Volkswagen Touareg

Volkswagen Touareg

Unlike most other Volkswagen models, which have become less expensive and somewhat less sophisticated in order to gain mass-market appeal, the Touareg midsize SUV is a genuine luxury vehicle. Based on the same platform as the Porsche Cayenne, the Touareg isn't cheap but offers buyers an impressive array of attributes: a comfortable and sumptuous and interior, excellent towing abilities and good fuel economy, especially with the optional diesel and hybrid powertrains.

Compared to its predecessor, the latest Touareg is wider and has a shorter overall height for a stronger visual presence. A longer wheelbase and increased overall length provide more room inside the cabin, while the use of new materials and various other changes have reduced vehicle weight by roughly 350.

Stylistically, the SUV is highlighted by Volkwagen's horizontally oriented corporate grille, which connects to trapezoidal headlight housings that carry U-shaped LED running lights and bi-xenon high intensity Gas-Discharged headlamps. ‘L-Design' taillights and triangle-shaped exhaust outlets dress up the rear end, and the overall look is one of understated athleticism.

The Touareg's high-quality interior belies Volkswagen's "people's car" tagline with a high-quality look and feel worthy of a BMW or Mercedes-Benz. Attractive wood and metal trim pieces abound, and the dashboard is . With 32 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, the Touareg offers class-competitive stowage space, and a full 64 cubic feet are available with the second-row seats folded. Unlike some competitors, no third-row seat is available, meaning the SUV is limited to carrying five occupants.