“If you're willing to pay the premium-luxury price for a sub-luxury brand with a solid product this is for you. From my experience it's a dependable, comfortable vehicle that's above basic brands and not quite an obvious "high end" model but it's holds its own against competitors.”
2016 Volkswagen Touareg: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg is the loss of the Hybrid model. Otherwise, this is a light update after the 2015 refresh, with added comfort and driver-assistance equipment on upper trims.
About the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg
2nd generation Touareg (2011-2017 US), second year after the 2015 refresh.
Volkswagen positions the Touareg as a premium-feeling five-seat SUV for shoppers who want luxury-grade comfort, towing ability, and all-weather confidence without stepping into a traditional luxury badge. The brochure leans on its quiet cabin, upscale interior materials, 4Motion AWD, cargo flexibility, and long-distance comfort. Versus many rivals, the Touareg’s identity is less about third-row family duty and more about refined road-trip use, strong towing, and a solid, expensive-feeling driving experience.
For 2016, the Touareg ranges from the straightforward VR6 Sport to near-luxury Lux and Executive trims with leather, navigation, a panoramic roof, and upgraded front seats. The TDI models emphasize strong low-speed pulling power for highway travel and towing, while Executive versions add features such as a surround-view camera, premium audio, and a broader driver-assistance suite.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The V6 Hybrid leaves the U.S. lineup. The 280-hp VR6 gas engine and 240-hp 3.0-liter TDI diesel continue with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive; the gas trims are renamed from V6 to VR6.
Safety
The VR6 and TDI Executive trims make adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors standard. TDI Lux also gains standard adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning.
Tech
Lux and Executive trims gain 14-way heated and ventilated front seats with driver memory. Executive also gains a power-adjustable steering column, while TDI Lux makes the heated steering wheel standard.
Styling
The rear spoiler is no longer standard across the lineup, so its presence varies by vehicle.
2016 Volkswagen Touareg specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 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 Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gas | Diesel | Gas | Diesel | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 17 mpg | 21 mpg | 17 mpg | 21 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 23 mpg | 29 mpg | 23 mpg | 29 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 240 hp | 280 hp | 240 hp | 280 hp | 240 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 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 |
| Trunk/Cargo | 64 cu-ft | 64 cu-ft | 64 cu-ft | 64 cu-ft | 64 cu-ft | 64 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.7 in | 36.7 in | 36.7 in | 36.7 in | 36.7 in | 36.7 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg?
The biggest change is the removal of the V6 Hybrid from the U.S. lineup. The remaining Touareg range uses either the VR6 gas engine or the TDI diesel engine.
Is the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg a redesign?
No, the 2016 Touareg is not a redesign. It remains part of the second generation and follows the exterior and interior refresh introduced for 2015.
What changed on the 2016 Touareg Executive trims?
The 2016 Executive trims gain 14-way heated and ventilated front seats and a power-adjustable steering column. Adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors also become standard.
What changed on the 2016 Touareg Lux trims?
The 2016 Lux trims gain 14-way heated and ventilated front seats with driver memory. TDI Lux also gains standard adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a heated steering wheel.
Is the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg worth considering over the 2015 model?
The 2016 Touareg mainly makes sense over the 2015 if its upper-trim equipment matters to you. It is otherwise very similar, and the Hybrid is found only in the earlier model year.
2016 Volkswagen Touareg Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg.
4.2
2016 Volkswagen Touareg
(56 reviews)
“Overall I love my car but with the emissions scandal I don't know if that will last. If it drives like it does now and gets the same gas mileage after the fix I will be very happy. However, I may have a polluting, unreliable car that only has 6000 miles on it and is worth probably 2/3 of what I paid.”
“The Volkswagen Touareg is an excellent blend of performance, styling and functionality. As a mid-size SUV, it provides the features necessary for a comfortable and stylish ride. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who was considering the same model and year.”