2025 Volkswagen Taos: A Comfortline vs. Highline Comparison

The Volkswagen Taos continues to carve out its position in the competitive subcompact SUV segment, offering European styling, a spacious interior, and the renowned Volkswagen driving dynamics in a versatile package. Two of the most popular trim levels—the mid-range Comfortline and top-tier Highline—present buyers with an important decision: is the premium Highline worth the step up from the already well-equipped Comfortline? 

Exterior Design and Appearance

 

Taos Comfortline 4MOTION: Refined Practicality

 

The Taos Comfortline presents a polished appearance with several key design elements that distinguish it from the base Trendline model. Standard equipment includes:

 

• 18-inch “Gloucester” alloy wheels (replacing the 17-inch wheels on the Trendline)
• LED headlights and taillights for improved visibility and a more premium look
• Silver roof rails (versus black on lower trims) for a more upscale appearance
• Body-coloured heated power side mirrors with integrated turn signals
• Chrome window surrounds and lower door accents
• Illuminated front grille light bar connecting the headlights 
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers

 

The Comfortline projects a balanced appearance that looks more upscale than the entry-level Trendline without the full premium treatment of the Highline.

 

Taos Highline 4MOTION: Premium Presence

 

The Highline takes the Taos exterior styling to a more sophisticated level with several upgrades:

 

• 19-inch “Havakata” machined alloy wheels with a two-tone finish
• LED projector headlights with signature daytime running lights
• Dynamic cornering lights that turn with the steering wheel
• Power-folding side mirrors with puddle lights projecting the Volkswagen logo
• Illuminated door handles for convenience and style
• Panoramic power sunroof providing an open-air feeling for all passengers
• Silver lower bumper accents and more pronounced body cladding
• Privacy glass for rear windows

 

The Highline exterior enhancements create a more distinguished presence, with premium lighting elements and larger wheels particularly standing out compared to the Comfortline.

 

Interior Quality and Comfort

 

Taos Comfortline 4MOTION: Elevated Essentials

 

The Comfortline interior represents a significant step up from the base model with several comfort-enhancing features:

 

• Leatherette seating surfaces (versus cloth in the Trendline)
• Heated front seats with 8-way power adjustment for the driver
• Leather-wrapped heated multifunction steering wheel
• Dual-zone Climatronic automatic climate control
• Ambient interior lighting with customizable colour options
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Illuminated vanity mirrors
• Front and rear reading lights
• Front center armrest with storage compartment
• Rear center armrest with cupholders

 

The overall interior quality feels substantial, with soft-touch materials on frequently touched surfaces and more rigid plastics relegated to lower portions of the cabin.

 

Taos Highline 4MOTION: Premium Appointments

 

The Highline elevates the interior experience with numerous luxury-oriented enhancements:

 

• Leather seating surfaces with perforated inserts
• Ventilated front seats, in addition to heating functionality
• 10-way power adjustment for both driver and front passenger seats
• Driver seat memory function that stores preferred positions
• Heated rear seats for passenger comfort in colder climates
• Premium-wrapped steering wheel with capacitive touch controls
• Customizable 30-colour ambient lighting system (versus 10 colours in Comfortline)
• Stainless steel pedals and door sill plates
• Auto-dimming frameless rearview mirror
• Illuminated center console with additional storage options
• Enhanced sound insulation for a quieter cabin experience

 

The Highline interior provides a near-luxury experience that begins to rival some more expensive compact SUVs, with material quality and attention to detail that exceeds the already pleasant cabin of the Comfortline.

 

Technology and Infotainment

 

Taos Comfortline 4MOTION: Connected Essentials

 

The Comfortline comes well-equipped with technology features that meet the expectations of most modern drivers:

 

• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Volkswagen MIB3 software
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
• Six-speaker audio system with improved sound quality over the base model
• Wireless smartphone charging pad
• Voice control functionality for hands-free operation
• Two front and two rear USB-C ports for connectivity
• SiriusXM satellite radio with trial subscription
• Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling
• Volkswagen Digital Cockpit with 8-inch digital instrument cluster

 

Taos Highline 4MOTION: Premium Tech Suite

 

The Highline significantly expands the technology offerings with several premium upgrades:

 

• 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system with enhanced graphics and processing power
• Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro with 10.25-inch fully configurable display
• BeatsAudio premium sound system with eight speakers plus subwoofer
• Integrated navigation with dynamic route guidance
• Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance)
• Advanced voice control with natural language recognition
• Head-up display projecting key information on the windshield
• Wireless App-Connect with expanded functionality
• Three additional USB-C ports (including one in the rear cargo area)
• Enhanced ambient lighting that coordinates with driving modes

 

The technology gap between the two trims is substantial, with the Highline offering a more premium experience through larger displays, better sound quality, and more sophisticated driver assistance features.

 

Performance and Driving Dynamics

 

Shared Powertrain

 

Both the Comfortline and Highline share the same basic powertrain:

 

• 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine
• 174 horsepower at 5,500 rpm
• 221 Nm of torque at 1,750 rpm
• 8-speed automatic transmission
• 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system
• Selectable driving modes (Normal, Sport, Eco, and Individual)

 

Fuel efficiency ratings are identical at approximately 8.5 L/100 km in city driving and 6.8 L/100 km on the highway.

 

Taos Comfortline 4MOTION: Balanced Performance

 

The Comfortline comes equipped with:

 

• Standard suspension tuned for balanced comfort and handling
• 18-inch wheels with all-season tires
• Electronic stability control and traction control
• Electronic differential lock
• Progressive power steering system
• Automatic post-collision braking system

 

Taos Highline 4MOTION: Enhanced Dynamics

 

While sharing the same engine, the Highline offers subtle performance upgrades:

 

• Sport-tuned suspension for more responsive handling
• 19-inch wheels with lower-profile tires for improved cornering
• XDS Cross Differential System that functions as an electronic front differential lock
• Drive Mode Selection with additional off-road mode
• Dynamic Road Sign Display integrated with navigation system
• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality
• Enhanced braking system with larger front rotors

 

The driving experience in the Highline feels more premium and controlled, though the power delivery remains identical between the two trims.

 

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

 

Taos Comfortline 4MOTION: Comprehensive Protection

 

The Comfortline comes well-equipped with safety features:

 

• Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking
• Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert
• Lane Keeping System
• Adaptive cruise control
• Park Distance Control (front and rear sensors)
• Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Six airbags (front, side, and curtain)
• Electronic Stability Control
• Anti-lock Braking System

 

Taos Highline 4MOTION: Advanced Protection

 

The Highline adds several valuable safety enhancements:

 

• Area View 360-degree camera system for comprehensive visibility
• Park Assist for semi-automated parallel and perpendicular parking
• Travel Assist (partial automated driving functionality)
• Emergency Assist (detects driver inactivity and safely brings vehicle to stop)
• Adaptive Front Lighting System with cornering function
• Dynamic Road Sign Display
• High Beam Control (Light Assist)
• Enhanced side curtain airbags
• Automatic post-collision braking system
• Proactive occupant protection system that detects potential accidents

 

The additional safety features in the Highline represent a meaningful upgrade for safety-conscious buyers, particularly the 360-degree camera system and semi-automated driving capabilities.

 

Storage and Practicality

 

Shared Dimensions and Capacity

 

Both trim levels share the same external dimensions and interior space:

 

• Length: 4,467 mm
• Width: 1,841 mm
• Height: 1,638 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,680 mm
• Passenger volume: 2,818 liters
• Cargo capacity (behind rear seats): 796 liters
• Cargo capacity (with rear seats folded): 1,877 liters
• Towing capacity: 680 kg (properly equipped)

 

Taos Comfortline 4MOTION: Practical Functionality

 

The Comfortline offers several practical features:

 

• 60/40 split-folding rear seats
• Height-adjustable cargo floor
• Roof rails with 45 kg capacity
• Rear center armrest with cup holders
• Front center console storage bin
• Four tie-down hooks in cargo area
• Shopping bag hooks in cargo area
• Standard power liftgate

 

Taos Highline 4MOTION: Enhanced Convenience

 

The Highline builds on the Comfortline practicality with added convenience features:

 

• Hands-free power liftgate operation with foot activation
• Adjustable rear seats with both sliding and reclining functions
• Configurable cargo management system with adjustable rails
• Household-style 115V power outlet in cargo area
• Premium roof rails with integrated cross bars
• Remote folding rear seats operable from cargo area
• Front passenger seat with fold-flat capability for longer items

 

The additional storage and convenience features in the Highline enhance the already practical nature of the Taos, though the fundamental cargo capacity remains the same between both trims.

 

Value Consideration

 

When evaluating these two trim levels, consider which features matter most to your daily driving experience. The Comfortline offers an excellent balance of features, comfort, and technology that will satisfy most drivers’ needs. It includes key amenities like leatherette seats, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a comprehensive infotainment system with smartphone integration.

 

The Highline justifies its premium positioning with genuine leather seats, ventilated front functions, larger displays, premium audio, enhanced safety features, and numerous convenience upgrades. For buyers who prioritize luxury touches and advanced technology, the Highline represents a more complete package.

 

2025 VW Taos Comfortline or Highline: Which Trim Is Right For You?

 

The decision between the Volkswagen Taos Comfortline and Highline ultimately depends on your priorities and budget considerations.

 

Choose the Taos Comfortline 4MOTION if:

 

• You want a well-equipped compact SUV with essential premium features
• Leatherette upholstery meets your comfort and durability needs
• The standard technology package satisfies your connectivity requirements
• You prefer to allocate your budget toward other priorities

 

Choose the Taos Highline 4MOTION if:

 

• You desire luxury touches like leather seats and ventilated front seats
• Advanced technology features like the larger displays and premium audio are important
• Enhanced safety systems provide additional peace of mind
• Convenience features like the hands-free liftgate and adaptive lighting will improve your ownership experience

 

Both versions of the Volkswagen Taos offer compelling packages with standard all-wheel drive, identical powertrains, and the practical versatility that has made this model popular among urban drivers who occasionally venture beyond city limits. The Comfortline represents an excellent value proposition, while the Highline delivers a near-luxury experience in a compact SUV package.