Volkswagen’s smallest crossover is getting a new face and a new transmission for 2025. The Volkswagen Taos trades its massive grille for something that looks a little more Vee Dub to us, its 1.5L turbo-four gets higher horsepower, and the often-maligned dual-clutch DSG is replaced by a normal automatic.

There are some useful content changes too, but there’s nothing here that will rock the subcompact crossover world.

2025 Volkswagen Taos Looks More Expensive

The big grille on the 2024 and older Taos was not one of VW’s better designs. It came from a time when the brand’s other small models, like the Jetta and Tiguan, were also a bit ungainly.

For 2025, it gets a much smaller opening that sits lower in the nose atop a second larger grille. Much like the 2025 Jetta, it’s more like older VW models, those from the 2000s and early 2010s.

Overall, it makes the Taos look like it costs more than it does, especially since adaptive LED headlights are now standard, and the tail gets a full-width LED light like the larger Atlas. Combine that with some new paint colors, new wheels, and even some new cabin colors, and the Taos is suddenly much more attractive than before.

More Power, No More Clunky DSG

Engine updates and a new transmission should make it more attractive once VW lures buyers inside with the new panels. The 1.5L turbo-four has a new intercooler and other new parts to make 174 horsepower instead of the 158 it made in 2024.

All-wheel drive models dump the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission in favor of a conventional eight-speed automatic. VW USA says customers here didn’t like the DSG’s “sportiness,” at least not in models like this. It could be rough and clunky in normal driving, and the new box should be much better suited to the small crossover’s potential customer base.

The DSG will remain in Jetta GLI and Golf GTI/Golf R models, where buyers prefer what VW calls “more responsiveness.” Front-drive models already came with the auto and won’t change.

New Infotainment, More Features on Lower Trims

Much like the design and engine changes, the cabin changes are small but useful. The existing screen integrated into the dash is replaced by one that “floats” in front of it. The screen isn’t as pretty, but it does get new hardware and software that should improve its function.

SE grade models and higher get adaptive front lighting for their LED lamps. The system steers the lights into corners. SE is also the starting point for VW’s Climatronic dual-zone climate control system that uses touch-sensitive sliders instead of dials. The last big feature change is the addition of front and rear parking sensors to SE grades and higher.

VW didn’t have pricing for the new Taos, which will arrive at dealers by the end of the year. That said, we’re not expecting big changes. If it’s anything like the Jetta, prices will be up less than $1,000, meaning the S should start for $25k, and an SEL should come in at under $35k.