The Volkswagen Taos was introduced in late 2020 as 2022 model, joining the manufacturer’s quickly expanding list of sport utility vehicles in the family-dominated segment. The storied German carmaker lists 11 vehicles in its lineup, including five SUVs

For 2025 (and the recently released nearly identical 2026 models), the Taos is available in seven trims. The base S model starts at $26,420; the top-line SEL begins at $36,120.

As the smallest SUV in the VW lineup, the Taos has impressive interior space, a complement to the vehicle’s name, the open space, high desert city in New Mexico. The Taos also joined a diverse list of vehicles that carmakers have for decades named after cities around the globe — from the Chevrolet Monte Carlo to the Dodge Durango to the Toyota Tacoma.

The reviewed 2025 VW Taos SE is a subcompact crossover representative of a host of vehicles in the segment. It’s equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 174 horsepower, an increase of 16 horsepower from the three previous years’ offerings. Front-wheel drive is standard.

Gas mileage averages are 25 miles per gallon in city driving, 33 mpg on the highway. The 0-to-60 miles per hour standard is accomplished in eight seconds.

Like several of its competitors, including the Buick Envista, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30 and Toyota Corolla Cross, versatility is the VW Taos’ strength.

It’s small enough to maneuver efficiently in city driving and it can be parked in compact spaces with ample door-opening room. But the Taos also has substantial passenger and cargo space for smaller families and their stuff (within reason).

The five-occupant seating designation is a misnomer in sub-compact SUVs, unless second-seat occupants are particularly petite adults or not particularly children.

The Taos is peppy enough to move along on the open road, considering the inherent limitations of the segment. It’s not a performance vehicle, but a dutiful road companion. 

Beginning with the base S trim, the Taos has a healthy list of standard technology features: an eight-inch touch screen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, VW’s IQ. The latter is VW’s suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.

The SE trim features dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, parking sensors, synthetic leather upholstery and wireless phone technology. It also has a 10.3-inch touchscreen. Technology and safety feature functionality are presented straightforwardly. There are no gimmicks, therefore there’s no learning curve.

In its fourth model year, the 2025 Taos gets a refresh, although it’s a streamlined presentation. Projector LED headlights are standard throughout the lineup the taillights have extended to the width of the body. The large VW badge now lights up. It’s gimmicky but simultaneously hip.

With its midcycle updates, the just-released 2026 Taos models include only minor amendments from the 2025 selection. The wireless charging pad charges faster, according to the manufacturer. An eight-speaker premium VW audio system is now available on SEL models.

Subcompact SUVs, including the 2025 Volkswagen Taos, offer many of the industry’s best bargains. It’s a competitive segment for small families seeking wallet-friendly, multiuse vehicles.

The 2025 VW Taos is a $30,000 SUV.  How its name represents its namesake city is uncertain. But for its segment, it represents a strong case for getting what you pay for.

Visit: https://www.vw.com/en/models/taos.html