2010 Volkswagen Touareg
- 2009 Volkswagen Touareg
- Used Volkswagen Touareg
Based on analysis of 29 Touareg reviews and test drives.
Volkswagen Touareg - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Volkswagen Touareg ranks 8 out of 16 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 29 published reviews and test drives of the Volkswagen Touareg, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
Previously called the Touareg 2, Volkswagen's second-generation Touareg comes with high style, a luxurious and comfortable cabin, and some of the strongest off-road capabilities in its class. But it's also a pricey SUV, and it does not offer an optional third row.
The Touareg racked up several awards upon its introduction in 2004, including Car and Driver's Best Luxury SUV and Motor Trend's SUV of the Year. "Touareg 2 is pricey for a Volkswagen but on par with Lexus and Mercedes-Benz rivals offering superior brand prestige, resale values, and customer care," says Consumer Guide. "But any Touareg 2 rewards with first-class cabin décor, competent SUV road manners, and terrific off-road prowess."
Still, the Touareg has been plagued by a hit or miss reliability record and can't match the performance chops of its top rivals. On the plus side, reviewers say it can handle itself well over hill and dale thanks to 4XMotion and hill ascent and descent control.
Though the Touareg is expensive, its price is about on par with many of its competitors in the luxury midsize SUV class. In addition, it's still less expensive than its platform-mate, the Porsche Cayenne -- which means if you're deciding between the two, the Touareg is a better value as long as you can live without the extra prestige of the Porsche name.
For 2010, the Touareg loses a few options, including the V8 engine, adaptive cruise control and lane-change assist. However, it now gets standard wood interior trim and Bluetooth. It comes in only two trims, the base VR6 FSI and the TDI diesel.
- "Indeed, the Touareg V-6 is one of the, if not the, most luxurious and well-equipped SUVs for its price." -- Car and Driver
- "If you want a do-it-all SUV that is actually lives up to the 'sport utility vehicle' name, you could do much worse than the Touareg 2." -- Orlando Sentinel
- "The 2010 Volkswagen Touareg combines extraordinary on-road civility and luxury with real off-road prowess, and it offers an excellent turbodiesel V6. If you don't need three rows of seats or class-leading cargo capacity, the Touareg deserves a look." -- Edmunds
Touareg Performance - 8.4 (Very Good)
The 2010 Volkswagen Touareg is a little light on power for such a heavy SUV. But reviewers are especially impressed by its composure on rough and rocky terrain. Edmunds says, "Taken off road, the Touareg amazes, negotiating steep passes and deep ruts normally reserved for rough-and-tumble Land Rovers." Read More
Touareg Exterior - NA
The Touareg's elegant but rugged good looks please reviewers. "Touareg literally means 'free folk,'" explains Motor Week. "VW stylists clearly had freedom, delivering an exterior that is rugged and progressive. And though it does boast a recognizable VW front fascia, gem-like headlight casings and the generous air intakes added beneath the stylized upper radiator grille add classic off-road SUV appeal." Read More
Touareg Interior - 7.8 (Good)
The Touareg is long on features, quality and style. A downside, especially for families, is that VW doesn't offer a third-row seating option for this SUV. "Touareg 2 matches any luxury SUV for quality of interior materials," says Consumer Guide. Read More
Touareg Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)
In addition to a long list of safety features, the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg does very well in federal government crash tests. The insurance industry has not tested it. The Touareg's safety features include 4XMotion all-wheel-drive and an Intelligent Crash Response System. Read More
Touareg Reliability - NA
The 2009 Touareg has a three-year/36,000-mile basic limited warranty. Read More
