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2008 Volkswagen Touareg Features Review

August 1, 2008

FEATURES | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Volkswagen packed a lot of technology into the 2
MyRide.com

7,716 lbs. of towing capacity will be at your disposal
Autoblog

long list of features
Kelley Blue Book

At $40,000, a 3.6-liter VR6 2008 Volkswagen Touareg is an impressively equipped and capable vehicle. But as you move up the model spectrum or add many options, its competitors make more sense.

For your $40,000 entry fee, the VR6 model “includes a long list of features designed to enhance its on and off-road abilities,” so states Kelley Blue Book. Front, front-side, and side-curtain airbags, and anti-lock brakes round out what you would expect, while Hill Descent Assist, 4XMotion four-wheel drive, and tire-pressure monitoring are items you might not. A standard tow rating, with all three engines, of 7,716 pounds speaks to the Touareg’s heft and do-anything abilities. Standard creature comforts include dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights, heated seats, a sunroof, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Step up to the V8 FSI trim, and you get an available “adjustable air suspension, xenon headlights, real wood trim, leather upholstery and driver memory function,” according to Edmunds. The air suspension, which Popular Mechanics finds “infinitely tunable to all conditions off-road,” is standard on the V-10 TDI.

A Dynaudio 10-speaker, 640-watt stereo is optional across the board, as is a DVD-based navigation system, a reality that troubles MyRide.com, who lament when speaking about the $69,000 V-10 TDI, “you still have to pay extra for the navigation system, heated rear seats, upgraded audio and keyless entry and start. Clearly, value isn't the Touareg's strong suit.” Also, Bluetooth functionality is not to be had in any of the models. A locking rear differential and a tow hitch are available.

Conclusion

The 2008 Volkswagen Touareg starts out with good features, but more expensive models lack some stuff that’s standard on the competition—and Bluetooth isn’t offered at all.

FEATURES | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Volkswagen packed a lot of technology into the 2MyRide.com7,716 lbs. of towing capacity will be at your disposalAutobloglong list of featuresKelley Blue Book At $40,000, a 3.6-liter VR6 2008 Volkswagen Touareg is an impressively equipped and capable vehicle. But as you move up the model spectrum or add many options, its competitors make more sense. For your $40,000 entry fee, the VR6 model “includes a long list of features designed to enhance its on and off-road abilities,” so states Kelley Blue Book. Front, front-side, and side-curtain airbags, and anti-lock brakes round out what you would expect, while Hill Descent Assist, 4XMotion four-wheel drive, and tire-pressure monitoring are items you might not. A standard tow rating, with all three engines, of 7,716 pounds speaks to the Touareg’s heft and do-anything abilities. Standard creature comforts include dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights, heated seats, a sunroof, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Step up to the V8 FSI trim, and you get an available “adjustable air suspension, xenon headlights, real wood trim, leather upholstery and driver memory function,” according to Edmunds. The air suspension, which Popular Mechanics finds “infinitely tunable to all conditions off-road,” is standard on the V-10 TDI. A Dynaudio 10-speaker, 640-watt stereo is optional across the board, as is a DVD-based navigation system, a reality that troubles MyRide.com, who lament when speaking about the $69,000 V-10 TDI, “you still have to pay extra for the navigation system, heated rear seats, upgraded audio and keyless entry and start. Clearly, value isn't the Touareg's strong suit.” Also, Bluetooth functionality is not to be had in any of the models. A locking rear differential and a tow hitch are available. ConclusionThe 2008 Volkswagen Touareg starts out with good features, but more expensive models lack some stuff that’s standard on the competition—and Bluetooth isn’t offered at all.  2008 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG STYLING | [7 out of 10] Cars.com: “more of a touch-up on the first one” MyRide.com: “subtly revised styling” Kelley Blue Book: “looks every bit a member of the VW family” A minor refresh for the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg subtly enhances the SUV’s adroit ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Touareg is one of the best SUVs its size for off-roading or towing, but if most of your needs involve passenger-hauling, you’d be better off with most of the alternatives in its size and price range. The Acura MDX and Lexus RX feel roomier inside and handle well, though their appointments might not feel quite as exclusive. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class has a more spacious, more passenger-friendly interior, while the Q7, which is related to the Touareg, has an especially beautiful interior and is tuned for road duty rather than serious off-roading, resulting in a better ride and crisper handling. The X5 and MDX are the best choices of this group for those who want an SUV that feels frisky and agile; the result of juggling the roles of tow vehicle, off-road crawler, and luxurious family conveyance, the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg feels surprisingly heavy and cumbersome in day-to-day driving. Finally, there’s the Touareg’s less-than-stellar reputation for reliability.

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See the Volkswagen Touareg in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

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