Revamped Fascia, Improved Powertrain
Aesthetically, the design team has given the Volkswagen Taos a new look, with a reworked front bumper flanked by standard LED projector headlamp units. This fascia can now be fitted with an optional LED light bar integrated just below the hood line. At the rear, the lights have also been modified and are now inspired by those on the Atlas in a connected fashion. The Taos adds three new colors to its palette: Serrano Green Metallic, Monterey Blue Pearl and Alpine Gray. New alloy wheel designs are offered, ranging from 17 to 19 inches depending on the model.
The Taos 2025 is also mechanically improved. The 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine gets new piston rings, new injectors, a redesigned turbocharger housing and a new, larger intercooler. These improvements add a few more horses to the cavalry, boosting horsepower from 158 to 174, while torque remains unchanged.
Another important change: Volkswagen has scrapped the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox on all-wheel drive models, which was frankly ill-suited to this vehicle. Instead, an eight-speed gearbox is used across the entire model range. According to Volkswagen, fuel consumption should remain similar, but the gearbox should operate much more smoothly.
Technological Upgrades
In the cabin, the dashboard has been redesigned in line with the look currently spreading across the Volkswagen range, with a dashboard that incorporates the 8-inch “floating” central screen standard on all variants. Dual-zone air conditioning is also standard, with touch-sensitive controls in the lower center of the dashboard. The manufacturer also claims to have raised the level of cabin soundproofing.
As on the outgoing model, the Taos gets a series of standard and optional advanced safety technologies drawn from Volkswagen's IQ.DRIVE arsenal, such as the optional semi-automatic Travel Assist driver assistance system and the front and rear parking distance control system.
The Volkswagen Taos 2025 is due to arrive in dealerships early this year. Pricing should be revealed closer to launch date.