2013 Volkswagen Touareg: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

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.

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About the 2013 Volkswagen Touareg

2nd generation (2011-2017 U.S.), pre-refresh, third model year.

Volkswagen positioned the Touareg as its upscale five-seat SUV: quieter, richer inside, and more road-oriented than a typical midsize family SUV, but without the louder luxury-brand image of rivals like the BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz M-Class. The core pitch was premium materials, confident all-wheel-drive road manners, strong towing ability, and a choice of distinct powertrains: a gas V6, a torque-rich TDI diesel, or a powerful hybrid. It was the Volkswagen SUV for buyers who wanted substance and comfort first.

The 2013 Touareg lineup ranges from well-equipped Sport models to comfort-focused Lux and Executive trims, with gas V6, TDI diesel, and Hybrid versions. Sport trims have all-wheel drive, Bi-Xenon headlights, heated power front seats, and a power liftgate, while Lux and Executive models bring features such as navigation, leather, a panoramic roof, heated rear seats, and premium audio. The 380-hp Hybrid serves as the technology showcase with a supercharged hybrid V6, navigation, leather, and heated front and rear seats.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

Every TDI trim gets a 15-hp increase, raising the 3.0-liter diesel V6 from 225 to 240 hp. Torque remains 406 lb-ft.

Styling

The Hybrid gets LED taillights and LED license-plate lighting. Hybrid, TDI Executive, and VR6 Executive models switch to Vavona wood cabin trim.

Tech

TDI Executive and VR6 Executive models gain front and rear parking sensors.

2013 Volkswagen Touareg specs and features by trim

Feature	2013 Volkswagen TouaregHybrid0 in stock	2013 Volkswagen TouaregTDI Lux0 in stock	2013 Volkswagen TouaregVR6 Lux0 in stock	2013 Volkswagen TouaregTDI Sport1 in stock	2013 Volkswagen TouaregVR6 Sport0 in stock	2013 Volkswagen TouaregTDI Executive0 in stock	2013 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 w/Tiptronic	Auto, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic	Auto, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic	Auto, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic	Auto, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic	Auto, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic	Auto, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic
Drivetrain	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Hybrid	Diesel	Gas	Diesel	Gas	Diesel	Gas
MPG City	20 mpg	20 mpg	17 mpg	20 mpg	17 mpg	20 mpg	17 mpg
MPG Highway	24 mpg	29 mpg	23 mpg	29 mpg	23 mpg	29 mpg	23 mpg
Horsepower	380 hp	240 hp	280 hp	240 hp	280 hp	240 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	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	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
Automatic Emergency Braking
Park Assist
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
LED Tail Lights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Panorama Moon Roof
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Entertainment & Electronics
Built-In Hard Drive
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 Front Seats
Memory Steering Wheel
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Wood Interior Trim

How the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg compares

The biggest change for the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg is the addition of sport-styled R-Line trims for both the gas V6 and TDI diesel. This is a targeted trim and equipment update, not a redesign.

See the full 2014 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2013 Volkswagen Touareg?

The biggest change is more power for the TDI diesel. Every 2013 Touareg TDI has 240 hp, up from 225 hp in 2012.

Was the 2013 Volkswagen Touareg redesigned?

No, the 2013 Touareg was not redesigned. It remains part of the second generation introduced for 2011 and receives only a diesel power increase and a few trim-level details.

Which 2013 Volkswagen Touareg trims received more horsepower?

All three diesel trims received more horsepower for 2013. The TDI Sport, TDI Lux, and TDI Executive each moved from 225 to 240 hp.

What changed on the 2013 Touareg Executive trims?

The TDI Executive and VR6 Executive gain front and rear parking sensors and Vavona wood cabin trim. The TDI Executive also benefits from the diesel engine's increase to 240 hp.

What changed on the 2013 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid?

The 2013 Touareg Hybrid gains LED taillights, LED license-plate lighting, and Vavona wood cabin trim. Its supercharged hybrid V6 system produces 380 hp.