Volkswagen Touareg

VW Touareg TDI

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Shopping for a 2012 Volkswagen Touareg? MSRP: $43,375 - $61,995

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First introduced to the U.S. for the 2004 model year, the Touareg looks soft and carlike, but it has more trucklike ability than most modern utility vehicles, with ruggedness for off-roading and impressive trailer-towing ability. Early models were powered by either a 220-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6 (actually VW's narrow-angle VR6 engine) or a 310-hp, 4.2-liter V-8. Later that year—and also for the 2006 model year, but not for 2005—VW made what is still regarded by some to be the king of the Touareg models: a Touareg TDI model, powered by a turbocharged, direct-injection diesel V-10, making 310 hp and 553 pound-feet of torque, giving the Touareg the ability to tow heavy trailer loads without breaking a sweat. V-6 Touareg models were a different story entirely; with just 220 horsepower to move more than 5,000 pounds—and not a lot of low-rev torque from the VR6—the engine felt overwhelmed and performance was sluggish even though the six-speed automatic transmission had Tiptronic manual control and did its best. A new 276-hp, 3.6-liter version of the VR6, introduced for 2007, was the first V-6 model to feel adequate. The V-8 models aren't downright fast either, but they accelerate briskly enough and cruise comfortably; they were also upgraded to 350 hp in 2007.

Overall, first-gen Touareg models have impressive interior appointments, room for five adults, and one of the quietest, more refined rides of any utility vehicle. However unlike some other vehicles its size, the Touareg doesn't have a third row of seating. There's also not much cargo space if the back seats are up. Sturdy off-road hardware, with help from modern electronics, is part of the package; the Touareg can handle modest rock-scrambling, along with slick, muddy slopes or loose sand. With an available air suspension, the Touareg offered three different ride heights and was an even more able off-road device. And for all Touareg models, safety is top-notch.

For 2008, Volkswagen renamed the Touareg the Touareg 2, signifying a mild refresh and a revised list of features, including an improved off-road anti-lock braking mode plus new options such as adaptive cruise control and a blind-spot warning system. Truthfully, the Touareg hadn't changed much. In 2009, the Touareg got a more modern, economical V-6 TDI, replacing the big V-10 diesel; although this engine no longer had the semi-like torque output, at 221 hp and 407 pound-feet it was still the best choice for trailer-towing and was rated at 17 mpg city, 25 highway and was 50-state emissions legal this time. The V-8 model was dropped for 2010.

A completely redesigned Touareg, along with a new Touareg Hybrid model, arrived for the 2011 model year. The new model, carried over for the 2012 model year, offers a choice of three powertrains--a base 280-hp V-6, a turbodiesel V-6 with 225 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid edition with 380 net horsepower. The diesel and hybrid versions offer impressive fuel economy, but expand the Touareg's substantial pricetag into luxury-SUV territory. Towing capacity with the Touareg, though, is quite impressive, and VW thoroughly improved the basic design over the first generation with better proportions and styling details. The Touareg remains a five-seat SUV, though, while the related Audi Q7 is a three-row crossover. Cargo space is good, too, and though the ride quality is a little firm, the Touareg gives many high-end shoppers a reason to look down in price without moving down in performance.

2012 Volkswagen Touareg 4-door TDI Lux *Ltd Avail* Angular Front Exterior View

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