2011 Volkswagen Touareg: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg is an all-new, second-generation model with a lighter, roomier body and a new 8-speed automatic across the lineup. Volkswagen also adds the Touareg Hybrid as its first production hybrid.

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About the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

2nd generation (2011-2017 U.S.), first year / full redesign

Volkswagen positions the 2011 Touareg as a premium midsize SUV that blends luxury-SUV comfort with real towing strength and all-weather capability. Its key draw is variety without sacrificing equipment: gas V6, diesel V6, or hybrid power, all with standard AWD and a richly finished cabin. Compared with mainstream midsize SUVs, the Touareg leans more upscale in materials, ride quality, and technology, while still offering strong towing capacity and a more understated look than badge-heavy luxury rivals.

The 2011 Touareg is positioned as a more road-focused luxury SUV, with gas VR6, diesel TDI, and Hybrid models, all with AWD and an 8-speed automatic. Even the base VR6 and TDI versions have an 8-inch navigation touchscreen, heated power front seats, and a power tailgate. Lux models add leather and a panoramic sunroof, while Executive versions bring heated rear seats, parking assistance, and premium audio; the Hybrid combines a supercharged V6 and electric motor with a similarly upscale cabin.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

Every Touareg moves to an 8-speed automatic, and the new Hybrid joins the gas VR6 and diesel TDI models. The Hybrid pairs a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with an electric motor.

Styling

The all-new exterior adopts Volkswagen's newer horizontal front-end design and redesigned taillights.

Safety

The redesigned Touareg receives updated crash-response and head-restraint systems. Electronic stability control is standard.

Tech

An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation becomes standard across the lineup. Premium audio, a rearview camera, and a smartphone interface also move from optional to standard equipment.

Structural

The second-generation body is roughly 350 pounds lighter while providing a roomier cabin and more rear-seat space. Its tuning shifts toward better on-road comfort and efficiency, and a power tailgate is standard.

2011 Volkswagen Touareg specs and features by trim

Feature	2011 Volkswagen TouaregTDI0 in stock	2011 Volkswagen TouaregVR60 in stock	2011 Volkswagen TouaregHybrid0 in stock	2011 Volkswagen TouaregTDI Lux0 in stock	2011 Volkswagen TouaregVR6 Lux0 in stock	2011 Volkswagen TouaregTDI Executive0 in stock	2011 Volkswagen TouaregVR6 Executive0 in stock
Engine	V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter	V6, Hybrid, Sprchg 3.0L	V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter	V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter
Transmission	Auto, 8-Spd & Tiptronic	Auto, 8-Spd & Tiptronic	Auto, 8-Spd & Tiptronic	Auto, 8-Spd & Tiptronic	Auto, 8-Spd & Tiptronic	Auto, 8-Spd & Tiptronic	Auto, 8-Spd & Tiptronic
Drivetrain	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Diesel	Gas	Hybrid	Diesel	Gas	Diesel	Gas
MPG City	19 mpg	16 mpg	20 mpg	19 mpg	16 mpg	19 mpg	16 mpg
MPG Highway	28 mpg	23 mpg	24 mpg	28 mpg	23 mpg	28 mpg	23 mpg
Horsepower	225 hp	280 hp	375 hp	225 hp	280 hp	225 hp	280 hp
Torque	406 lb-ft	266 lb-ft	480 lb-ft	406 lb-ft	266 lb-ft	406 lb-ft	266 lb-ft
Max Towing	7716 lb	7716 lb	7716 lb	7716 lb	7716 lb	7716 lb	7716 lb
Trunk/Cargo	64 cu-ft	64 cu-ft	64 cu-ft	64 cu-ft	64 cu-ft	64 cu-ft	64 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	34.9 in	34.9 in	34.9 in	34.9 in	34.9 in	34.9 in	34.9 in
Seats	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Panorama Moon Roof
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Entertainment & Electronics
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Smartphone Interface
Comfort & Convenience
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Leather Seats
Memory Driver's Seat
Memory Front Seats
Memory Steering Wheel
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Wood Interior Trim

How the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg compares

The main change for the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg was a naming update: the base VR6 and TDI trims became VR6 Sport and TDI Sport. Otherwise, this was a quiet follow-up to the 2011 redesign, with the same body, engines, eight-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive.

See the full 2012 changes

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg a redesigned model?

Yes. The 2011 Touareg begins the second generation with an all-new body, roughly 350 pounds less weight, a roomier cabin, and a more road-focused setup.

What powertrains does the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg have?

The 2011 Touareg lineup includes a 3.6-liter gas VR6, a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6, and a new Hybrid with a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 and an electric motor. Every version has AWD and an 8-speed automatic.

Is the Touareg Hybrid new for 2011?

Yes. The Hybrid joins the Touareg lineup for 2011 as Volkswagen's first production hybrid, combining a supercharged V6 and electric motor with an upscale interior.

What technology became standard on the 2011 Touareg?

The 2011 Touareg makes an 8-inch navigation touchscreen standard across the lineup. Premium audio, a rearview camera, and a smartphone interface also become standard rather than optional.

How is the 2011 Touareg different from the 2010 model?

The 2011 Touareg is a full redesign rather than a mild update. It has a lighter and roomier body, a new 8-speed automatic, standard touchscreen navigation, revised styling, and a new Hybrid model.