Volkswagen has updated its Taos compact SUV for the 2025 model year with a new exterior design, upgraded technology and a more powerful engine.

Let’s start with the engine.

The Taos retains its 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine but thanks to revisions, including revised piston rings and fuel injectors, a modified turbo housing, a larger intercooler and a new gasoline particulate filter, it gains more power. Power is now 174 hp, up from the previous 158 hp.

An eight-speed automatic transmission replaces the previous seven-speed dual-clutch automatic on models equipped with 4Motion all-wheel drive.

Exterior revisions include a bolder look thanks to a new bumper, a new grille with an available light bar and standard LED projector headlights.

At the rear end, the Taos gets connected taillights and an illuminated Volkswagen badge.

Wheel designs are new as well. The S model gets 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, the front-wheel-drive SE gets 18-inch alloys, and the SEL gets 19-inch wheels, while the SE Black trim maintains its black roof, trim and unique 18-inch wheels for front-wheel-drive models and 19-inch wheels on the 4Motion models.

On the inside, the dashboard was also redesigned, featuring new materials and colours.

There’s now an eight-inch floating infotainment display and touch control for the HVAC system is available on the SE trim and above.

New acoustic dampening helps reduce interior noise.

On the tech front, the SUV gets a suite of IQ.DRIVE driver assistance features on all trims.

This system features:

• Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance)
• Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring)
• Active Blind Spot Monitor
• Rear Traffic Alert
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Go
• Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System)
• Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency)

Front and rear Park Distance Control is now available and helps provide guidance when parking or in tight spaces.

Expect the 2025 Taos to arrive at dealerships near the end of this year. Canadian pricing has not been announced.