2009 Volkswagen Touareg - Safety Review and Crash Test Ratings

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Sometimes, bigger really is better. Such is the case with the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg, which leverages its impressive weight and stout construction.

In NHTSA crash tests, the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg exhibits virtually no structural weaknesses. After subjecting the Volkswagen Touareg to its full array of tests, NHTSA awards the Touareg Volkswagen a perfect five-star rating in every impact category, including front impacts on both the driver and passenger side, as well as side impacts to either side of the Volkswagen Touareg. The IIHS has not yet tested the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg.

In addition to the stellar crash-test ratings, TheCarConnection.com's research shows that the Touareg Volkswagen offers a wide range of active and passive safety features. Edmunds reports that all Volkswagen Touaregs come with "antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, hill descent and incline roll-back control." In addition to those active features, ConsumerGuide says that "front side airbags, and curtain side airbags" are included as standard fare. Cars.com adds that "an automatic brake-drying feature for rainy weather" is standard, while the Volkswagen Touareg also offers an "optional backup camera."

Popular Mechanics brings word of a new rollover protection system, Active Rollover Protection, that "activates the side and side-curtain airbags to reduce the possibility of injury" if sensors detect that the Touareg is about to go belly up. They also mention a new tire-pressure monitoring system that "delivers real-time air-pressure readings to the driver more quickly and accurately."

Another of the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg's safety "features" is its relatively good visibility. Although ConsumerGuide reports that "hampering visibility to the front corners are large outside mirrors and to the rear are back-seat headrests," they do add that "the rearview camera is a help."