Volkswagen Touareg - What the Auto Press Says
The Touareg2 comes with high style, a luxurious and comfortable cabin, and some of the strongest off-roading capabilities of the class. But it's one of the pricier luxury midsize SUVs, and it does not offer an optional third row. If you need a third row, consider the Acura MDX.
When the Volkswagen Touareg was first introduced in 2004, it was an award-winning vehicle. It was named Car and Driver's "Best Luxury SUV" and Motor Trend's "SUV of the Year." But the Touareg has been plagued by a hit-or-miss reliability record and wasn't a strong seller. By the 2008 model year, Volkswagen "reintroduced" the model as the Touareg2 (Psst...it's virtually the same vehicle).
Now for 2009, the VW Touareg keeps on trucking, still offering a swanky cabin and strong visual design that reviewers like, but maybe not enough performance chops to crest the top of the luxury midsize class. Where it does do well is off the beaten path. Though few people would dream of taking a $40,000 luxury vehicle anywhere off-road, reviewers say the Touareg2 can handle itself well over hill and dale thanks to 4XMotion and hill ascent and descent control.
Changes for 2009 model are few, but noteworthy. In addition to added cabin features, the Touareg2's navigation is now hard-drive based. Also for 2009, VW has dropped the Touareg2's TDI trim with the V10 diesel engine. The Touareg comes in several trims -- the base VR6 FSI, V8 FSI and a new diesel model, the V6 TDI.
- "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. But any Touareg 2 rewards with first-class cabin décor, competent SUV road manners, and terrific off-road prowess." -- Consumer Guide
- "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
- "Being in a niche is often seen as a good thing. But the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 occupies a niche that's more problematic than anything else. This is a premium SUV with true off-road chops, but it's too pricey for the Moab crowd and not quite chic enough for the hedge-fund set." -- Edmunds
Touareg Performance - 8.4 (Very Good)
The 2009 Volkswagen Touareg2 is not as powerful as its hefty stance suggests, nor is it the easiest mover when judged in light of other luxury midsize SUVs. But reviewers are still pleased with the SUV's overall performance, which they label on par with the class. They are especially impressed by the Touareg2's 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." continue
Touareg Exterior - NA
Reviewers like the VW Touareg2's elegant but rugged good looks. "Touareg is essentially voice of superfluous trim," New Car Test Drive finds. "The strip along the lower doors minimizes paint damage, a chrome strip protects the top of the rear bumper, and the signal mirrors transmit intentions to vehicles alongside." continue
Touareg Interior - 7.8 (Good)
The Touareg2 is long on features, quality and style. But Volkswagen doesn't offer a third-row seating option for this SUV. On the one hand this affords more space and comfort for the passengers the Touareg will carry, but on the other hand, it could be the key factor in choosing a Touareg2 versus another luxury midsize SUV. Kelley Blue Book leads the majority that notes, "Many SUVs now offer a third row of seats, increasing occupant capacity to seven, but the Touareg 2 remains a two-row SUV, thus limiting the number of seats to five." continue
Touareg Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)
In addition to a long list of safety features, the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg2 does very well in federal government crash tests. The VW's features include 4XMotion all-wheel-drive and an Intelligent Crash Response System. continue
Touareg Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 Volkswagen Touareg reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2009 Touareg2 has a three-year/36,000-mile basic limited warranty. continue
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