Sunday Drive: 2025 Volkswagen Taos SE – A versatile companion for Utah adventures
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- Deanne with the 2025 Volkswagen Taos after we arrived at the Delta Snow Goose Festival at Gunnison Bend Reservoir. There are many geese on the water in the background. It was a great day to be out in Utah’s West Desert.
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- The 2025 Volkswagen Taos after we hiked to the Great Stone Face, in the background. It was time for some lunch, utilizing the back of the SUV for that.
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- Inside the 2025 Volkswagen Taos.
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- Inside the 2025 Volkswagen Taos.
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- Inside the 2025 Volkswagen Taos.
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- Inside the 2025 Volkswagen Taos.
It has been about seven months since we have had a week in a Volkswagen, and about three years since we had a Taos. That being said, we were excited to get some time in the newest version of the manufacturer’s smallest SUV offering, one that blends efficiency, comfort and adventure-ready features all in one package.
This past week, we were able to give the 2025 Volkswagen Taos SE a full week of good daily driving through Utah Valley, culminating in a weekend trip to Delta for the annual Snow Goose Festival. Our journey didn’t stop there — we continued further south for a scenic hike to the Great Stone Face, putting the Taos through its paces on a mix of highways, small-town roads and some semirugged desert terrain.
First impressions: Stylish yet practical
If nothing else, for us, the Taos has always had a unique name amongst the competition and been a stylish little SUV, with the 2025 model proving to be no exception to our expectations. Our test vehicle came in an eye-catching Cornflower Blue exterior, accented with 18-inch alloy wheels and black roof rails that added a sporty touch.
The LED lighting elements, including the signature light bar integrated into the grille, gave it a modern appeal, again standing out in a crowded segment.
Inside, the Taos SE featured a well-designed, spacious cabin with premium materials. The CloudTex and cloth seats provided great support for both short city drives and our longer road trip.
The 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro display made it easy to monitor navigation, fuel efficiency and driver-assistance features. The 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system, equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which functioned extremely well, did a fine job of keeping us connected and entertained throughout our journey.
Everyday driving: A Utah Valley commuter’s dream
Before heading out on our weekend adventure, we spent several days using the Taos for normal daily driving around Utah Valley. Whether running errands in Orem, commuting through Provo or navigating the busy streets of our hometown Springville, the Taos made a for a great daily driver.
Powering the Taos was a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Taos delivered smooth acceleration and responsive handling. The combination of its compact size and precise steering made parking at the grocery easy, thus improving the actual trip itself.
Fuel efficiency was another highlight, with the Taos achieving an impressive 29.3 mpg in our mix of city and highway driving. The stop-and-go traffic of Utah Valley never felt like a burden, thanks to the Taos’ light steering and well-tuned suspension that absorbed road imperfections with ease.
Weekend road trip: From snow geese to stone faces
On Saturday morning, we loaded up the Taos and set off toward Delta to experience the Snow Goose Festival. The roughly two-hour drive took us along U.S. Highway 6, where the Taos cruised effortlessly at highway speeds. The cabin remained quiet, even with strong crosswinds sweeping through the open landscape. The IQ.DRIVE advanced driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, made the long drive more relaxing.
Upon arriving in Delta, we joined hundreds of birdwatchers at Gunnison Bend Reservoir, where thousands of snow geese gather each year before continuing their migration north. The Taos’ cargo area, offering 27.9 cubic feet behind the second row, easily accommodated our binoculars, camera gear and picnic supplies. The available all-wheel-drive system, known as 4MOTION, gave us confidence while driving on the unpaved roads near the reservoir.
After a morning filled with breathtaking wildlife views, we continued our journey south toward the Great Stone Face, a unique rock formation resembling a giant human profile. The road leading to the site became increasingly rugged, but the Taos handled the uneven terrain with poise. Its 7.6-inch ground clearance allowed us to navigate small rocks and dirt paths without worry, reinforcing its capability beyond city streets.
Once we arrived, we hiked to the base of the Great Stone Face, enjoying the stunning desert scenery and 51 degree weather in mid-February. The Taos’ ventilated seats and dual-zone climate control ensured we returned to a cool and comfortable cabin after our outdoor excursion.
Technology and safety: Confidence on the road
Volkswagen had equipped the 2025 Taos SE with an array of advanced safety and tech features. The IQ.DRIVE suite includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. These features were especially useful during our road trip, providing extra peace of mind on both busy highways and remote backroads.
The wireless charging pad and multiple USB-C ports kept our devices powered throughout the weekend, and the BeatsAudio premium sound system delivered crisp, immersive sound — perfect for playing our favorite road trip playlist. The panoramic sunroof added to the open-air feel, giving Utah’s vast landscapes an even better view.
At the end of the week: The perfect balance of practicality and adventure
After a full week with the 2025 Volkswagen Taos SE, we can confidently say it’s a fantastic choice for Utah drivers seeking a compact SUV that can handle both daily commutes and weekend getaways. It offers excellent fuel economy, a comfortable and tech-savvy interior and just enough capability to tackle light off-road adventures.
Base price: $29,595
Destination charge: $1,425
Price as driven: $31,475
