With new tweaks and updates on deck, there’s never been a better time to explore a VW Taos; 2025 vs. 2024 models both serve up refreshed styling, so which model year should you take home? Stop googling “VW Taos 2025 vs. 2024 difference,” dive into our complete VW Taos 2025 vs. 2024 guide below, and start choosing your favorite trim – we recommend a two-tone Cornflower Blue/Deep Black Pearl exterior or a gorgeous new hue like Bright Moss Green on the 2025 model! When you’re ready to discuss finance and lease options, the Jim Ellis Volkswagen of Chamblee team is at your service.
While many automakers roll their “new” models into the next year completely unchanged, you can enjoy a VW Taos redesign this year and next. The 2024 VW Taos hits the scene with a brand-new SE Black trim featuring – you guessed it – blacked-out accents. In addition, every 2024 trim gains IQ.DRIVE technology for extra peace of mind, and the SE variant gains Climatronic dual-zone climate control. The updates don’t stop there, though: Make way for the 2025 VW Taos, a five-seat SUV with even bigger changes.
The 2025 VW Taos introduces a more powerful engine to the already capable lineup, boosts the seven-speed transmission to a standard eight-gear, adds new paint colors and wheel designs, and gives every trim a floating 8-inch center touchscreen for Apple CarPlay® and Android Autoâ„¢ connection. You’ll also notice a refreshed bumper and grille (add the available light bar for futuristic styling!), an elevated VW Taos interior, and Climatronic with Touch capability on all but the VW Taos S.
Equipped with an efficient 1.5-liter four-cylinder, 2024 trims use 158 VW Taos horsepower to capture an EPA-estimated 28/36 MPG (City/Highway)1 with front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive configurations retain the same engine power but rely on a seven-speed gearbox to get a slightly lower EPA-estimated 24/32 MPG (City/Highway).2
Drivers already love the Taos engine’s reliable performance quality, but Volkswagen engineers don’t rest on their laurels. They fine-tuned the SUV’s 1.5-liter engine with these 2025 VW Taos updates to increase its output to 174 horsepower:
The 2025 VW Taos also shows off new alloy wheel designs for FWD configurations, including 17-inch options for the Taos S and 18-inchers to fit the Taos SE. The SEL and the SE Black trims roll through town on elegant 19-inch wheels, the latter when paired with 4MOTION AWD.
We’re not sure how or if these 2025 performance upgrades will affect VW Taos MPG, but we’ll keep you posted. An official VW Taos towing capacity hasn’t been released for 2025 either, but 2024 models weren’t rated for towing and had a payload of 948 pounds. For a closer look at specifics like VW Taos ground clearance and VW Taos 0-60, the Jim Ellis Volkswagen of Chamblee team put together this helpful chart.
2024 VW Taos | 2025 VW Taos | |
Trims | S, SE, SE Black, SEL | S, SE, SE Black, SEL |
Engines | 1.5L turbo 4-cyl | Refined 1.5L turbo 4-cyl |
Horsepower | 158 | 174 |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic / 7-speed DSG | 8-speed automatic |
Drivetrain | FWD / 4MOTION AWD | FWD / 4MOTION AWD |
Payload Capacity | 948 lbs | Not yet announced |
Ground Clearance | 6.4 – 7.6 in | Not yet announced |
Standard Infotainment Screen | 6.5-in | 8-in |
Climate Control | Manual / Climatronic Touch | Manual / Climatronic Touch |
As we mentioned above, the 2024 VW Taos lineup debuts a new SE Black trim for drivers who love a mysterious all-black exterior. The 2025 VW Taos family maintains the same trim options as the previous year, and you can inquire about VW Taos lease options for whichever lineup and trim you like best!
Choose an entry-level S trim, and your VW Taos interior will come with a heated, leatherette-wrapped steering wheel on the 2024 model – this is expected to remain the same for the 2025 variant. The VW Taos 2025 vs. 2024 editions will also likely share a push-button engine start and high-level safety systems like Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitor with RTA, and Light Assist. The exteriors of both model years come with VW Taos roof rails, but the 2025 variants come with new wheel design options. While the entry-level 2024 VW Taos displays your media and navigation information on a 6.5-inch touchscreen, the 2025 VW Taos gives every trim an 8-inch center display.
We hope this VW Taos 2025 vs. 2024 review has helped you choose your best-fit model year. And, if a 2023 or even earlier year has you curious, take a spin through our used VW Taos inventory. The bottom line is that Jim Ellis Volkswagen of Chamblee is here to help, no matter the model year you prefer.
We’ve also put together a comprehensive VW Taos vs. Tiguan guide in case the Tiguan trims are also on your radar. Stop by soon for an in-person tour of your favorite options!
The 2025 VW Taos will showcase three new paint colors alongside its previous monochrome and two-tone paint options:
No matter your choice of VW Taos 2025 vs. 2024 trims, you won’t find a hybrid powertrain as a standard or available option. The 2025 VW Taos does, however, showcase a refined 1.5-liter gas engine that churns out even more horsepower than the 2024 model. The automaker also offers the Volkswagen ID.4 EV SUV and is expected to add more to the EV lineup in the future.
The 2024 trims are not rated for a VW Taos towing capacity, but they do have a 948-pound payload limit. As of October 2024, new VW Taos towing capacity specs haven’t been released, but if the revised 2025 Taos engine and its increased horsepower lead to a tow rating, Jim Ellis Volkswagen of Chamblee will be sure to let you know.
128 city/36 highway mpg (2024 Taos 1.5L, 8-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
224 city/32 highway mpg (2024 VW Taos 1.5L, 7-speed DSG). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.