Let’s be frank: the Volkswagen Taos might not be the SUV that immediately ignites passion. It’s easy to see it as just another compact SUV in an already crowded market, blending into the background with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, four doors, and the ubiquitous oversized wheels. In a world of increasingly complex and sometimes overwhelming vehicles, approaching the Taos with a degree of skepticism is understandable. It’s tempting to dismiss it as just another cog in the machine of modern, somewhat homogenous automotive offerings.
Alt text: Volkswagen Taos review introduction video thumbnail showcasing the car in motion.
Volkswagen’s current SUV lineup, while diverse in size, can feel like variations on a theme. Looking at the range, the styling similarities are undeniable.
Vwsuvlineup 2
This contrasts sharply with Volkswagen’s history, where a greater sense of individuality and character permeated their models.
Oldvwlineup 2
While nostalgia has its charm, modern automotive advancements have undeniably brought significant improvements in efficiency, safety, performance, and comfort. Yet, the unique character of vehicles seems to have diminished somewhat in this pursuit of progress. Therefore, approaching a review of the VW Taos with tempered expectations is a natural starting point.
However, despite any initial reservations, the VW Taos has a way of pleasantly surprising you. It manages to cut through the noise and stand out for its genuinely appealing qualities. Two fundamental aspects contribute to this unexpected appreciation, acting as key reasons why the Taos deserves a closer look.
Cheap And Colorful
Img 3689 Large
The first of these is the Taos’s refreshing color palette. In a sea of grayscale vehicles, the Taos offers genuinely vibrant color options. The test model, finished in a striking, bright green, immediately grabs attention. This bold choice is a welcome departure from the mundane monochrome shades that dominate roads today. Volkswagen offers at least two genuinely appealing colors for the Taos: the aforementioned green and a similarly eye-catching blue. These colors do wonders for the Taos’s appearance, and hopefully, buyers will steer clear of the more forgettable gray options.
The second appealing aspect, metaphorically “green” in terms of money, is the Taos’s price point. While “cheap” is relative in today’s market, the Taos starts at under $25,000. The tested SEL 4MOTION model, loaded with features, came in around $36,000. While not inexpensive, this is significantly less than the average new car price in 2024, which approached $48,000. This makes the Taos a comparatively affordable option in the current automotive landscape.
So, the Taos starts with a strong foundation: attractive color options and a relatively accessible price. But beyond these initial draws, there’s a deeper, more compelling reason to appreciate this compact SUV.
It’s Remarkably Free Of Bullshit
Img 3692 Large
The real charm of the Taos lies in its remarkable lack of unnecessary complexity and gimmicks. In a market saturated with over-engineered features and frustrating user interfaces, the Taos stands out for its straightforward approach. It’s a modern car that manages to feel refreshingly uncomplicated. It focuses on delivering the core functionalities of a vehicle without unnecessary fuss, making the overall ownership experience surprisingly pleasant and easy. The Taos doesn’t demand much from the driver; it simply performs its intended tasks effectively.
Of course, some modern car trends are unavoidable. Even the Taos isn’t entirely immune to the occasional design misstep, such as the somewhat pointless fake exhaust pipe tips.
Img 3693 Large
However, these minor details are easily overlooked in light of the Taos’s overall user-friendliness. This simplicity is particularly evident in the cabin controls and user interface. After experiencing vehicles with touch-sensitive volume controls and overly complex power window switches, the Taos’s traditional buttons and knobs are a welcome relief. The window switches are intuitively placed and function as expected.
Img 3711 Large
Similarly, the presence of physical knobs for volume and other essential functions greatly enhances the ease of use.
Img 3710 Large
The result is a user experience that is intuitive and requires minimal mental effort. Everything simply works as intended, which is a significant advantage in daily driving.
While the Taos includes Volkswagen’s native infotainment system with features like off-road driving data displays, these are likely to be underutilized by most owners.
Img 3706 Large 2
More practically, the Taos features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless smartphone integration. Most drivers will likely prefer to use their familiar phone interfaces for navigation, music, and other apps. Furthermore, the Taos boasts an exceptionally well-designed wireless phone charging system. Unlike many vehicles where wireless charging is finicky and unreliable, the Taos’s charger works consistently and effortlessly.
Img 3690 Large 2
Wireless charging pads in cars are often plagued by issues, but the Taos’s pad is a notable exception. It charges reliably without requiring precise phone placement or constant readjustment. This consistent performance is a welcome surprise and a testament to thoughtful design.
Adding to this thoughtful design is a small vent positioned above the charging pad, blowing cool air directly onto the phone.
Img 3652 Large
This clever feature is designed to prevent phone overheating during charging, a common issue in many vehicles, particularly in warm climates. It’s a small detail that demonstrates a focus on practical usability and user comfort.
The Taos excels at the fundamentals. It’s not revolutionary, but it performs all the essential functions of a compact SUV exceptionally well. The cargo area, for example, is spacious and practically shaped.
Img 3675 2 Large
Offering 25 cubic feet of space in 4MOTION models and 28 cubic feet in FWD versions, it provides ample room for everyday needs. Folding the rear seats expands this to 60 and 66 cubic feet, respectively.
Furthermore, under the cargo floor, the Taos includes a spare tire.
Img 3676 2 Large
In an era where spare tires are becoming increasingly rare, its inclusion is a reassuring nod to practicality and preparedness. In many ways, the Taos echoes the spirit of the original Volkswagen Golf – a versatile, do-it-all vehicle. It comfortably accommodates passengers and cargo, is reliable, and offers an engaging driving experience without being overly complicated. The Taos essentially embodies the core values of the Golf, adapted for the modern SUV era.
What’s It Like Inside?
Img 3683 2 Large
Volkswagen has a reputation for crafting pleasant interiors, and the Taos continues this tradition. The cabin feels airy and inviting, with a balanced mix of light and dark materials. The optional panoramic sunroof enhances this sense of spaciousness and light.
Img 3684 2 Large
While it includes a powered sunshade, the appeal of the open sunroof is undeniable, making the interior feel even more expansive. The material quality inside the Taos exceeds expectations for an entry-level vehicle. The door panels, for instance, feature a bold design with comfortable armrests and deep storage pockets.
Taos Door Cc
The design and materials feel far from cheap. Even the stitching details are real, not merely molded plastic imitations.
Img 3712 Large
The seats are comfortable both in the front and rear. The rear seats include a fold-down armrest with cupholders, a ski pass-through, and rear air vents and USB ports, providing all essential amenities for passengers. The interior prioritizes functionality and comfort without unnecessary frills.
Img 3682 2 Large
How Is It To Drive?
Img 3679 2 Large
The 2025 VW Taos receives a power bump, now producing 174 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque from its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This is ample power for a vehicle weighing around 3,400 pounds, which is relatively light for a modern SUV. Acceleration is decent, with an estimated 0-60 mph time of around seven seconds. The 8-speed automatic transmission (new for the 4MOTION version) shifts smoothly, although its shift points can occasionally feel a bit unusual. Overall, the driving experience is competent and fulfills its purpose without being overly memorable.
The Taos delivers adequate performance when needed, which aligns perfectly with its overall character. It’s not designed to be a thrilling sports SUV, but rather a reliable and easy-to-drive vehicle for everyday use. It’s a tool that efficiently gets you and your passengers where you need to go with minimal fuss.
Img 3708 Large 2
Fuel economy is reasonable, averaging between 26 and 29 mpg in mixed driving conditions. While not exceptional, it’s respectable for a compact SUV, and likely to improve with more economy-focused driving.
Some Nice Details And Final Thoughts
Taos Gonzo
The VW Taos isn’t packed with gimmicks or easter eggs, but its strength lies in being a well-rounded, easy-to-live-with vehicle. While the large lower grille might be a polarizing design element, the overall styling is generally appealing, especially in the bolder color options.
Img 3691 Large
Essentially, the Taos is a modern interpretation of a practical compact wagon, a concept that remains highly relevant today. The taillights are a noteworthy design element, featuring an illuminated VW logo and amber rear indicators.
Red Emblem
Img 3678 2 Large
Perhaps the most compelling praise for the Taos is that it’s simply not annoying to live with. In a market where many new cars are plagued by frustrating details, the Taos avoids these pitfalls. It’s comfortable, easy to park and maneuver, drives well, offers ample space, and features intuitive controls. It minimizes the “bullshit” often associated with modern vehicles.
While the Taos may not inspire fervent car enthusiast passions, it perfectly meets the needs of a vast majority of drivers. For those seeking a reliable and practical vehicle for daily life, the Taos is an excellent option. It’s still too early to assess long-term reliability and maintenance, but initial impressions are highly positive.
If you’re in the market for an affordable and straightforward vehicle that gets the job done without causing frustration, the VW Taos is definitely worth considering. And, as this review suggests, opting for one in green might be the best choice.
