2025 Volkswagen Taos SE Black: Pros and Cons

Recently, I had the chance to spend time with the 2025 Volkswagen Taos SE Black, a stylish new trim that adds a bold edge to VW’s popular subcompact SUV. With its darkened accents, unique wheels, and upgraded interior touches, the SE Black is aimed at drivers who want a bit more personality without jumping to the top-tier SEL. It’s Volkswagen’s take on a sporty, urban-friendly crossover that still delivers on space, comfort, and efficiency.

In this review, I’ll break down the PROs and CONs of the 2025 Volkswagen Taos SE Black to help you decide if this refreshed and refined SUV fits your lifestyle.

PRO: Trim Accents

Being the SE Black, you get black trim accents in certain spots throughout the vehicle. Black roof, a-pillars, mirror caps, and spoiler. Also black alloy wheels help make it the most visually appealing Taos trim.

PRO: Cargo space

The 2025 VW Taos SE surprises with just how much cargo space it offers for a small SUV. There’s plenty of room for weekend luggage or your weekly groceries. Whether the rear seats are up or folded down, it’s refreshingly practical for everyday errands or longer road trips.

PRO: Comfortable Ride

The 2025 Taos SE delivers a smooth and composed ride that makes daily driving feel effortless, even over rough pavement or potholes. It soaks up bumps with confidence, striking a nice balance between comfort and control without feeling overly soft.

CON: Front-wheel-drive

While the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is available on the SE trim, the vehicle tested was only a front-wheel-drive model. It lacks the confidence, planted feel you get from the available all-wheel-drive version when cornering at higher speeds.

CON: Gauge Cluster/Nav Screen

While being a full digital gauge cluster and featuring customization, much of the space is wasted until you opt for the SEL trim’s VW Digital Cockpit Pro. Additionally, the navigation screen doesn’t offer much that will woo you in 2025.