By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com
Nestled against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains with breathtaking landscapes and sights sits the tiny but colossal town of Taos, New Mexico. A distinct blend of several cultures, the easygoing, modest hub is nature as its best depicting the original soul of the American Southwest. And it is this tranquil spirit that Volkswagen has successfully captured in the 2025 Taos, which within just three years of its debut get a mini overhaul inside out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqJyA1eSG_s
Under the hood of the compact SUV resides a 1.5-liter intercooled and turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that puts out a decent 174 horsepower (up 16) and 184 pounds-feet of torque @ 1750 rpm. Don’t be fooled by the smaller sized power train, which delivers an enjoyable and energetic ride for enough punch around town. Replacing the previous 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is a slick and quiet 8-speed gearbox that results in absolutely seamless shifts. A strut-type front and a multilink rear suspension soaks obstacles with dexterity, sure-footedness and self-assurance. Communicating precisely what the VW is doing at all times is the electric power rack-and-pinion steering. Drive modes in the 4Motion AWD include normal, sport, eco and custom for the open road while snow, off-road and off-road custom dials will come handy when you get off the beaten path.
The centered VW emblem hosts an illuminated bar, which meets up with projector LEDs while the rear mirrors the appearance. The bumper, wheels and grille get a fresh look too. New materials, colors, décor and a centered 8-inch infotainment screen greet the occupants in the well-lit and airy cabin. A 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster displays not just vehicle status but also driving/phone info, nav and driver assistance features. Fold down the 60/40 rear seat to get a laudable 99.5 cubic feet of space, plenty for hauling luggage for a weeklong trip. The uplevel SEL trim comes with supportive heated/cooled front seats (8-way power for driver), dual auto a/c, panoramic sunroof, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, 6-speaker sound system, synthetic leather seats, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charger, among other goodies.
Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and hydraulic brake assist, stability control, rearview camera, blind-spot monitor, lane keep/assist, rear traffic alert, forward-collision warning and auto emergency brakes, adaptive cruise control, post-collision braking, three-point safety belts for all, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system.
It may be the smallest of the SUV in the VW lineup, but the grand Taos comes with a long list of bells and whistles. It boasts a potent turbocharged powertrain, top-notch interior, impressive gas mileage (we handily beat EPA estimates) and a sticker price that is much lower than the average new car $48,000 tag.
TAOS (SEL, 4MOTION)
Tires: 225/45HR19
Wheelbase: 105.9 inches
Length: 175.9 inches
Width: 72.5 inches
Height: 64.5 inches
Fuel capacity: 14.5 gallons
City/hwy/comb: 25/33/28
Weight: 3,340 pounds
Base price: $34,695
Price as tested: $36,970
Web site: www.vwusa.com
