2017 Volkswagen Touareg

Overview

The Volkswagen Touareg offers good looks, but they come at a high price. Its refined ride quality, well-damped suspension, and quiet cabin make it an agreeable road-trip companion. Standard adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking are welcome additions to the spec sheet, but the infotainment system is woefully outdated. The Touareg is also easily outclassed by rivals such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which costs less and offers more.

What's New for 2017?

A host of active safety technology is standard across the Touareg range for 2017, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and front and rear parking sensors. A heated steering wheel and a handy feature that automatically holds the brakes when the vehicle reaches a stoplight are also standard. The mid-level Lux model has been replaced by the Wolfsburg Edition.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

• Sport: $50,405
• Wolfsburg Edition: $53,705
• Executive: $61,105

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

With a 280-hp 3.6-liter V-6, the Touareg requires a relatively sedate 7.8 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph. While the Touareg rarely feels like your life is at risk when pulling out into traffic, you have to floor it to get going in earnest. The eight-speed automatic, on the other hand, is a smooth operator. There is a Sport mode, which holds gears longer before upshifting, and a Manual mode, which allows the driver to select gears manually via the shift lever. All-wheel drive is standard and shuttles power to both the front and rear wheels as dictated by driving conditions. The Touareg is comfortable and composed. Its solid chassis and supple suspension glide over all but the most foul pavement. Twisty roads also prove fun in the Touareg, as its firm steering and capable handling give it cornering confidence. The Touareg's easygoing ride makes it perfect for long-distance highway slogs, yet it’s surprisingly confident in corners for something this size.

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Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

A handsome interior design and a well-equipped cabin help justify the Touareg’s high price, but rivals such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee offer similarly upscale trim and more rear-passenger room, and they cost considerably less. The Touareg’s interior is first-rate, with nicely textured plastics, chrome trim, and logically placed controls. The standard heated steering wheel is wrapped in leather and features contrasting stitching. The Touareg’s front seats have good lumbar support and side bolsters that can be adjusted to fit a variety of body types. One of the smallest cargo volumes in the class means less room for road tripping and weekend-warrior gear.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Considering how refined the Touareg is on the road, its infotainment system is antiquated and disappointingly slow. A dearth of USB ports hinders usability, and the lack of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is a serious misstep at this price. An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation is standard in the Touareg. SiriusXM satellite radio and Bluetooth phone and audio streaming are standard, as well, with top-spec Executive models receiving a 10-speaker Dynaudio premium stereo system. Unfortunately, the infotainment interface is frustrating to use. The system often failed to understand voice commands and was slow to respond to touch commands.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the Volkswagen Touareg’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.