“It is a substantial vehicle. Rides really well, good acceleration. Seats are comfortable, the controls are user friendly. If I was to do it over again I would buy the same vehicle.”
Volkswagen Touareg: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Volkswagen Touareg is a five-seat midsize SUV that bridges the gap between mainstream and luxury models. It is known for standard all-wheel drive, a polished cabin, quiet road manners, and strong towing ability.
The Touareg has always been Volkswagen’s premium two-row SUV, offering upscale comfort and substance without a traditional luxury badge. Early models paired that comfort with more rugged all-wheel-drive hardware, while the 2011 redesign made the Touareg lighter, roomier, and more road-focused. Across both generations, it remained a well-built, understated SUV with useful cargo space and solid all-weather capability.
Strengths
- Standard all-wheel drive gives the Touareg reassuring capability in poor weather.
- The cabin feels polished and well built, with the quiet road manners expected from a premium SUV.
- It has serious towing ability, with the 2017 model rated to pull up to 7,716 pounds.
- Cargo space is useful for a two-row SUV, reaching 64 cubic feet in the 2017 model with the rear seats folded.
- Every 2017 Touareg included driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
Who it's for
The Touareg suits someone who wants a comfortable, upscale used SUV but does not need a third row or a luxury badge. It makes particular sense for highway travel, year-round driving, and towing, provided the buyer is comfortable owning a more complex premium vehicle.
Volkswagen Touareg lineup
In the final 2017 lineup, the V6 Sport is the straightforward entry point, while the V6 Wolfsburg Edition replaces the former Lux as the middle choice. The V6 Executive sits at the top for shoppers seeking the most upscale version. In earlier years, Lux filled the comfort-focused middle ground, while the R-Line added a sportier look to gas and diesel models. Gas V6 versions were the mainstay, with TDI diesel and Hybrid models appearing during parts of the Touareg’s U.S. run.
Volkswagen Touareg generations
From 2009 to 2017, the Touareg spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation — 7P arrived for 2011, following the 1st Generation (2004–2010).
2nd Generation — 7P (2011–2017)
The second-generation Touareg used a lighter body, added rear-seat room, and switched every version to an 8-speed automatic. It became more road-focused and paired standard all-wheel drive with gas, diesel, and, for part of the generation, hybrid power.
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2017Trim changes
The Wolfsburg Edition replaces the Lux trim, and advanced driver-assistance features become standard across the lineup. This is the final U.S. model year.
2016Trim changes
The Hybrid leaves the U.S. lineup. Upper trims receive seat and driver-assistance equipment updates.
2015Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling arrives with standard LED taillights, revised cabin details, new wheels, and added driver-assistance technology.
2014Trim changes
Sport-styled R-Line gas and diesel trims join the lineup, along with the limited-run Touareg X.
2013
The diesel V6 rises to 240 horsepower, while some upper trims receive small cabin and lighting updates.
2012Trim changes
Mostly a carryover year with minor equipment-package changes.
2011New generation
A full redesign brings a lighter and roomier body, an 8-speed automatic, a standard 8-inch navigation touchscreen, and the first Touareg Hybrid.
1st Generation (2004–2010)
These final years of the original Touareg use the facelifted Touareg 2 design introduced for 2008. The SUV retains standard low-range all-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic, giving it a more ruggedly focused setup than the second generation.
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2010Trim changes
Bluetooth hands-free calling and walnut wood trim become standard, with light equipment-package revisions.
2009
A 3.0-liter V6 TDI diesel joins the existing gas-engine lineup; the design and core hardware otherwise carry over.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Volkswagen Touareg.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Volkswagen Touareg a luxury SUV?
It is a near-luxury SUV rather than a luxury-brand model. The Touareg combines a quiet ride, a polished cabin, strong towing ability, and generous equipment under a Volkswagen badge.
Does the Volkswagen Touareg have a third row?
No. The Touareg is a two-row SUV with seating for five. It favors passenger comfort and cargo room over squeezing in a third row.
Is the Volkswagen Touareg good for family road trips?
Yes, especially for a family that only needs five seats. Its quiet road manners, useful cargo area, comfortable cabin, and confident all-weather traction suit long trips well.
Does every Volkswagen Touareg have AWD?
The U.S.-market Touaregs covered here use Volkswagen’s all-wheel-drive system. First-generation models also have low-range gearing for more demanding terrain, while the second generation became more road-focused.
How much can a Volkswagen Touareg tow?
A 2017 Touareg is rated to tow up to 7,716 pounds. Earlier versions also emphasize towing capability, but the exact rating should be checked for the engine and model year being considered.
Does the Volkswagen Touareg come as a hybrid?
Yes. U.S. Touaregs offered a supercharged V6 hybrid from 2011 through 2015. It was the high-output, well-equipped version of the lineup and was dropped before the final two U.S. model years.
Does the Volkswagen Touareg have a diesel engine?
Yes. TDI models use a turbo-diesel V6 known for strong low-speed pulling power and relaxed highway driving. The diesel appeared in the U.S. lineup before the final gas-only 2017 range.
Are first- and second-generation Touaregs very different?
Yes. The 2004–2010 first generation has more dedicated off-road hardware. The redesigned 2011–2017 model is lighter, roomier, and more road-focused, with an eight-speed automatic and a more upscale cabin.
Volkswagen Touareg Reviews
What owners are saying about the Volkswagen Touareg.
4.2
Volkswagen Touareg
(175 reviews)
“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.”
“This is the 11th vehicle I have owned and my first VW. I have owned MB, Land Cruisers, Escalades and Tahoes and would not even think about going back to any of those. This is the single best vehicle I have ever driven.”
“I love the power and the get-up-and-go that comes with the 3.0 TDI. Plenty of room, 4WD for snow, and power when you need it.”
“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.”
“This vehicle has a great appearance, the ride is very comfortable, and the handling is great. The size of the vehicle I was surprised at how many miles I was able to get out of a full tank of gas, I am very happy with this vehicle and would highly recommend any of the Volkswagen brands to friends, family and co-workers. I am lucky enough to own two such vehicles, between Volkswagen and Audi.”