The Touareg lacks a third-row seat, and to some shoppers that's going to be a deal-breaker, especially for a larger, more substantial vehicle like this.
Even though the Touareg has a VW badge, because of its price we have to compare it more to luxury models like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class.
The M-Class was recently redesigned, with much-improved interiors and better refinement, while keeping some level of off-road ability.
BMW's X5 still provides a more engaging drive but isn't quite as spacious and versatile as some of the entries here.
The Infiniti FX remains our pick for performance on a curvy road.
The Audi Q7, which is closely related to the Touareg, does include a third row, as well as a warmer interior design, for only modestly more.
Among mainstream models, we think the Honda Pilot matches up best against the Touareg's chunky, more upright design and purpose.
The Pilot is responsive and relatively efficient, and it somehow makes better use of interior space, although we like the Touareg's interior appointments better.
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 2013 Volkswagen TouaregBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Audi Q7Browse Used Listings |  2013 BMW X5Browse Used Listings |  2013 Honda PilotBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Mercedes-Benz M ClassBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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The 2013 Volkswagen Touareg delivers good performance and a luxurious interior--although it's a mainstream brand asking for a luxury-vehicle price. |
The 2013 Audi Q7 is a premium, lavishly-appointed three-row utility vehicle with great on-road manners and capability, plus towing ability--without the off-road style or pretense. |
While it's not as fresh-faced as some of the competition, the 2013 BMW X5 continues to shine in utility, comfort, driving, and, in the X5 M, shockingly high performance. |
The 2013 Honda Pilot looks tough and truck-like from the outside, yet inside it's one of the better family haulers. |
For families who want off-road or towing ability, but not a third row of seats, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz M Class is one of the most enjoyable, secure utility-vehicle picks. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $43,945 | $46,800 | $47,500 | $29,520 | $47,270 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 17 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 12 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Gas V6 | Supercharged Gas V6 | Turbocharged Gas I6 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| 4WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
| Style Name | ||||
| 4-Door VR6 Sport | quattro 4-Door 3.0T Premium | AWD 4-Door xDrive35i | 2WD 4-Door LX | RWD 4-Door ML 350 |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Four Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 5 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| 4 Door | Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | Sport Utility | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Transmission | ||||
| Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic w/Manual Shift |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2013 Volkswagen Touareg vs. 2013 Audi Q7 | 2013 Volkswagen Touareg vs. 2013 BMW X5 | 2013 Volkswagen Touareg vs. 2013 Honda Pilot | 2013 Volkswagen Touareg vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz M Class | |
