​​The Taos is Your Answer to Pricey Compact Crossovers​

The compact crossover class is the most popular in the industry. But as with all things automotive, prices have gradually increased over time. When a category you’re interested in becomes too expensive, one shopping trick is to look for a model one segment lower that punches above its weight. A perfect example of such a model is the 2025 Volkswagen Taos. Bud Brown Volkswagen explains why. 

Named after a town in Northern New Mexico renowned for its stunning landscapes and centuries-old multi-story inhabited adobe homes that resemble the world’s first condos, the Taos is VW’s smallest crossover. Yet, it doesn’t feel small at all. It’s 127.4 cubic feet of interior space comfortably exceeds that of rivals from Toyota or Honda. True to form, the Taos offers more rear legroom and significantly more cargo capacity with 27.9 cubic feet behind the seats, compared to 24.4 for the Toyota Corolla Cross and 24.0 for the Honda HR-V. Front and rear headroom are also greater than those models. Spend some time in the Taos, and you might seriously question the need to shop in the compact crossover category. 

The Taos carries its space within an exterior that seems like it will never age. No gimmicks, just well-crafted character lines with clear SUV proportions that highlight its spacious cabin. Updated lighting treatments for 2025 feature a horizontal theme, including an LED light bar connecting the standard LED projector headlights and a full-width taillight strip at the rear, accented by a red-outlined illuminated VW badge. Bright-trimmed integrated exhaust outlets are below, while slim roof rails, available in black as standard and on “Black” trim models, have a bright finish on the SE and the rest of the lineup. Finding a single awkward line or detail on the entire exterior is impossible. 

Step inside, and you’ll once again be impressed by the spaciousness. Three people can sit side by side in the rear thanks to a flat floor, and you won’t hesitate to ask larger adults to sit in the back. As for the dash, the Taos benefits from its simplicity. You’re not required to use the screen for too many functions, and the steering wheel controls are straightforward buttons, unlike the touch-sensitive controls on other models. An analog gauge cluster is standard, but a digital display is also available. It can be configured with various formats, including some that pull information from the center touchscreen, allowing it to display different information. 

The 2025 Taos continues to use its 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine – a standard size and setup for its class. However, power has been increased to 174 horsepower, surpassing the 158 from Toyota and 169 from Honda. Peak torque is also high, compared to 138 and 151 for the Toyota and Honda, respectively. All Taos models come with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, providing a more predictable driving experience than the CVTs used by those rivals. While the CVT may give the Honda HR-V a one mpg advantage in combined mileage (31 vs 32), the Taos significantly outperforms it on the highway (36 vs 33), with the Corolla Cross trailing both.  

In terms of feel, the Taos provides the taut European ride/handling combination Volkswagen is well known for.  It is not the least bit harsh, but it has a tight feel that promotes confidence behind the wheel.   

Need a closing argument? Consider that the Taos offers 50,000 miles / 48 months of basic new car warranty compared to 36,000 miles / 36 months for the others. Plus, when you purchase from Bud Brown, you get the Bud Brown Advantage Lifetime Limited Warranty, which simply can’t be beat. 

If you’re looking for an alternative to expensive Compact Crossovers or just want a car with a small footprint that offers surprising space and power, visit Bud Brown Volkswagen and test drive a 2025 Taos.