2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid Review by Cars.com Staff

2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid

Kelley Blue Book Retail $45,000
This price range reflects the Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail value for all trim levels, but not necessarily all available options.
The Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail value represents the amount an auto dealer might ask for a specific vehicle; the actual sale price will vary. A vehicle's popularity, condition, warranty, color and local market conditions are factors involved in determining a final price. The retail value is not a trade-in or private party value.
The Suggested Retail value assumes that the vehicle has been fully reconditioned and has a clean title history. The Suggested Retail value also allows for advertising, sales commissions, insurance and other costs of doing business as a dealer. Most vehicles offered at this price have passed an inspection, and some may carry a warranty. Vehicle mileage is assumed to be normal or below normal.

Expert Reviews

By Cars.com Staff

Cars.com National October 28, 2010

Vehicle Overview

Thanks to a new eight-speed automatic and some 450 pounds' less weight, Volkswagen's second-generation Touareg looks to be significantly more fuel efficient than its predecessor. Positioned atop the VW lineup, the five-seat Touareg competes with luxury crossovers such as the Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz GLK and Lincoln MKX.

The Touareg comes with a choice of three V-6 engines: a traditional gasoline V-6, a turbocharged diesel V-6 and a V-6 gas-electric hybrid drivetrain. This makes the Touareg the Volkswagen brand's first hybrid.

(Skip to details on the: Touareg Hybrid)

Exterior

It's clear that Volkswagen's latest face — seen also on the Golf and GTI — is spreading lineup-wide. Unlike its Tiguan sibling, the Touareg has a clean separation between its grille and front air dam, with Audi-like LEDs in the headlights and taillights. Chrome lower accents run the length of the doors, while the rear bumper carries shapely tailpipes and a black lower garnish.

Interior

VW laid out the Touareg's cabin fairly conventionally. Climate controls fall below a large center display screen, and the steering wheel adopts the same controls as the Golf's and GTI's. A 6.5-inch touch-screen display with stereo readouts is standard. The rear seat reclines a few degrees and slides forward and backward 6.3 inches.

Thanks to some 5 inches' extra length, the Touareg's backseat is significantly roomier. The rear seats now fold in one motion — far better than the outgoing Touareg's seats, which required a number of steps to fold down.

Under the Hood

Engines include a 280-horsepower gasoline V-6 and 225-hp turbodiesel V-6; both use an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard. Hardcore off-roaders should note that the Touareg gave up some of its heavy-duty equipment, such as a low-speed transfer case, in the name of weight savings. The previous generation's self-leveling air suspension won't be offered, either.

Touareg Hybrid

The Touareg Hybrid combines a 3.0-liter V-6 with an electric motor for a combined 375 hp and 428 pounds-feet of torque. It can stay in electric mode for speeds up to 31 mph, and EPA combined mileage ratings are in the low 20s. Towing capacity is 7,700 pounds — far exceeding what the hybrid Lexus RX 450h or Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid can accommodate.

Rather than the electrically variable transmissions many hybrids employ, the Touareg Hybrid has a specialized version of the Touareg's eight-speed auto. The hybrid battery pack resides under the cargo load floor, so it doesn't compromise luggage room. That space would ordinarily go toward a spare tire; in lieu of one, the Touareg Hybrid has run-flat tires with a small repair kit. Back to top

Closest Dealers Listing this Car in ZIP

Find dealers and new car inventory in your area.

Featured Services for the Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid

Sell your current car quickly and easily on Cars.com.

*Invoice prices are made available by Cars.com and are not dealer advertising. All prices are subject to regional variations. Prices last updated 9/23/10. Click here for more information.