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2016 Volkswagen Touareg review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Volkswagen Touareg highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Powerful engines
  • Good handling
  • Premium interior

Cons

  • Lacks a third row
  • Lacking some features
  • No more hybrid

Mileage (EPA estimate)

17 city, 23 highway, 19 combined

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A do-it-all upscale SUV

The 2016 Volkswagen Touareg is one of those models you pick up and find out that it does just about everything you’d ever need. It starts with an upscale look paired with a premium cabin with luxurious materials and in-demand standard features. Some of these features include dual-zone climate, adaptive front lighting, 18-inch wheels, leatherette seating, and a touchscreen audio system. This equipment only improves as you look into higher trim levels. Beyond that, the Touareg has respectable straight-line acceleration and handles very well. Going for the trifecta, the Touareg and boasts an estimated 7,716-pound towing capacity with the 3.6L V6 when properly equipped.Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories. So, to meet your luxury, performance, and utility needs, the Touareg may be a great option for you. 

All Volkswagen Touareg years

What is new for the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg?

  • Touareg trims have been upgraded with A/C Seat(s), Automated Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment this year.

5 reasons to buy the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg

1. Capable base engine 

The 2016 Touareg lost the hybrid option, but it still has its standard 3.6L V6 engine that delivers 280 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. This engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. With ample power for your performance-loving side, sprints this crossover to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds.  

2. Available diesel engine 

The 2016 Volkswagen Toureg has just one optional engine, but it’s a good one. This 3.0L turbodiesel V6 engine delivers 240 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. All this translates to a quick 7.2-second zero-to-60 sprint time. Not only is it quick, but you’ll also appreciate the diesel model’s EPA-estimated 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.

  

3. A very agile SUV 

The 2016 Volkswagen Touareg is a relatively large and heavy SUV, so you may expect this to hamper its handling. While the Touareg is no performance SUV, it never feels soft in the corners and delivers confident grip. Add to this the incredibly responsive steering, and you’ll feel confident zipping down a curvy back road. This is one SUV that’s sure to attract your more performance-loving side. 

4. A composed ride 

The 2016 Volkswagen Touareg handles corners very well, but it doesn’t do this at the expense of a composed ride. The Touareg always delivers a smooth and peaceful ride, which translates to a calm and tranquil cabin. This is all thanks to its well-tuned suspension and chassis combining to absorb the roughness and bumps in the road. You’ll always arrive at your destination comfortably in the 2016 Touareg.  

5. Surprisingly capable 

The 2016 Touareg has proven to be a comfortable and composed SUV, but don’t let its delicate ride and sharp handling fool you into thinking it’s soft. This SUV can put in work with the best of them. Its suspension and advanced all-wheel-drive system are ready to trek down light off-road trails without a struggle. On top of this, its rock-solid construction and powerful engines help the Touareg tow an estimated 7,716 pounds when properly equipped.

So, that camping trailer you’ve been eying for years. With the Touareg, you can tow it with ease.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

5 out of 5

1 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

3
1
2
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Volkswagen Touareg an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Volkswagen Touareg 24th out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Volkswagen Touareg

Volkswagen Touareg features and specs

Curious how Volkswagen Touareg trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

TDI Executive 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • 4WD/AWD
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • CD Audio
  • Dynaudio
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Tow Hitch
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Diesel Engine

Optional Features

  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Running Boards

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

3.0L

Horsepower

240

Torque (ft-lbs)

406

Engine type

Turbo Diesel

Fuel capacity

26.4

Wheelbase

113.9"

Overall length

188.8"

Width

76.4"

Height

68.2"

Leg room

F 41.4"/R 36.7"

Head room

F 39.6"/R 38.9"

Front tires

P275/45HR20

Rear tires

P275/45HR20

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

772/7716 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2016 Volkswagen Touareg FAQ

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