The Volkswagen Touareg is an under-the-radar contender in the world of luxury SUVs. It appeals to buyers who want the space and ability of a large family vehicle, but without the ostentation of some rivals.
There is no shortage of alternatives to the Volkswagen Touareg, with big SUVs proving extremely popular. Premium models such as the Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Lexus RX and Porsche Cayenne are the main alternatives to the Volkswagen Touareg. For those who want a hint of Scandi-cool in their SUV, the Volvo XC90 is also an attractive choice.
The Volkswagen Touareg is a highly respected large SUV that has the practicality and performance to deliver what used buyers need. For those who want a big family off-roader that will quietly get on with the job, there is a lot to like about it.
Parts of the Volkswagen Touareg are shared with high-end SUVs including the Audi Q8, Bentley Bentayga and even the Lamborghini Urus. However, the much more affordable Volkswagen version can seem a little ordinary in comparison. The Volkswagen Touareg’s interior is generally well made, and has plenty of technology, but there are signs of budgets being managed.
Where the Volkswagen Touareg’s cabin really does deliver is in terms of space. Unlike some SUVs that offer seven seats, the Volkswagen Touareg is limited to being a five-seater. However, this results in a gigantic boot, along with acres of space for passengers both front and rear. The rear seats also fold flat, taking luggage capacity to a van-like 1800-litres. It makes the Volkswagen Touareg ready for even the most enthusiastic Ikea trip.
On the road, the Volkswagen Touareg feels sportier than you might expect from a large SUV. It handles well, keeps body-roll to a minimum, and the all-wheel-drive system delivers plenty of traction. A smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic gearbox suits the car’s nature as well.
Being a leftfield option is perhaps the Volkswagen Touareg’s USP, but it appeals in other ways. There is plenty of technology included as standard, with the higher-grade models particularly impressive in this regard. It also boasts a strong towing ability, making it a prime choice for caravanners. If you want a practical and usable luxury SUV, and without the chintz or questionable image, the Volkswagen Touareg could be a contender for you.
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On the engine front, you can’t really make a bad choice in the Volkswagen Touareg, but we’d stick with the entry-level one, the 231PS V6 diesel. It keeps running costs down, the fuel economy up, and it’s more than muscular enough to haul you around as quickly as you’ll ever want to go.
The 286PS version is a little more effortless at getting up to speed, but not drastically so. The V6 petrol feels faster still, but you'll really suffer at the pumps - the official 25mpg is as good as it gets. And while the plug-in hybrid Touareg R promises up to 94mpg as long as you keep the battery charged up, finding one on the used market might be the biggest challenge.
In terms of trim level, that much depends on your taste. The earliest VW Touaregs could be had in the cheapest SE trim, but Volkswagen stopped making that soon after launch because, well, nobody bought one. SE L trim became the base point, and its equipment tally is very strong for an entry level model.
Tech fans should note, though, that the show-stopping 15-inch touchscreen arrangement doesn’t arrive until you hit the higher SE L Tech, R-Line Tech and Black Edition trims, so if your heart’s set on that, you’ll have to venture further up the range.
The Volkswagen Touareg is offered with four different engine options, with some determined by the model and trim level chosen. All make use of Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, with an eight-speed automatic the only gearbox available.
The Volkswagen Touareg is available in various trim levels and with three different engines, alongside the range-topping R performance model. Standard equipment is generous for all.
The Volkswagen Touareg’s exterior dimensions are:
The Volkswagen Touareg’s boot space is:
Pick the eHybrid version of the Volkswagen Touareg and you save a whole £10 per year when it comes to road tax costs. This is thanks to the small discount given to alternative fuel vehicles, which the hybrid Touareg counts as. However, like the rest of the range that pays the standard £180 rate, the hybrid also attracts the £390 surcharge for cars that cost more than £40,000 when new. This additional cost applies until the Touareg is five-years old.
Given the cost, performance and sheer size of the Volkswagen Touareg, insurance costs will naturally be on the high side. Choosing a Volkswagen Touareg SEL with the V6 TDI engine will see an insurance rating of group 37 (out of 50). The same model with the petrol V6 TSI engine increases this to group 41. Predictably, the performance Volkswagen Touareg R is the priciest of all, allocated group 48 for insurance.
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