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Volkswagen Touareg Review - What the Auto Press Says

The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg ranks 9 out of 20 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 20 published reviews and test drives of the Volkswagen Touareg, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg has a great blend of interior quality, optional fuel-sipping engines and capable performance.

Reviewers say the engineers at Volkswagen outdid themselves when creating the engine options for the 2012 Touareg. Though the base gas-powered engine is nothing to write home about, test drivers rave about the frugal but powerful diesel engine and say the hybrid model, which is reviewed separately, is one of the best gas-electric combinations on the market. Plus, though the Volkswagen Touareg isn’t the sportiest SUV on the road, test drivers say its handling is a good middle ground between a smooth, comfortable ride and fun-to-drive dynamics.

Not only is the Touareg a hit under the hood, but reviewers say its interior is a success as well. Its back seat is especially spacious and comfortable, with some saying it’s almost as comfortable as the front seats. The Touareg’s cargo capacity and standard features are class-competitive, and many test drivers note the excellent quality of the interior materials and fit and finish.

Though the Touareg sounds like an overall hit, some journalists aren’t sure how well it will sell because its base price is relatively high. It’s more expensive than lower-end luxury midsize SUVs like the Lexus RX, the Lincoln MKX and the Saab 9-4X, and reviewers wonder if buyers will look past its higher price tag to see merits like its diesel engine and high-quality interior.

Other Luxury SUVs to Consider

If you’re shopping for diesel-powered luxury crossover SUVs, you should also take a look at the Mercedes-Benz R350 Bluetec. Test drivers say it has one of the nicest interiors on the market and that it drives more like a car than an SUV. If you can get past its minivan styling and its high price tag, reviewers say its adult-sized third row and long list of interior options won’t disappoint.

For a sportier driving experience than what the Touareg can offer, check out the Acura MDX. It costs less than the Touareg, and it ranks at the top of its class for its outstanding performance and standard all-wheel drive. Test drivers can’t get over how fun the MDX is to drive for a seven-seat SUV, and the love its high-tech interior.

Details: VW Touareg

The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is available in Sport, Sport with Navigation, Lux and Executive trims, and comes with a conventional gas-powered engine, a TDI clean diesel engine or a hybrid powertrain. The hybrid model only comes in one trim, and is reviewed separately.

The Touareg was fully redesigned for the 2011 model year, so it doesn’t see many changes for 2012. The 2012 Touareg adds the Sport with Navigation trim to the original lineup, which adds a navigation system, a 60-gigabyte hard drive and parking sensors to the Sport trim. This year also sees the addition of touch-screen radio controls to base V6 and TDI diesel models.

See the full list of 2012 Volkswagen Touareg specifications.

• "Redone last year, the Touareg continues to blend luxurious refinement in a mid-size SUV package.” -- Car and Driver

• "Though no longer the off-road billy goat it once was, Touareg is still a comfortable, luxurious SUV, with a well-appointed interior. … Shopping the Mercedes-Benz M-Class? Be sure to put Touareg on your list, too.” -- Consumer Guide
• "The Touareg packs most of the traits luxury automakers have been telling the public they want for decades, like a quiet ride, smooth acceleration and dazzling displays. I just wonder if buyers will be savvy enough to give the Touareg a fair shake given its perceived high price.” -- Cars.com

Touareg Performance - 7.8 (Good)

The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is no brawny off-roader, but it’s got the power and handling to create a smooth, comfortable driving experience with the potential for fun every now and then. Read More

Touareg Exterior - 8.0 (Very Good)

Test drivers appreciate the Volkswagen Touareg’s brawny styling and upmarket exterior touches. “It’s manly, but not aggressive,” writes Road and Track. View Photos

Touareg Interior - 8.4 (Very Good)

The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg’s interior is so cushy and high-quality than many reviewers compare it with more-expensive luxury brands.  Read More

Touareg Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)

The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg has not been crash tested by the federal government, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named it a Top Safety Pick. Read More

Touareg Reliability - 2.5 of 5

The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. Volkswagen covers the 2012 Touareg with a three-year/36,000-mile basic limited warranty. Read More