Long one of our favorite entries in the pint-sized sport-ute segment, the Volkswagen Taos manages to deliver maximum interior space and comfort in an urban-friendly package.
A “freshening” for the 2025 model year gives the Taos a sportier exterior, stouter turbo-four engine, a tweaked interior with improved tech and a standard eight-speed automatic transmission.
Small though it may be, the Taos impressed us with a roomy interior with adult-friendly accommodations in the rear bench area. In fact, it’s not hard to view it as a three-quarter scale version of the midsize Tiguan or even the big Atlas (minus the third row of seating, of course).
There are four trim levels — S, SE, SEL Black and SEL — all of which are powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four making 174 horsepower (a 17-hp bump over last year’s model) and 184 foot-pounds of torque. All but the SEL trim feature a standard front-wheel-drive system; all-wheel drive (or 4Motion, in VeeDub-ese) is a cost-added option. The SEL trim is AWD-only.
Further, the seven-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic that came with previously AWD-equipped samples is no more, as all Taos models share the same eight-speed unit. The earlier FWD-equipped version’s torsion-beam rear suspension system has been replaced with the more sophisticated multilink setup found in the AWD model.
Pricing starts at a budget-minded $24,995 for S-trimmed FWD samples (4Motion adds $1,700 to that total) and rises to $34,695 for the SEL trim’s full complement of bells and whistles. Even in its most basic form the Taos is well-equipped, sporting a set of 17-inch alloy wheels (18-inch for 4Motion models), a redesigned dashboard with 8-inch infotainment interface, rain-sensing wipers and keyless ignition.
Opting for the midline SE trim adds LED projector headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, automatic headlights, keyless entry and ignition, an eight-way power driver’s seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, as well as heated front seats, washer nozzles and side-view mirrors.
Our top-of-the-line SEL-trimmed tester’s delivery-included $36,575 asking price sweetened the deal with a set of handsome 19-inch alloy wheels, ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, touch-screen controls for the automatic climate settings, adjustable interior ambient lighting and more.
The Taos handles nimbly, making it a pleasure to drive, although we found the steering effort a touch too light. The retuned engine also has the goods when it comes to the daily commute, delivering 0-to-60 mph in roughly seven seconds. The pronounced turbo lag we noted in a previous model year has largely been banished as the current engine feels lively off the line.
Instrumentation and controls are logically arranged and easy to read and operate, though the touch climate settings took a little getting used to. The infotainment interface and digital gauge cluster feature straightforward and unfussy graphics that presented a no-nonsense German look.
Adults will find plenty of room in the firm and nicely bolstered front seats, while the 60/40 split-folding rear bench should accommodate full-sizers without complaint for shorter hops. AWD-equipped models get a 25-cubic-foot cargo hold that expands to 60 cubic feet with the seats folded (FWD samples offer slightly more volume). The Taos is not recommended for towing.
OLD-SCHOOL ZOOM-ZOOM
We recently were paid a visit by one of our old four-wheeled friends, the Mazda3. Making the reunion all the happier was the stout turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four (250 horsepower and 320 foot-pounds of torque) under its hood.
The Japanese automaker offers the subcompact Mazda3 in either four-door sedan or five-door hatchback configurations. There are two trim levels — 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo — that are differentiated largely by four-cylinder engine choice. The base 2.5-liter unit is naturally aspirated and delivers an adequate 191 horses and 186 foot-pounds of twist, but we appreciate the turbo’s extra stonk.
Base trim can be had with either a FWD or optional AWD system, while 2.5 Turbo-trimmed models get AWD as standard equipment. All 3s are fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Further, each trim level features its own list of options packages. The 2.5 S-trimmed models can be had with Select Sport, Preferred, Carbon Edition or Premium adornments, while 2.5 Turbo samples come in Carson and Premium Plus flavors. Pricing starts just shy of the 24-grand mark for FWD-equipped 2.5 S-trimmed vehicles and rises from there.
Our particular tester was a full-on turbocharged hatchback equipped with the Premium Plus package. Its long list of goodies included a set of blackout 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory, heated front seats and steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, a wireless charging pad, Bose premium audio and more.
The 3’s current design dates back to 2019, but it remains one of our favorite small cars. It handles nimbly, carving through turns with gusto, while the turbocharged engine provides enough oomph to make the going fun. Power builds quickly, propelling the 3 to 60 mph in five seconds and change. The ride can feel a tad busy over lumpy pavement, but is quite comfortable overall.
Front-seaters will find plenty of room while the second row can handle adults for shorter hops. The 20.1-cubic-foot cargo hold betters the sedan’s by about 7 cubic feet, and expands to 47.1 cubes with the rear seatbacks folded.
2025 Volkswagen Taos SEL
Vehicle type: Four-door, five-passenger AWD subcompact sport-utility vehicle.
Engine and transmission: 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four (174 horsepower and 184 foot-pounds torque), eight-speed automatic.
Base/as-tested prices: $34,695/$36,595
EPA estimates: 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, 28 mpg combined.
The good: Roomy and comfortable cabin; upgraded turbo-four delivers more power, reduces turbo-lag noted in earlier model years; good fuel economy; nimble chassis makes for an enjoyable driving experience; nicely appointed and logically laid-out cabin brimming with tech; refreshed exterior design.
The bad: Top trim level costs nearly as much as the roomier Tiguan; engine could still benefit from another 20 horses.
Bottom line: The Taos’ agile handling and ability to comfortably haul people and their stuff is proof that good things can come in smaller packages.
Volkswagen Taos (SUBMITTED)
Mazda 3 Turbo Hatchback (SUBMITTED)