Let’s Compare the 2025 VW Taos vs 2024 VW Taos vs 2023 VW Taos

The Volkswagen Taos remains at the top of drivers’ wishlists, with each new model more boldly styled than the last. But no matter which you choose, you’ll enjoy top-tier performance, advanced safety features, and the latest technology.

Here at Carolina Volkswagen, our team is committed to helping you find the perfect vehicle. To ensure you leave our lot in the right new ride, we’ve provided a detailed comparison of the 2023, 2024, and 2025 VW Taos. Check it out!

Vehicles

(All S FWD Trim Levels)

2025 Taos

2024 Taos

2023 Taos

MSRP1

$24,995

$23,995

$24,155

Body Style

2-Row Compact SUV

2-Row Compact SUV

2-Row Compact SUV

Drivetrain

Front Wheel Drive (FWD)

(also AWD available)

Front Wheel Drive (FWD)

(also AWD available)

Front Wheel Drive (FWD)

(also AWD available)

Engine

1.5L TSI® 16-valve DOHC turbo 4-cylinder engine

1.5L TSI® 16-valve DOHC turbo 4-cylinder engine

1.5L TSI® 16-valve DOHC turbo 4-cylinder engine

Transmission

8-speed Automatic Transmission

(4MOTION offers 7-speed Automatic)

8-speed Automatic Transmission

(4MOTION offers 7-speed Automatic)

8-speed Automatic Transmission

(4MOTION offers 7-speed Automatic)

Horsepower

174 hp @ 5,500 rpm

158 hp @ 5500 rpm

158 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque

184 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm

184 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm

184 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm

Fuel Type

Regular Unleaded Gasoline

Regular Unleaded Gasoline

Regular Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel (MPG)

28 city / 36 highway / 31 combined

28 city / 36 highway / 31 combined

28 city / 36 highway / 31 combined

Fuel Tank Capacity

13.2 gallon

13.2 gallon

13.2 gallon

Space & Comfort

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

Passenger Volume

99.5 cu.ft.

99.5 cu.ft.

99.5 cu.ft.

Cargo Volume to Seat 1 

(all rear seats folded down)

65.9 cu.ft.

(w/ 4MOTION 60.2 cu.ft.)

65.9 cu.ft.

(w/ 4MOTION 60.2 cu.ft.)

65.9 cu.ft.

(w/ 4MOTION 60.2 cu.ft.)

Cargo Volume to Seat 2 

(only the second-row seats are in place)

27.9 cu.ft.

(w/ 4MOTION 24.9 cu.ft.)

27.9 cu.ft.

(w/ 4MOTION 24.9 cu.ft.)

27.9 cu.ft.

(w/ 4MOTION 24.9 cu.ft.)

Trunk Volume

27.9 cu.ft.

(w/ 4MOTION 24.9 cu.ft.)

27.9 cu.ft.

(w/ 4MOTION 24.9 cu.ft.)

27.9 cu.ft.

(w/ 4MOTION 24.9 cu.ft.)

Front Headroom

40.7 in.

40.7 in.

40.7 in.

Front Legroom

40.1 in.

40.1 in.

40.1 in.

Rear Headroom

39.8 in.

39.8 in.

39.8 in.

Rear Legroom

37.9 in.

37.9 in.

37.9 in.

Passenger Volume

99.5 cu.ft.

99.5 cu.ft.

99.5 cu.ft.

Size & Dimensions

Height

64.5 in.

64.4 in.

64.4 in.

Length

175.9 in.

175.8 in.

175.8 in.

Width, Max w/o mirrors (in.)

72.5 in.

72.5 in.

72.5 in.

Wheelbase

105.9 in.

105.9 in.

105.9 in.

Curb Weight

3201 lbs.

3181 lbs.

3181 lbs.

Towing Capacity

1500 lbs.

1500 lbs.

1500 lbs.

Turning Diameter

35.1 ft.

37.6 ft.

37.6 ft.

Wheels

17 in.

17 in.

17 in.

Trims

S, SE, SE Black & SEL

 S, SE, SE Black & SEL

S, SE & SEL

Drive Modes

Standard: Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom. 

4MOTION (AWD) models offers: Off-Road, Snow, and Off-Road Custom modes

Standard: Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom. 

4MOTION (AWD) models offers: Off-Road, Snow, and Off-Road Custom modes

Standard: Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom. 

4MOTION (AWD) models offers: Off-Road, Snow, and Off-Road Custom modes

2025 Volkswagen Taos white SUV

Recognition

Volkswagen Taos Strong Points

2025 Volkswagen Taos

  • Comfort-focused interior
  • Spacious cargo area 
  • Smooth, stable drive

2024 Volkswagen Taos

  • Above-average fuel economy
  • Available all-wheel drive 
  • Plenty of passenger and storage space

2023 Volkswagen Taos

  • Dynamic driving experience
  • Ample cargo and passenger space
  • Impressive gas mileage

What’s New for the Volkswagen Taos?

2025 Volkswagen Taos

  • Enhanced exterior styling, including a full-width LED light bar
  • Premium interior materials 
  • Larger touchscreen display
  • 174-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
  • All-wheel-drive (AWD) with conventional automatic transmission
  • Part of the first Taos generation introduced for 2022

2024 Volkswagen Taos

  • Advanced IQ.DRIVE standard driver-assist features 
  • New must-have features across trims
  • Small tweaks to standard features

2023 Volkswagen Taos

  • Forward collision mitigation and blind-spot warning made standard
  • IQ.DRIVE suite standard on SE trim and higher
  • Panoramic sunroof made standard on SEL trim

Best Trim

Starting around $26,600 MSRP, the S All-Wheel Drive model speeds ahead of the pack. This sporty compact SUV goes big on space, affordability, and safety – so hurry in for a test drive today! Because Volkswagen understands that extra traction provides extra confidence, the all-wheel drive version tackles rugged terrain and inclement forecasts with ease. This entry-level model is packed with fantastic features, like these:

Standard safety features available in the VW IQ.DRIVE suite:

  • Travel Assist
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Active Blind Spot Monitor
  • Rear Traffic Alert
  • Front Assist
  • Emergency Assist
  • Lane Assist

Standard comfort and convenience features:

  • Heated, leatherette-wrapped steering wheel
  • Push-button engine start
  • VW Digital Cockpit
  • Two front USB-C data ports (45-watt charging)
  • 6.5-inch digital touchscreen
  • Leather-wrapped gear shift knob
  • Rearview Camera System

Trim Level MSRP

S: $24,995

SE: $27,895

SE Black: $30,145

SEL: $34,695

Get to Know the 2025 Volkswagen Taos


Performance

Engine & Powertrain

  • 1.5L TSI® 16-valve DOHC turbo 4-cylinder engine
  • 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Front-wheel drive
  • Available 4MOTION® all-wheel drive

Performance

  • Horsepower: 177 horsepower (up from 158 horsepower in previous models)

Steering & Efficiency

  • Electric Power Steering
  • Engine Start-Stop System

Speed

  • 0-60 Speed:
    • 4MOTION offers 0-60 mph in 7.4 Seconds (Based U.S. News & World Report’s test)
  • 100 MPH:
    • 21.1 Seconds to Reach 100 mph (Based on Car and Driver test)

Technology

Connectivity & Charging

  • 2 front USB-C data ports (45w fast charging)
  • App-Connect® smartphone integration (for compatible devices) via USB
  • Bluetooth® technology with audio streaming for compatible devices
  • myVW with connected vehicle services from Car-Net®

Audio & Entertainment

  • 4 speakers
  • 8-inch touchscreen with AM/FM/HD Radio

Driver Assistance & Safety

  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
  • Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert (RTA)
  • Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning & Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring)
  • Light Assist (High Beam Control for headlights)
  • Travel Assist, Lane Assist, & Emergency Assist

Instrument Display

  • Volkswagen Digital Cockpit: 8-inch, non-configurable digital instrument display

Convenience & Comfort

  • Push-button engine start

2025 Volkswagen Taos interior 2025 Volkswagen Taos interior seats 2025 Volkswagen Taos interior seats 2025 Volkswagen Taos interior sunroof

Appearance

Interior

Standard Interior Options

  • Cloth seating surfaces
  • Front center armrest with storage compartment
  • Leather-wrapped gear shift knob
  • Leatherette-wrapped, heated multi-function steering wheel
  • Manual climate control
  • Manually adjustable driver seat/ 6-way manually adjustable front seats
  • Rear seat: 60/40 split-folding, w/ center armrest & pass-through

Higher Trim Level Options  

  • Ambient interior lighting
  • Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror
  • Heated front seats
  • Leather seating surfaces
  • Leather-wrapped gear shift knob
  • Ventilated front seats

Interior Color Options

  • S: offers black and gray two-tone cloth upholstery
  • SE: offers CloudTex and cloth materials in two-tone options
  • SE Black: offers sleek, all-black styling

Exterior

Standard Exterior Options

  • 17-inch alloy wheels w/ all-season tires
  • Automatic, LED projector headlights & LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
  • Black roof rails
  • Coming/Leaving Home feature
  • Foldable, power adjustable side mirrors
  • Rain-sensing, variable intermittent front wipers

High Trim Level Options

  • 19″ alloy wheels w/ all-season tires
  • Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) w/ dynamic cornering lights
  • Automatic, LED projector headlights & LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
  • Coming/Leaving Home feature
  • Heated washer nozzles
  • Heated, foldable, power adjustable side mirrors
  • Integrated light bar in front grille
  • Power tilting & sliding panoramic sunroof
  • Rain-sensing, variable intermittent front wipers
  • Silver roof rails

Exterior Color Options

  • Bright Moss Green
  • Monterey Blue Pearl
  • Monument Gray. 
  • Pyrite Silver Metallic
  • Platinum Gray Metallic
  • Deep Black Pearl
  • Pure White
  • Cornflower Blue

Safety 

Anti-Theft & Security

  • Anti-theft engine immobilizer
  • Anti-theft alarm system with engine immobilizer

Airbags & Braking Systems

  • Airbags:
    • Advanced Airbag Protection System with six airbags
    • Front and rear Side Curtain Protection® head airbags
  • Braking:
    • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
    • Electronic brake-pressure distribution
    • Hydraulic Brake Assist
    • Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
    • Engine Brake Assist

Stability & Traction Control

  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
  • Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)

Child & Passenger Safety

  • LATCH System: Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children
  • Front height-adjustable safety belts with pretensioners and load limiters

Visibility & Monitoring

  • Rear View Camera System
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

  • IQ.DRIVE System (Standard):
    • Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance)
    • Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring)
    • Active Blind Spot Monitor
    • Rear Traffic Alert
    • Adaptive Cruise Control Stop and Go
    • Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System)
    • Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency)

Warranty

New Vehicle Warranty

  • Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty:
    • 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first)2

Maintenance

  • Scheduled Carefree Maintenance
    • First two years of manufacturer-recommended maintenance intervals
    • 2 years or 20,000 miles (whichever comes first)3

Roadside Assistance

  • 24/7 Roadside Assistance:
    • Includes: towing, fuel delivery, battery jump start, lock-out service, and more4

Remote Features

  • myVW App: 
    • Start the car remotely (if equipped with Remote Start)5
    • Lock and unlock the doors remotely
    • Set speed and boundary alerts.
    • Locate your car 
    • Note: Requires activation of VW Car-Net through myVW enrollment

Extended Protection

  • Vehicle Service Protection:
    • Up to 10 years or 150,000 miles6
    • Covers up to 1,500 parts
    • Includes 24/7 roadside assistance.7

Take a Further Look: The Volkswagen Warranty

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Conveniently located in Charlotte, NC, we’re proud to serve drivers throughout the Carolinas. Browse our selection online, then hurry into Carolina Volkswagen today for a test drive!

FAQs


What are the 2025 Taos drive modes?
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos optimizes performance with selectable drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom. Additional drive modes are available on 4MOTION (AWD) models, including Off-Road, Snow, and Off-Road Custom.

Does the VW Taos drive well in the snow?
Yes, the Taos adapts to any weather condition, thanks to selectable drive modes. Snow Mode is designed to maintain traction in wintry weather, maximizing handling to ensure you reach your destination safely – no matter the forecast.

Can the VW Taos drive on sand?
Yes, the Taos offers 4MOTION (AWD) with Off-Road Mode to boost performance on sandy terrain. We recommend utilizing 4WD High if available, with traction control turned off. 

Can the VW Taos drive on mud?
To max out performance on muddy surfaces, trust 4MOTION (AWD) with Off-Road Mode. The Volkswagen Taos boasts ground clearance of 6.4 inches, which allows safe passage over uneven or muddy terrain.

Does the VW Taos offer All Wheel Drive?

The Volkswagen Taos is available with both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). AWD is available on the S and SE trims and comes standard on the SEL trim. 

Does the 2025 Taos offer a manual transmission?
No, all models come exclusively with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

What is Volkswagen 4MOTION?

Volkswagen 4MOTION is VW’s all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, designed to enhance traction and stability, especially in challenging conditions.

What is the Volkswagen Taos’ 0-60 second speed?
According to U.S. News & World Reports, the Taos 4MOTION zooms from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds – impressive for a mid-size SUV! Note that Taos front-wheel-drive models reach 60 mph in just 7.5 seconds.

How long does it take the Taos to reach 100 mph?
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos reaches 100 mph in 21.1 seconds. 

Does the Taos require premium gas?
No, Volkswagen recommends filling up with unleaded gasoline.

Is the VW Taos a hybrid?

No, the Volkswagen Taos utilizes a traditional gas engine and is not available as a hybrid or electric vehicle. It is powered by a 1.5-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. 

Is the Taos a 3-Row SUV?
The Taos belongs in the subcompact SUV category, with two rows of roomy seating. For those seeking more space, check out the 3-row VW Atlas.

What are the 2025 Taos interior colors?

Base models are available in two interior colors: black and gray. The upgraded SE trim adds CloudTex and cloth materials in two-tone options, while the SE Black offers a sleek, all-black interior option.

What are the exterior colors of the 2025 Taos?

The 2025 Taos comes in eight exterior paint colors, including the following: 

  • Bright Moss Green
  • Monterey Blue Pearl
  • Monument Gray
  • Pyrite Silver Metallic
  • Platinum Gray Metallic
  • Deep Black Pearl
  • Pure White
  • Cornflower Blue

Is the VW Taos smaller than the Tiguan?
Yes, the Volkswagen Taos is smaller than the Volkswagen Tiguan. Consider your lifestyle and needs before choosing which model is the best fit for you.

What are the trim levels for the 2025 Taos?
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos comes in four unique trim levels: S, SE, SE Black, and SEL.

Is the Volkswagen Taos being discontinued?

No, the VW Taos is back for 2025 – and better than ever! The Taos has undergone a major makeover for 2025, with refreshed styling, new tech, and a more powerful engine. 


Disclaimer by Carolina Volkswagen:

Carolina Volkswagen believes the information and specifications on this website to be correct at the time of publishing. 

Model specifications provided may vary based on selected trim, options, and installed accessories. Specifications, standard features, options, fabrics, accessories, colors, and other features related to the vehicles are subject to change without notice. Values are based on MSRP and exclude taxes, fees, and adjustments. Please visit certified dealers for more accurate pricing.

Images of vehicles are for illustrative purposes only. Please see the dealer for details and availability.

This page sourced information from Volkswagen.com, along with secondary sources, Car and Driver and Edmunds.

1Price excludes destination, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets the actual price.

24 years/50,000 miles (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty on all MY20 and newer vehicles. See owner’s literature or dealer for warranty exclusions and limitations.

3VW’s Carefree Maintenance program provides the 10,000- and 20,000-mile scheduled maintenance services or scheduled maintenance services for two years (whichever occurs first) as stated in the vehicle’s maintenance booklet on all MY20 and newer vehicles. See dealer or owner’s literature for provided services, exclusions, and time and other limitations. The Carefree Maintenance program does not provide tire rotations, or other services or parts not specified in the owner’s literature.

43 years/36,000 miles (whichever occurs first) Roadside Assistance on all MY20 and newer vehicles provided by a third party. May require additional payment for services rendered. See owner’s literature or dealer for limitations and details.

5Requires myVW mobile app, acceptance of Car-Net Terms of Service, and compatible factory-installed or dealer-installed remote start feature. See Owner’s Manual for further details and important warnings about the keyless ignition feature. Do not leave vehicle unattended with the engine running, particularly in enclosed spaces, and consult local laws for any limitations on use. Standard text and data rates may apply.

6The purchase of Volkswagen Drive Easy Protection Vehicle Service Protection is optional and is not required for you to obtain financing for the purchase or lease of a vehicle. Vehicle Service Protection coverage runs concurrently with any applicable manufacturer’s warranties. In-Warranty (New) plan expiration is measured in time or miles, whichever occurs first, from the Agreement Purchase Date and zero (0) miles. Out-of-Warranty plan expiration is measured in time or miles, whichever occurs first, from the Agreement Purchase Date and the Current Odometer Reading as listed on the Customer Agreement Registration Page.

7Due to a covered mechanical breakdown. Please consult your Customer Agreement for complete terms and conditions.