2013 Volkswagen Touareg

Unlike most other Volkswagen models, which have become less expensive and somewhat less sophisticated in order to gain mass-market appeal, the Touareg midsize SUV is a genuine luxury vehicle. Based on the same platform as the Porsche Cayenne, the Touareg isn't cheap but offers buyers an impressive array of attributes: a comfortable and sumptuous and interior, excellent towing abilities and good fuel economy, especially with the optional diesel and hybrid powertrains.

Compared to its predecessor, the latest Touareg is wider and has a shorter overall height for a stronger visual presence. A longer wheelbase and increased overall length provide more room inside the cabin, while the use of new materials and various other changes have reduced vehicle weight by roughly 350.

Stylistically, the SUV is highlighted by Volkwagen's horizontally oriented corporate grille, which connects to trapezoidal headlight housings that carry U-shaped LED running lights and bi-xenon high intensity Gas-Discharged headlamps. ‘L-Design' taillights and triangle-shaped exhaust outlets dress up the rear end, and the overall look is one of understated athleticism.

The Touareg's high-quality interior belies Volkswagen's "people's car" tagline with a high-quality look and feel worthy of a BMW or Mercedes-Benz. Attractive wood and metal trim pieces abound, and the dashboard is . With 32 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, the Touareg offers class-competitive stowage space, and a full 64 cubic feet are available with the second-row seats folded. Unlike some competitors, no third-row seat is available, meaning the SUV is limited to carrying five occupants.

An all-independent suspension composed largely of aluminum is one of the factors in the Touareg's weight loss for the latest generation, and it also contributes to the SUV's buttoned-down handling dynamics. All Touareg models come standard with Volkswagen's 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, which sends 40 percent of power to the front axle and 60 percent to the rear under normal driving conditions.

While Volkswagen offers the Touareg with off-road-ready items like a two-speed transfer case and skid plates in other markets, the automaker doesn't expect U.S. buyers to venture off the pavement and therefore leaves those goodies off the options list. Even with those extras, the Touareg offers a decent amount of off-road capability thanks to a high-travel suspension along with generous approach and departure angles.

Towing capacity is rated at a 7,700 lbs. with the available towing package - those looking to do any serious trailering will want to spring for this package, as the Touareg is rated for just 1,650 lbs. without it.

Powertrain Lineup
Aside from the Hybrid model, which gets its own buyer's guide page, the Touareg is available with two engine choices - a gas-powered V6 and a "TDI" turbodiesel V6.

The standard VR6 displaces 3.6-liters and is good for 280 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is rated at 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Those willing to drop a bit more money for more torque and improved mpgs can opt for the oil-burning 3.0-liter turbocharged V6. This mill got a slight power increase of 15 ponies for the latest model year, bringing the total count to 240 horsepower, while torque stands pat at an impressive 406 lb-ft. Mileage checks in at 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. This gearbox offers a sport mode for spirited driving along with a dynamic shift program that adapts to the driver's individual style and adjusts the shift points accordingly.

Trim Level Breakdown
The Touareg is available in four different trim levels - Sport, Sport with Navigation, Lux and Executive - all of which can be paired with either engine option.

The "entry-level" Sport comes well-equipped with leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-speaker touchscreen-activated AM/FM/CD/SiriusXM sound system with iPod integration, ambient lighting, a multi-function trip computer, Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming, cruise control and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Few will be surprised with what the Sport with Navigation adds to the Sport trim's features - a touchsceen-activated navigation system.

The Lux trim adds leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch alloy wheels, heated and power-adjustable and power-folding side mirrors and genuine Walnut interior wood trim.

The top-shelf Executive trim brings a 10-speaker, 620-watt Dynaudio stereo system, heated rear seats, keyless access with push-button start, park distance control and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Occupant Safety
All Touareg models come standard with dual front, side and full-length side-curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems and Rollover Sensor System, which monitors the vehicle's turning angle and speed and can help detect a possible rollover situation.

Key Competitors
For the price, the only rivals to the Touareg that can match it in off-road capability are the Land Rover LR4 and the Lexus GX 460. More pavement-focused rivals include the fine-driving BMW X5 and the refined Acura MDX.