What is a Taos? The Taos is a subcompact SUV built in the Puebla, Mexico assembly plant and sold worldwide by Volkswagen. The 2025 Taos is a small SUV with a 1.5 liter dual over head cam (DOHC) 16 valve turbocharged 4 cylinder gas engine that produces 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, bolted to an 8 speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels in FWD and has a base price of only $24,995. With a starting price this low, the VW Taos is a very good buy in the small SUV class.

The VW Taos competitors are many and include: the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Dodge Hornet, Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V, Jeep Compass, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Nissan Kicks, Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota C-HR, and the Toyota Corolla Cross. With an even dozen makes and models to choose from, you need to rise above the crowd to be noticed.

You should consider buying a 2025 VW Taos because it offers a refreshed design, a more powerful engine compared to previous models, a comfortable interior, good fuel economy, a user friendly infotainment system and is well suited for city driving and small families; all at an affordable price point within the subcompact SUV category.  It’s a good choice for someone looking for a practical and stylish small SUV with updated features, at a price level that everyone can afford in today’s new vehicle market.

To showcase that point, this week Volkswagen sent me a 2025 Taos SE to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this Black Edition model is $30,145. The only option on the test SUV is the special paint for $455. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), including the $1,425 destination charge, is: $32,025.

After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to: $36,028. At just $28 bucks over $36 Grand, this VW subcompact SUV is $12,772 under the average sales transaction price of $48,800; making it a great buy for the money. If your new car buying budget is in the $25,000 to $35,000 price range, then you need to test drive a 2025 VW Taos for yourself.

As this is the SE Black Edition, it comes with the engine start and stop feature for better gas mileage, a Tex leatherette and cloth interior, dual zone climate control, a multi function wrapped heated steering wheel, a tilt and telescopic steering column, heated front seats, a 60/40 split rear seat with armrests, front row USB ports, a 12 volt power port, a USB-C charging rear port, a center console with cup holders and covered storage, illuminated vanity mirrors with map lights, rear cargo area lamps, and metal door scuff plates in the front row. That’s a lot of extra features considering the $30,145 base price.

The VW Taos is also tech smart, starting with a digital instrument driver display, keyless entry, push button start, remote engine start, an 8″ multi-function touch screen center stack display screen, HD audio with a 6 speaker sound system, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Bluetooth app connected thru wireless connections, a wireless phone charging pad, an anti-theft alarm system with engine immobilizer, and an electronic parking brake system.

The fuel economy numbers are 28 MPG city, 36 MPG highway, and 31 MPG in combined driving. The greenhouse gas rating is 6, and the smog rating is 7; both out of 10. The crash ratings are 4 & 5 with 4 stars overall and the base price for a Taos starts at only $24,995. These are all great numbers for an SUV that can carry 5 people and costs less than $25,000. You can lease one for about only $250 to $300 a month.

The 2025 Volkswagen Taos is a subcompact SUV that’s a good choice for first time car buyers, small families and city commuters. It has a powerful engine, advanced safety features and a spacious interior with a fair amount of headroom and legroom. Plus it has fold flat rear seats and lots of cargo space for groceries and gear. Also, with the roof rail cross bar option, you can carry your mountain bikes and kayaks to the trails and the lake.

So, call, click or visit your local Volkswagen dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review on the 2025 VW Taos SE Black Edition SUV. And remember that the base price for a new Taos starts at only $24,995. Volkswagen – Think Small and Drive Big.

Be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Have a great day, drive safely, and enjoy the ride, as the future looks nice and bright – Tony the Car Guy.

This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to [email protected] and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net