Is the 2024 VW Taos Really Worth the Hype?

The 2025 Volkswagen Taos continues to hold its ground in the growing compact CUV segment and is a key model in VW’s growing CUV/SUV lineup. For 2025, the Taos gets a mid-cycle upgrade offering more power and some interior and exterior enhancements while largely holding the line on price. The carryover 1.5L turbocharged 4-cyl. has been boosted from 158 hp to 174 hp. Despite not having a hybrid in the lineup, fuel economy is a respectable 36 mpg (6.5L/100km) on the highway.

The baby of VW’s SUV lineup, the attractive Taos is nonetheless practical. A new SE Black trim joins the lineup and wears a darkened exterior appearance, including a black roof, black wheels, and black trim accents. The interior of the SE Black, receives blue stitching on its upholstery. The rest of the lineup sees a few minor changes. The base S trim now includes VW’s IQ.Drive adaptive cruise control system with lane centering, the SE gains dual-zone automatic climate control, and the SEL sees a few cosmetic tweaks. 

S starts at $24,995 and goes uptown the SEL at $36,695 and add $1500 to upgrade to 4Motion, their all wheel drive system. The Taos competes with: Chevy Trax – youtu.be/C4BOpSMS6JI

Hyundai Kona – youtu.be/18jOVkMDZFI

Mazda CX-30 – youtu.be/m9G25sskOuw

Buick Envista – youtu.be/eJ6LahuUWRk

KIA Niro Hybrid – youtu.be/Ivg08rLPYq4

Nissan Kicks – youtu.be/0UhVdTe5REM

Honda HRV – youtu.be/dLKY1enXTok

Subaru Crosstrek – youtu.be/WcNJVQN1_EM

Toyota Corolla Cross – youtu.be/Ou4fi6XhF60

You can support me by buying me a cup of coffee. Thanks for subscribing and your support! www.buymeacoffee.com/laurenfix

Looking for more automotive news? youtube.com/@car-smarts

Additional articles on our website www.CarCoachReports.com

“LAUREN FIX’S GUIDE TO LOVING YOUR CAR” Book – amzn.to/3ifDi3j

Total Car Score Podcast ► Hosts: Lauren Fix, Karl Brauer and Javier Mota.   www.revolverpodcasts.com/shows/total-car-score/