It was about time Volkswagen did something to the Taos sold in North America, given that it was presented almost four years ago in our market (for the 2022MY), building on China's Tharu that entered production in 2018.
Unlike the Tharu, the Taos features revisions to its front and rear ends that make it look more like a product sold in the West rather than a vehicle targeting the People's Republic. The model builds on the VW Group's MQB A1 platform shared with the SEAT Ateca, Volkswagen T-Roc, and Skoda Karoq and is now in for a mid-cycle refresh.
Our spy photographers captured a prototype testing in the open somewhere in Germany. It features camouflage meant to trick bystanders into thinking they're looking at the outgoing iteration. Nevertheless, it clearly hides more modern lighting units and bumpers beneath the stickers and probably full-width light bars at the front and rear. VW also revised the main and lower grille, and the side vent trim looks different.
As per the badging seen on the tailgate, the model is an SEL with 4Motion all-wheel drive. However, that could be the automaker further tricking us, so we won't delve into its traits just yet. Rumors also speak of a few interior novelties, perhaps a new infotainment system that would make it look and feel more modern. Still, nothing is official yet, so we cannot tell you if it indeed has a new main screen and maybe a different steering wheel, a revised center console, etc.
Photo: SH Proshots
The 2024 Volkswagen Taos's 1.5-liter turbocharged engine produces 158 horsepower (160 ps/118 kW) and 184 pound-foot (250 Nm) of torque. VW may have revised the small motor, though you shouldn’t hold your breath for improved performance. In all likelihood, the upcoming iteration will be a tad more frugal than its predecessor, which returns an EPA-estimated 28/36 mpg (8.4/6.5 l/100 km) in city/highway.
Eager to take another look at the trim levels, we jumped on Volkswagen's official website where, strangely, users are not allowed to configure the 2024 Taos that comes to life south of the U.S. border anymore. The lineup used to comprise the S, SE, SE Black, and SEL grades, with MSRPs varying between $23,995 and $33,515. The facelifted iteration may bring a small price bump across the range, thus making the entry-level cost over $24k before destination and dealer markups.
Given this information, we believe the 2025 Volkswagen Taos is right around the corner, with the official unveiling taking place in a few days or perhaps weeks. Chances are the car manufacturer will open the order books this summer and start shipping the first copies this fall. So, are you excited about the Taos getting a mid-cycle refresh?
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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