The Volkswagen Touareg is a compelling choice for those seeking a spacious, practical, and comfortable SUV. While it may lack the premium feel of some competitors, its advanced features, ample cargo space, and overall refinement make it a strong contender in its class. Consider the VW Touareg if you prioritize comfort, advanced technology, and a versatile driving experience. In this review, we’ll explore the design changes, interior updates, and driving enhancements of the Touareg’s midlife facelift.
VW Touareg Design
Volkswagen has breathed new life into the Touareg’s exterior. The most noticeable change is the full-length light bar at the rear, creating a striking visual impact. The redesigned rear bumper, exaggerated exhausts, and the distinctive Volkswagen Touareg R badge on higher trims add a touch of sportiness. Upfront, the grill has been extended with a new light bar, giving the Volkswagen Touareg a refreshed and lively appearance.
The alloy wheels, ranging from 20 to 22 inches, contribute to the SUV’s robust stance. The interior trims and stitching have been subtly altered, while the digital driver display retains its clean and user-friendly layout. The overall design remains practical and comfortable, a hallmark of the VW Touareg
Interior:
Step inside the VW Touareg, and you’ll find a familiar layout with some refined touches. While the architecture remains unchanged, the trims and stitching have been updated. The digital driver display is intuitive, though some may find the steering wheel buttons a bit ambiguous. Comfort is not compromised, with ample adjustment options for both the steering wheel and seats.
Practicality
Practicality shines through with USB ports, wireless charging, and a well-designed central cubby. The glove box, while seemingly large, has some quirks with manual placement. The rear seats offer flexibility, sliding, and reclining for added comfort. The spacious back seats and thoughtful features make the VW Touareg a family-friendly SUV.
Infotainment Features
The 2024 Volkswagen Touareg boasts an advanced infotainment system centered around the Innovision Cockpit. Standard in this model, the Innovision Cockpit seamlessly integrates digital instruments and a premium infotainment setup. The digital instruments span a 12-inch touchscreen, while the infotainment system features a generous 15-inch touchscreen, creating a unified digital landscape. Key features include lane-level navigation, and utilizing high-resolution HD map data for precise guidance. The voice control system, operating at an advanced level, comprehends a wide array of natural language commands.
With App Connect, seamlessly connect your smartphone for access to apps like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the touchscreen. The Touareg also comes with wireless charging, USB-C ports (including one with a 45-watt charging capacity), SiriusXM satellite radio, a premium sound system, a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system. Overall, the 2024 Volkswagen Touareg’s infotainment system stands out as one of the most advanced and user-friendly options in the market, catering to even the most discerning drivers.
Cargo Space
With a colossal 810 L of boot space, the VW Touareg excels in cargo capacity. The load lip is minimal, and the false floor provides additional storage. However, the hybrid version sacrifices some space due to the battery pack. Practicality extends to the rear seats, which can be folded down for more room, and various storage options throughout the cabin.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Advanced Camera System: The surround-view camera system aids parking and maneuvering.
- Auto Park Facility: A unique feature allowing the car to park itself via a smartphone app.
- Adjustable Ride Height: Air suspension and electrically operated tow hitch enhance versatility.
- Double Sun Visors: Dual visors provide comprehensive shade from different angles.
- High-Powered USB Ports: 45-watt USB ports enable fast charging for laptops.
Cons:
- Limited Desirability: The Volkswagen Touareg lacks the premium allure seen in some competitors.
- Exposed Wiring: Some design elements, like exposed wiring, could be perceived as cheap.
- Condensation in Headlights: Despite being new, the headlights may experience condensation.
- Complex Sunroof Blind: Removing the sunroof blind can be challenging and less user-friendly.
- SUV Feel: The VW Touareg may lack the full SUV experience, feeling more like a spacious car.
Engine and Power
Under the hood, the Volkswagen Touareg packs a powerful and economical engine. There are two trim levels for the Touareg: R-Line and base model. A 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel v6 engine with 286 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque powers the base model as standard. A plug-in hybrid powertrain with 462 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque is standard on the R-Line trim.
Driving Experience
In town, the Volkswagen Touareg impresses with its comfortable ride and responsive brakes. The turning circle is reasonable, and the air suspension enhances the overall driving experience. On the motorway, the car maintains its composure, offering a quiet and relaxing journey. The 3.0L V6 diesel engine provides sufficient power and excellent fuel efficiency.
Engaging sports mode on twisty roads adds a bit of responsiveness, but the VW Touareg doesn’t prioritize sportiness. It excels incompetence, with minimal body lean and satisfactory grip. The 0-60 mph time of 5.94 seconds, beating Volkswagen’s claim showcases its impressive acceleration.
Price:
VW Touareg 2024 pricing starts at $89,240 for the base SUV Touareg 170TDI and go up to $117,540 for the top-of-the-line SUV Touareg 210TDI R-Line.
