A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.2
Comfort & Interior
4.6
Running Costs
3.8
Practicality
4.4
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a premium SUV that doesn’t shout about its luxury credentials? The Volkswagen Touareg might be exactly what you need. This large, sophisticated SUV offers impressive build quality, advanced technology, and genuine off-road capability without the flashy badge of its German rivals. It’s the choice for drivers who want substance over style, delivering a refined driving experience in a practical package.
From the outside, the Touareg presents a clean, understated design that won’t date quickly. It’s more subtle than rivals like the BMW X5 or Mercedes GLE, yet still commands respect on the road. Step inside and you’ll discover where Volkswagen has focused their efforts. The cabin feels genuinely premium, with high quality materials and intuitive technology that makes every journey more comfortable. The dashboard layout is logical and driver focused, creating an environment that feels both luxurious and functional.
Behind the wheel, the Touareg delivers a composed, refined driving experience. The available engines provide strong performance while maintaining excellent fuel economy for such a large vehicle. It handles motorway cruising with ease, yet remains surprisingly capable when the road gets challenging. While it commands a premium price compared to mainstream SUVs, you’re investing in Volkswagen’s renowned engineering quality and a vehicle that will serve you reliably for years to come.
How Does the Volkswagen Touareg Drive?
The Volkswagen Touareg‘s engine lineup focuses on efficient yet powerful diesel units, with the 3.0-litre V6 TDI being the standout performer. Producing 282 horsepower, this smooth diesel engine delivers impressive acceleration for such a large vehicle, reaching 60mph in just 6.1 seconds. The abundant torque makes overtaking effortless and provides confident performance when towing heavy loads. For those wanting ultimate performance, the V8 TDI variant offers 416 horsepower and truly remarkable pulling power.
What sets the Touareg apart is its sophisticated chassis and suspension setup. The standard air suspension automatically adjusts to road conditions, providing a smooth, comfortable ride on the motorway while maintaining composure on winding country roads. The steering is precise and well weighted, giving you confidence in all driving situations. Off road, the Touareg genuinely excels with multiple driving modes and impressive ground clearance. This large SUV feels secure and planted in all conditions, making it an excellent choice for families who need versatility.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
3.0L V6 TDI / 4.0L V8 TDI
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Power Output
282 - 416 bhp
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0-60 mph
6.1 - 4.9 seconds
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MPG Combined
32 - 35 mpg
- Boot Space
- 810 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Volkswagen Touareg: Comfort & Features
Open the Touareg’s doors and you’re immediately struck by the quality of the interior. This is where Volkswagen has really invested, creating a cabin that rivals premium brands at a lower price point. The dashboard features a large touchscreen infotainment system with crisp graphics and intuitive controls. Material quality is excellent throughout, with soft leather surfaces and solid feeling switches that operate with precision. The Digital Cockpit display replaces traditional gauges with a customisable screen that’s both functional and modern.
The front seats are superbly comfortable with multiple adjustment options and excellent support for long journeys. Rear passengers enjoy generous legroom and headroom, making the Touareg genuinely suitable for adults on extended trips. The cabin is exceptionally quiet at motorway speeds, with excellent insulation from road and wind noise. Standard equipment includes three zone climate control, heated seats, and smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher specification models add features like massage seats and a premium sound system that transforms the interior into a luxury sanctuary.
The Volkswagen Touareg succeeds brilliantly as a discreet luxury SUV that prioritises substance over flashy styling. Its interior quality genuinely rivals more expensive German alternatives, while the refined driving experience and impressive practicality make it an excellent family vehicle. The diesel engines provide strong performance with reasonable fuel consumption, and the air suspension delivers comfort that makes long journeys effortless.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Volkswagen Touareg?
As a large premium SUV, the Touareg’s running costs reflect its size and sophistication, but they remain competitive within its class. The diesel engines are the key to reasonable fuel consumption, with the 3.0 TDI achieving around 32-35 mpg in real world driving conditions. This means fewer stops at fuel stations despite the generous 85-litre fuel tank capacity. Insurance groups are moderate for the class, though they will be higher than smaller family SUVs.
The initial purchase price positions the Touareg as a premium product, typically starting around £50,000 for new models. However, this represents good value compared to equivalent BMW or Mercedes models with similar specification levels. Depreciation is steady rather than dramatic, helping to protect your investment. Servicing costs are reasonable for a vehicle of this complexity, and Volkswagen’s reputation for reliability means major repairs should be infrequent. For many buyers, car finance options make the Touareg more accessible, spreading the cost over manageable monthly payments.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Volkswagen Touareg
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BMW X5
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Mercedes GLE
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £52,000 | £58,000 | £56,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 3.0L V6 TDI 282hp | 3.0L I6 Diesel 265hp | 3.0L I6 Diesel 272hp |
| Power | 282 bhp | 265 bhp | 272 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 6.1 seconds | 6.5 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 34 mpg | 33 mpg | 32 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 810 litres | 650 litres | 630 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Premium interior, Air suspension, Excellent value | Sporty handling, Premium badge, Advanced tech | Luxury refinement, Smooth ride, Brand prestige |
Volkswagen Touareg Practicality & Boot Space
The Touareg excels as a practical family vehicle, offering genuine versatility for everyday use. The 810-litre boot is one of the largest in its class, easily accommodating family holidays or weekly shopping trips. The rear seats fold completely flat, creating a massive load area for bulky items. Multiple storage compartments throughout the cabin provide space for phones, drinks, and travel essentials. The electric tailgate opens to reveal a low loading lip, making it easy to load heavy items.
Where some rivals offer seven seats, the Touareg focuses on five seat comfort and maximum cargo space. This makes it ideal for families who prioritise luggage capacity over extra seating. The high driving position provides excellent visibility, while parking sensors and cameras make manoeuvring this large vehicle surprisingly stress free. Towing capacity is impressive at 3.5 tonnes, making it perfect for caravans or large trailers. For buyers considering used Volkswagen cars, the Touareg represents excellent value in the premium SUV segment.
Absolutely love our Touareg. The interior feels so much more expensive than we paid, and it’s incredibly comfortable on long motorway journeys. The boot space is massive and it tows our caravan without any drama. Best car purchase we’ve made.
The Volkswagen Touareg stands out in the premium SUV segment by offering exceptional build quality and refinement at a more accessible price point. It combines a luxurious interior, advanced technology, and impressive practicality into a package that genuinely competes with more expensive rivals. The efficient diesel engines and comfortable ride quality make it an excellent choice for families who cover high mileages.
You choose the Touareg because you want premium SUV capability without paying premium badge prices. Its understated styling, superb interior, and genuine off road ability make it a versatile family vehicle that excels in all conditions. For buyers seeking a sophisticated SUV that prioritises comfort and practicality over flashy styling, the Touareg represents outstanding value. With cars under £10,000 offering excellent entry points to Volkswagen ownership, there’s never been a better time to consider this impressive SUV.
