The
2010 Volkswagen Touareg 2 is a premium midsize five-passenger sport utility vehicle (SUV) built with exceptional quality, towing capability, and an attractive, upscale interior. Propelled by either a 3.6-liter engine or a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 motor, the Touareg offers a six-speed automatic transmission and 4XMotion full-time four-wheel drive.
Sporting a well-appointed cabin, the Touareg is a pleasure to drive, either on- or off-road, with its powerful engines, impressive driving dynamics, and large array of features. The Touareg boasts perfect crash test scores but could rate better on its fuel economy of 14 mpg city / 19 mpg highway.
New for 2010
The VW Touareg gained standard wood trim and Bluetooth for 2010, but the optional V-8 engine, locking differential, adaptive cruise control, and lane-change assist have all been dropped.
Essentials
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Engines: 3.6L V-6, 3.0L turbo-diesel V-6
Body Styles: SUV
Trims: VR6 FSI Sport Utility, TDI Sport Utility
From the Outside
Equally at home on a suburban freeway or a mountain road, the VW Touareg is brawny but sophisticated with crisp, clean lines. Its wide front air vents and silver roof rails lend a sporty yet functional attitude.
From the Inside
Sporting an upscale cabin graced with new standard wood trim for 2010, the Volkswagen Touareg is equally user friendly, with easy-to-use controls and high quality materials.
Driving Performance
Both the 3.6-liter gas engine and VW's 3.0-liter TDI turbo-diesel provide adequate acceleration, and both offer similar performance figures. Many will prefer the diesel version, for its slightly smoother acceleration, improved torque, and greater fuel economy. The six-speed automatic transmission in both versions performs admirably, while the optional air suspension helps mitigate flaws in the road.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety features on the Volkswagen Touareg include front and side airbags, side curtain airbags for front and rear, traction control, and stability control.
Gas Mileage
VR6 FSI: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway
TDI: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway
Plusses
- Strong engines, with torquey diesel
- Great performance on- or off-road
- High-class cabin
- Terrific driving dynamics
- Substantial towing capacity
Minuses
- Heavy curb weight that decreases gas mileage
- Lack of third-row seat
- Average cargo capacity
Rating
Ready for off road or home road, attractive inside and out
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- BMW X5
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