2025 Volkswagen Taos vs. 2024 Taos — What Are the Differences?

Comparing the 2025 Volkswagen Taos vs. the 2024 Taos raises a lot of intriguing considerations. Both compact SUVs offer a comfortable ride with plenty of power to make the ride memorable. For 2025, the vehicle got a major redesign that’s sure to draw attention on the road. But is the 2025 model really better? Opinions vary, with distinct perks and highlights for both. Here’s what you need to know to make your decision.

Design Evolution

Volkswagen Taos SEL 4MOTION (2024) by Charles is licensed with CC BY 2.0

The 2025 Taos received a complete refresh, including tweaks to the engine, interior materials, infotainment system, and more. The exterior also got a noticeable upgrade, including a full-width LED bar that makes this vehicle stand out at any time of the day or night. The bumper and grille both feature a new look, with sweeping headlights and taillights that dominate the design.

Standard Taos colors include Deep Black, Pure White, Platinum Gray, Pyrite Silver, and Cornflower Blue. The 2024 Taos colors also include Dusk Blue, Pure Gray, and Kings Red, while the 2025 model comes in Monterey Blue, Monument Gray, and Bright Moss Green.

Performance and Engine Specifications

In 2025, the Volkswagen Taos engine underwent some adjustments to deliver an additional 16 horsepower, making the newer Taos a more exhilarating ride. The vehicles are otherwise extremely similar in terms of power, performance, and efficiency.

Powertrain Options

The 2024 Taos features a turbocharged four-cylinder 1.5-liter engine with 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. In the 2025 Taos, this same engine offers 174 horsepower with the same torque. Both models come standard with an eight-speed transmission. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) Taos comes with a torsion-beam rear suspension, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) model features a multilink suspension. In 2024, the AWD Taos had a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which disappeared from the lineup for 2025.

Fuel Efficiency

The FWD Taos gets 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, whereas the 2024 AWD model reached 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. This increased nominally to 33 mpg highway in the 2025 model.

Technology and Safety Features

Both the 2024 and 2025 Taos include built-in navigation, USB charging ports, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The newer model gets a few updates, but these are fairly minor and may not justify the added cost over the capable 2024 version.

Driver-Assistance Technology

As for safety and driver-assistance features, both versions of the Volkswagen Taos include all the features of the IQ.DRIVE package along with other standard technology supports. You’ll enjoy:

• Emergency braking assist
• Pre- and post collision safety systems
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane-keep assist
• Active blind-spot monitor
• Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive cruise control with lane centering and stop-and-go
• Emergency assistance for an unresponsive driver

Infotainment System

The 2025 Taos boasts an upgraded infotainment system with a standard 8-inch touch screen in place of the 2024’s standard 6.5-inch screen. However, the 2024 SE and above included an 8-inch touch screen as well.

All models beyond the base trim include touch-sensitive climate controls. The 2024 Taos offers an optional eight-speaker BeatsAudio stereo, while the 2025 Taos only offers a six-speaker stereo. You can add SiriusXM satellite radio and wireless smartphone charging to both model years.

Interior Comfort and Space

The 2025 Taos interior is more comfortable than the 2024 model. While the 2024 SE features cloth seats with synthetic leather trim, the 2025 SE has CloudTex seating surfaces, which are easier to clean. The SEL offers premium leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats in both years.

Passenger Space and Comfort

Though the Taos is a small SUV, its clever design features make it a comfortable ride. The backseat is large enough to comfortably seat teens or adults. The 2025 model is noticeably quieter than its predecessor. Both models include standard amenities such as an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and a six-way manual passenger seat.

Cargo Capacity

Despite being a compact SUV, the Taos offers a generous cargo capacity. The 2024 model has 24.9 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up and a maximum cargo capacity of 60.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The 2025 Taos is even larger, with 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up and a maximum capacity of 65.9 cubic feet with the seats down.

Trim Levels and Customization

When comparing the 2025 Volkswagen Taos vs. the 2024 Taos, your trim options are extremely similar. Both model years include the S, SE, SE Black, and SEL trims.

Pricing and Value Proposition

Not surprisingly, the 2025 Taos is more expensive than its 2024 counterpart. Prices for the 2025 Taos range from $26,420 for the base-level S to $36,120 for the high-end SEL. The 2024 starts at $25,420 for the S and goes up to $34,940 for the SEL.

Overall ratings indicate that there’s no clear winner between the 2025 Taos vs. 2024 Taos. U.S. News & World Report ratings gave the 2024 model a higher score overall, with better scores for value and safety. However, the 2025 model had higher scores for performance, interior, quality, and reliability. Here’s how they stack up.

Find Out Which Volkswagen Taos Is Right for You at Kalispell Volkswagen

Both the 2024 and 2025 Taos SUVs offer excellent reliability and value. If you’re in the market for a comfortable compact SUV, you should give both options a test-drive. Come explore our showroom at Kalispell Volkswagen off E Idaho Street to explore your choices in person. We’ll explain all the differences between the Taos trims and model years in detail to help you find the best option for your family and your budget.