Positioned atop the VW lineup, the five-seat Touareg competes with luxury crossovers such as the Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class and Lincoln MKX. It comes with a choice of three V-6 engines: a traditional gas V-6, a turbocharged diesel V-6 and a V-6 gas-electric hybrid drivetrain.
New for 2012 The Touareg gains a standard six-CD touch-screen stereo system.
Exterior The Touareg has a clean separation between its grille and front air dam, with Audi-like LEDs in the headlights and taillights. Exterior features include:
Chrome door accents
Stylish tailpipes
Interior The Touareg’s cabin is fairly conventional. Climate controls fall below a large center display screen, and the steering wheel adopts the same controls as those found in the Golf and GTI. The Touareg’s backseat is significantly roomier than the prior generation, and the rear seats fold in one motion. Interior features include:
Sliding and reclining backseat
6.5-inch touch-screen stereo
Under the Hood Mechanical features include:
280-horsepower, 3.6-liter gas V-6
225-hp, turbo 3.0-liter diesel V-6
Eight-speed automatic transmission
Standard all-wheel drive
Safety Standard safety features include:
Antilock brakes
Side-impact airbags for the front seats
Side curtain airbags
Electronic stability system
Active front head restraints
Touareg Hybrid The Touareg Hybrid combines a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 with an electric motor for a combined 380 hp and 425 pounds-feet of torque. It can stay in electric mode for speeds up to 31 mph. Towing capacity is 7,700 pounds — far exceeding what its competitors, 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 automatic. The hybrid battery pack resides under the cargo 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
