By
LATEST ARTICLE
Electric Vehicle Maker Tesla Unveiling Model X SUV, Live Tonight
Tesla [NSDQ: TSLA] has already broken the ice for electric cars in the U.S.—and in the world... Read More
Electric Vehicle Maker Tesla Unveiling Model X SUV, Live Tonight
Tesla [NSDQ: TSLA] has already broken the ice for electric cars in the U.S.—and in the world... Read More
- #11LEADERBOARD RANK
- 2227ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
- 92COMMENTS POSTED
11,407 views
To bring you the most useful review possible on the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg, TheCarConnection.com has looked to some of the most reputable review sources on the Web, handpicking highlights for a full review. The editors of TheCarConnection.com have also driven the Volkswagen Touareg—including the more fuel-efficient TDI—and give you observations along with comparisons to rival vehicles here in this Bottom Line.
Likes:
- Refinement and quiet
- Premium-feel interior design and materials
- Ride comfort
- Top safety protection
- Torque and drivability of TDI engine
Dislikes:
- Unimpressive backseat and cargo space
- Not easy to park or maneuver in tight spaces
- Low fuel economy (gasoline engines)
Looks are deceiving for the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg; it looks like a soft, carlike crossover, a bigger brother to the much leaner Tiguan, but despite its styling, the Touareg offers serious off-road capability and trail ruggedness, along with some measure of trailer-towing ability. But families simply seeking a conveyance for people and cargo on the road are likely to be a little disappointed, as the Touareg's design fails to emphasize space and efficiency.
For 2008, the Volkswagen Touareg was given a modest restyling, with a little more brightwork, new LED rear lamps, and some slight aerodynamic and interior improvements—plus a number of new tech features and improvements—but overall the Touareg has changed little since its introduction seven years ago. With a smooth, wagonlike profile, lifted with off-road-friendly ground clearance, bright side sills, and a grille not unlike those on VW's cars, the Touareg looks more soft than rugged. Inside, the Touareg's cabin is a drastic departure from VW's traditionally Spartan cabins.
Last year Volkswagen introduced a more fuel-efficient turbodiesel engine to the lineup. The new 3.0-liter TDI V-6 makes 221 horsepower and 407-lb-ft of torque—especially good for off-roading or towing—yet achieves EPA ratings of 18 mpg city, 25 highway. The engine is much cleaner than the previous diesel offered on the Touareg and meets 50-state emissions. For 2010, VW discontinues the V-8, leaving the TDI as a premium to the base engine on the Touareg, a 3.6-liter gasoline V-6. The V-6 is an updated version of VW’s venerable narrow-angle VR6 engine. Output is a respectable 276 horsepower, but the V-6 doesn't have enough low-rev torque to move the heavy Touareg with much authority.
