Pros: Excellent performance and fuel economy from turbodiesel engine; well-tuned ride/handling balance; classy, comfortable, capacious cabin
Cons: So-so fuel economy and performance with base V6 engine; disappointing fuel economy from pricey Hybrid model
2015 Touareg
CG Says: For 2015, the Volkswagen Touareg gets some subtle styling updates, as well as a new suite of available safety features such as a blind-spot monitor, lane-keep assist, and a forward-collision warning and mitigation system. Lackluster demand suggests many buyers shun Touareg as too pricey for a VW, even though it undercuts some premium-brand rivals. Look past the badge, however, and you find a spacious, comfortable, classy SUV with pleasant road manners, high mechanical refinement, and terrific workmanship. A full range of power choices is another plus, but the turbodiesel TDI versions are clearly the best of the bunch. Though somewhat more expensive than comparable gasoline V6 models, they’re just as smooth and quiet, have far stronger midrange performance, and are much more fuel-efficient. The Hybrid is no less civilized and offers impressive performance, but its lower mpg is hard to justify against greater technical complexity and a much-higher starting price. Still, if you’re SUV-shopping only among the usual premium brands, the Touareg may prove a pleasant surprise.
2015 Touareg
Class | Premium Midsize SUV |
Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon |
Passenger Count | 5 |
Drive Wheels | all-wheel drive |
Manufacturer | Volkswagen |
Nation of Manufacture | Slovakia |
Base Prices | Sport: $44,705 Lux: $53,170 Executive: $58,700 TDI Sport: $52,245 TDI Lux: $56,670 TDI Executive: $62,200 Hybrid: $66,995 |
Base Engine 3.6-liter V6 |
Horsepower 280 |
Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 17 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 23 |
Optional Engine turbodiesel 3.0-liter V6 |
Horsepower 240 |
Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 20 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 29 |
Optional Engine supercharged 3.0-liter V6/electric |
Horsepower 380 |
Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 20 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 24 |
