As you venture into the Volkswagen Taos, you’re likely wondering which model year to opt for. The 2025 Taos stands out with its upscale feel, sleek ID-inspired design, and boosted 174-hp engine. But what about the 2022 model?
While it has its drawbacks, such as the lack of a standard hitch and minor issues like dash rattles, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons. Let’s plunge into the details to uncover the best and worst years of the Volkswagen Taos.
Quick Navigation
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is a significant improvement over its predecessors, with a more upmarket feel, ID-inspired styling, and new interior materials.
- There are no widespread issues with the head gasket, and no recalls have been issued for the Volkswagen Taos.
- Some owners have reported minor issues, such as delayed throttle response, dash rattles, and non-illuminating buttons, but these tend to improve over time.
- The 2022 model year did not come with a hitch, and an aftermarket installation is possible but not a standard or available option from Volkswagen.
- The 2025 model year has a more powerful engine, with a 16-hp boost to 174-hp, and an eight-speed automatic transmission replaces the dual-clutch automatic on all versions.
2025 Volkswagen Taos Overview
You’re likely considering the Volkswagen Taos as a top contender for your next extra-small SUV purchase, and for good reason.
This well-rounded SUV offers a powerful and efficient engine, refined driving experience, and above-average interior quality.
The turbocharged four-cylinder engine now produces 174 hp, improving acceleration, and the dual-clutch transmission has been replaced with a conventional automatic.
This change should provide a smoother and more responsive driving experience.
With its adult-friendly back seat and sizable cargo area, the Taos is an excellent choice for families.
Trim Levels and Pricing
You’ll find the 2025 Volkswagen Taos available in four trim levels: S, SE, SE Black, and SEL, with prices ranging from $24,995 to $34,695.
When deciding between trims, consider that the SE offers notable upgrades over the base S, including a heated steering wheel and advanced driver assists.
The SEL, on the other hand, boasts luxurious features like leather upholstery, but its leather quality could be refined.
Taos Trim Options
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos offers four distinct trim levels to cater to various budgets and preferences: the base S, mid-range SE, sporty SE Black, and top-tier SEL.
You’ll find the base Taos S trim is well-equipped, but the SE trim offers additional features worth the extra monthly payment.
Adding all-wheel drive to the Taos S and SE trims costs an extra $1,700, while the SEL trim comes standard with AWD.
The SE Black trim adds a sportier appearance package, and the SEL trim boasts a panoramic sunroof and 18-inch black wheels as standard features.
SE and SEL Differences
When deciding between the SE and SEL trims of the 2025 Volkswagen Taos, it’s essential to weigh their distinct features and pricing.
The SE trim offers extra equipment, making it worth the additional monthly payment. In contrast, the SEL trim comes with standard all-wheel drive and an independent rear suspension, prioritizing ride quality.
The SEL trim’s premium features and capabilities come at a $2,500 price increase over the SE trim. If you’re willing to pay more, the SEL trim’s upgraded wheels, suspension, and features make it a worthwhile upgrade.
Performance and Drive
How does the Volkswagen Taos fare in terms of performance and drive?
You’ll be pleased to know it’s a significant improvement over its predecessor. The new transmission replaces the old dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the 174 horsepower provides a much-needed boost.
The throttle response is now more responsive, making city driving and highway cruising a breeze.
Strong low-end torque eliminates sluggishness from a stop or in traffic.
The Taos offers classic German high-speed stability, making it a comfortable ride.
Wind noise is almost unnoticeable, adding to the quiet ride.
The base model comes well-equipped with a heated steering wheel and generous driver assists.
Interior Quality and Features
When you step inside the Volkswagen Taos, you’ll notice the attention to material quality, with soft-touch surfaces on every window sill.
The interior trim color even changes depending on the trim level, adding a touch of personality to the cabin.
From the generous collection of driver assists to the durable materials, it’s clear that the Taos prioritizes comfort and functionality.
Material Quality Matters
You’ll appreciate the attention to detail Volkswagen has given to the Taos’ interior, where quality materials refine the overall driving experience.
The use of soft-touch materials on each window sill adds a premium feel, while the SEL trim’s leather upholstery, although a bit thin, uplifts the cabin’s ambiance.
- Soft-touch materials on each window sill for a premium feel
- Leather upholstery on the SEL trim, although it feels a bit thin
- Real buttons for driver assists and audio controls for ease of use
- 8-inch touchscreen standard, replacing the 6.5-inch display from last year
- Interior trim color changes depending on the trim level, adding to the overall aesthetic
Soft-Touch Surfaces Abound
The Volkswagen Taos’ interior exudes refinement, thanks to its generous use of soft-touch surfaces.
You’ll find them on each window sill, adding to the upscale feel. The SEL trim takes it up a notch with leather upholstery, although it may feel a bit thin to some owners.
Physical buttons and knobs, including real buttons for driver assists and audio controls, make it easy to use.
The standard 8-inch touchscreen provides a modern and premium infotainment experience.
Depending on the trim level, the interior trim color changes, with the SE featuring a matte dark blue trim that complements the overall upscale ambiance.
Safety Ratings and Driver Assists
Safety is a top priority for Volkswagen, and the 2025 Taos delivers on that promise.
You’ll appreciate the generous collection of driver assists, including a heated steering wheel, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control.
- The IQ Drive suite of active safety features is available on every Taos trim, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control.
- The SEL trim comes standard with all-wheel drive and an independent rear suspension for a smoother ride and more sophisticated handling.
- The 2025 Taos has a more upmarket feel, with ID-inspired styling and new interior materials.
- The NHTSA and IIHS provide independent analysis and crash-test scores, giving the Taos an average rating of 4 stars out of 5.
- You can opt for the IQ Drive suite on any trim for added peace of mind.
Cost to Drive and Competitors
Estimating around $1,500 annually, the cost to drive the 2025 Volkswagen Taos is relatively affordable, considering its turbocharged engine and generous feature set.
This estimate is based on 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving, which should provide decent fuel economy.
If you’re considering alternatives, the Subaru Crosstrek offers similar cost to drive estimates, but with greater off-road capability.
The Chevrolet Trax and Buick Envista, on the other hand, offer lower cost to drive estimates, making them a good value.
The turbocharged Mazda CX-30 is another option, with a similar cost to drive and more emphasis on performance and style.
Reliability and Maintenance
You’ve got a good handle on the cost to drive your 2025 Volkswagen Taos, but what about the long-term costs of owning it?
In terms of reliability and maintenance, the 2025 Taos has a predicted reliability rating.
Some key points to ponder:
- Owners of the 2022 Taos have reported no major issues or complaints, with some experiencing delayed throttle response that improved over time.
- Some owners have reported replacing rear brake pads at around 1,000 miles, with labor costs being expensive, but Volkswagen offers an extended warranty for brake pads.
- The 1.5T engine has a timing belt with a long inspection interval and is designed to be lifetime.
- Advances in belt technology make timing belts a reliable option.
- Overall, the Taos has shown promising reliability and maintenance prospects, but it’s essential to stay on top of regular maintenance to avoid costly repairs.
Ownership Experience and Reviews
Based on owner feedback, the 2025 Volkswagen Taos appears to be delivering a smooth ownership experience, with many reporting no major issues or complaints after driving their vehicles for thousands of miles. You can expect a reliable ride, with some owners clocking over 12,000 miles without a hitch.
| Year/Model | Mileage | Issues Reported |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Taos SE 4 Motion | 12,000+ | None |
| 2022 Taos S | 35,000 | Airbag light issue |
| 2022 Taos | Various | Minor issues (dash rattles, non-illuminating buttons) |
| 2022 Taos | Various | No major issues or complaints |
| 2022 Taos | Various | Improved throttle response over time |
Transmission and Acceleration
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos has made significant strides in transmission and acceleration, making it a more responsive and enjoyable ride.
You’ll appreciate the improvements, especially in city driving.
- The new transmission replaces the old dual-clutch automatic, providing a more seamless driving experience.
- The turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 174 horsepower, an increase of 16 horsepower from the previous model.
- The conventional automatic transmission has improved throttle response and acceleration.
- Flooring it for a few days can improve acceleration and throttle response as the transmission learns your style.
- The ECC update has also refined throttle response, making the Taos feel more agile on the road.
Issues and Concerns Reported
Some Volkswagen Taos owners have encountered a few issues with their vehicles, although most are relatively minor and don’t significantly impact the overall driving experience.
You might experience delayed throttle response, but it tends to improve over time, and flooring it for a few days can also help.
Other minor issues include dash rattles, non-illuminating buttons, and buffering when putting down a window.
Some owners have reported concerns with the head gasket, but it’s not a widespread issue, and no recalls have been issued.
Additionally, one owner reported an airbag light, but it’s an isolated incident with no related recalls.
Towing and Hitch Capacity
You’ll find that the Volkswagen Taos has some limitations as regards towing and hitch capacity.
For instance, the 2022 model didn’t come with a hitch, and while an aftermarket installation is possible, it’s not a standard or available option from Volkswagen.
As you research your towing needs, keep in mind that the vehicle’s towing capacity is capped at around 800-1000 pounds total trailer and payload.
Hitch Availability Issues
Owners relying on their Volkswagen Taos for towing small trailers and boats have been left high and dry, as the 2022 model didn’t come equipped with a hitch.
You’re forced to delve into aftermarket solutions, which can be a hassle.
The lack of a factory-installed hitch is a major oversight, especially considering the Taos’s towing capacity.
Some owners have installed aftermarket hitches, but this shouldn’t be necessary.
You should be able to trust your vehicle’s manufacturer to provide the features you need.
A factory-installed hitch would have been a welcome feature for many owners.
Volkswagen’s failure to provide this option is a major limitation of the Taos.
Towing Capacity Details
The Volkswagen Taos’s towing capacity remains a mystery, as the automaker fails to provide official ratings for the vehicle.
You’re left to rely on aftermarket solutions and owner experiences, which can be unreliable. Some owners have successfully towed small trailers and boats, suggesting the Taos can handle light towing tasks.
However, the exact towing capacity is unknown, with estimates ranging from 800 to 1000 pounds total trailer and payload. You may need to install an aftermarket hitch, like some owners have done for bike racks, to enable towing.
Model Year Changes and Updates
Fresh from its debut, the Volkswagen Taos has undergone significant model year changes and updates to address early criticisms and improve overall performance.
You’ll notice improvements in the 2025 model year, which boasts a more upmarket feel, ID-inspired styling, and new interior materials.
Other updates include:
- A 16-hp boost to 174-hp for the 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine
- An eight-speed automatic transmission replacing the dual-clutch automatic on all versions
- Touch-sensitive climate controls replacing knobs
- A more compact crossover design
- Smoother acceleration and throttle response thanks to the transmission update
When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Volkswagen Tiguan , Volkswagen Touareg , Volkswagen Golf GTI and Volkswagen Atlas. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.
