2012 Volkswagen Touareg: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

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.

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About the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg

2nd generation Touareg (launched in the U.S. for 2011), second model year.

Volkswagen positioned the Touareg as a premium five-seat midsize SUV that blended upscale cabin materials, strong road manners, real towing ability, and standard all-wheel drive without wearing a traditional luxury badge. What set it apart was choice: a smooth gas V6, a long-range torque-rich diesel, or a powerful supercharged hybrid, all paired with an eight-speed automatic. It was aimed at buyers who wanted comfort and capability more than a third row.

The 2012 Touareg ranged from well-equipped Sport models to more luxurious Lux and Executive trims. Lux versions added navigation, leather, and a panoramic sunroof, while Executive models brought heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, parking sensors, and premium audio. The 380-hp Hybrid sat at the top of the lineup with a supercharged V6 hybrid system and an upscale cabin.

What changed, by category

Tech

Volkswagen made minor equipment-packaging adjustments within the trim lineup, but there was no model-wide technology overhaul.

2012 Volkswagen Touareg specs and features by trim

Feature	2012 Volkswagen TouaregHybrid0 in stock	2012 Volkswagen TouaregTDI Lux0 in stock	2012 Volkswagen TouaregVR6 Lux0 in stock	2012 Volkswagen TouaregTDI Sport0 in stock	2012 Volkswagen TouaregVR6 Sport0 in stock	2012 Volkswagen TouaregTDI Executive0 in stock	2012 Volkswagen TouaregVR6 Executive0 in stock
Engine	V6, Hybrid, Sprchrg, 3.0L	V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter	V6, 3.6 Liter	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	Hybrid	Diesel	Gas	Diesel	Gas	Diesel	Gas
MPG City	20 mpg	19 mpg	16 mpg	19 mpg	16 mpg	19 mpg	16 mpg
MPG Highway	24 mpg	28 mpg	23 mpg	28 mpg	23 mpg	28 mpg	23 mpg
Horsepower	380 hp	225 hp	280 hp	225 hp	280 hp	225 hp	280 hp
Torque	325 lb-ft	406 lb-ft	266 lb-ft	406 lb-ft	266 lb-ft	406 lb-ft	266 lb-ft
Max Towing	7700 lb	7700 lb	7700 lb	7700 lb	7700 lb	7700 lb	7700 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	36.9 in	36.9 in	36.9 in	36.9 in	36.9 in	36.9 in	36.9 in
Seats	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Front & Rear Parking Sensors
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
LED Tail Lights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Panorama Moon Roof
Roof Rails
Entertainment & Electronics
Front DVD Entertainment System
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Touch Screen Monitor
Comfort & Convenience
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Leather Seats
Memory Driver's Seat
Memory Steering Wheel
Push-Button Engine Start
Wood Interior Trim

How the 2013 Volkswagen Touareg compares

The main change for 2013 is a 15-hp increase for every Touareg TDI, taking the diesel V6 from 225 to 240 hp. Otherwise, this is a light detail-update year, not a redesign.

See the full 2013 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest difference between the 2012 and 2011 Volkswagen Touareg?

The biggest difference is the base-trim naming: the VR6 became VR6 Sport, and the TDI became TDI Sport. The engines, body, transmission, and all-wheel-drive system otherwise carried over.

Was the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg redesigned?

No, the 2012 Touareg was not redesigned. It was the second model year of the generation introduced for 2011, with no major styling, body, suspension, or structural changes.

Did the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg get new engines?

No, the 2012 Touareg kept the same three-engine lineup: a 3.6-liter gas V6, a 3.0-liter TDI diesel V6, and a supercharged V6 hybrid system. All used an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.

Did the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg receive new safety technology?

No, there was no major model-wide safety hardware or driver-assistance upgrade for 2012. Its safety equipment largely carried over from the redesigned 2011 model.

Which 2012 Volkswagen Touareg trims had the most upscale features?

The Executive trims and Hybrid had the richest equipment for 2012. Notable features included navigation, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, keyless access, parking sensors, and premium audio, while the Hybrid also had a panoramic sunroof and leather seating.