Rajan Wilcox
The Volkswagen Touareg is an SUV that has been on the market since 2002. It was first introduced as a diesel-fueled vehicle, with a V10 TDI engine, and was even marketed as a Clean Diesel vehicle in the United States and Canada. However, in 2020, a plug-in hybrid version of the Touareg was released, known as the Touareg R PHEV, which uses a gas-fueled V6 engine alongside an electric motor. The diesel-fueled Touareg was involved in the Dieselgate scandal, where Volkswagen was found to have installed hidden software on its diesel-powered vehicles to cheat emissions testing. Despite this, the Touareg remains a popular vehicle, known for its fuel efficiency and performance, with some models offering an impressive electric range.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Diesel, Gas, Electric |
| Year | 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020 |
| Model | TDI, TDI Clean Diesel Lux, TDI R50, Touareg R PHEV, Touareg R eHybrid |
| Market | North America, Malaysia, UK |
| Features | Alloy Wheels, Leather Trim, Climate Front Seats, Ambient Lighting, Park Assist Pro |
What You'll Learn
The Volkswagen Touareg is a diesel-fuelled SUV
The Touareg has a diesel particulate filter and was marketed as the Touareg 2 in the US and Canada from 2008 to 2010, reverting to simply Touareg in 2011. The Touareg X, a limited edition version of the 2014 Touareg TDI Clean Diesel Lux with a 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, was released to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Volkswagen Touareg.
The Volkswagen Touareg is also available with a V10 TDI engine, which was on sale for only a few years in the United States. This unique diesel-powered SUV has an unusual engine layout and could make an interesting addition to your garage.
In 2020, Volkswagen introduced a plug-in hybrid version of the Touareg called the Touareg R PHEV, which uses a gas-fuelled V6 engine assisted by an electric motor. Despite the introduction of this hybrid model, Volkswagen still sells diesel-powered Touaregs, with the Touareg Last Edition being powered by a 4.0-litre, biturbo diesel V-8 engine.
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The Touareg was marketed as the Touareg 2 in the US and Canada from 2008-2010
The Volkswagen Touareg is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by Volkswagen since 2002. The first generation of the Volkswagen Touareg was launched in 2002 and was a surprise for the market as the German carmaker had no prior experience in the 4x4 segment. The first generation (2002-2010) offered five, six, eight, ten, and twelve-cylinder engine choices.
In the US and Canada, the facelifted Touareg was marketed as the Touareg 2 for the 2008 model year, reverting to simply Touareg in 2009. The Touareg 2 was a version of the V6 TDI with improved performance. It featured a 5.0-litre V10 diesel engine, producing 257 kilowatts (349 PS; 345 bhp) with 850 newton metres (627 lbf⋅ft) of torque. The Touareg 2 was replaced by the Touareg R50, which was offered with a standard 21-inch Omanyt wheel, sport-tuned air suspension, and a four-zone climate control system.
The Volkswagen Touareg has since been replaced by the larger and less expensive Atlas in North America from the 2017 model year onwards. However, the Touareg continues to be sold in other markets, with the second generation being launched at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The third generation, introduced in 2018, featured a facelifted design and improved performance.
The Volkswagen Touareg has been offered with a range of engine options, including diesel, petrol, and hybrid models. All diesel versions now have a diesel particulate filter standard, and the V6 TDI Clean Diesel model replaced the V10 TDI in the US and Canada due to emissions regulations. The V10 TDI was offered in the United States for a limited time due to its inability to meet emissions standards in all 50 states.
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The Touareg was discontinued in North America in 2017
The Volkswagen Touareg was discontinued in North America from the 2017 model year onwards. The decision was based on sales and the availability of the larger and less expensive Volkswagen Atlas, which was specifically designed for the North American market. The Atlas is a three-row SUV that can seat up to seven people and has become far more popular in a short amount of time.
The Touareg was first introduced to the US market for the 2004 model year and was marketed as a premium SUV. It offered a smooth ride, responsive handling, ample cargo space, plenty of ground clearance, and serious four-wheel-drive off-road ability. The 2017 Touareg was part of the second generation and was the last brand-new version available in the US. It was one of the most expensive options in the midsize SUV class, which made it less attractive to buyers.
The Volkswagen Touareg was also involved in the "Dieselgate" scandal, which further contributed to its discontinuation. Volkswagen was found to have installed hidden software on its diesel-powered vehicles, including the Touareg, to cheat on emissions testing. This pushed diesel engines out of the mainstream and damaged their reputation.
Despite its discontinuation in North America, Volkswagen continues to produce and sell the Touareg in other markets, such as Europe, where it remains a popular choice for consumers.
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The Touareg R PHEV is a hybrid model
Not all Volkswagen Touaregs are diesel-fueled. While the Volkswagen Touareg is known as a diesel-powered vehicle, a hybrid model called the Touareg R PHEV was introduced in 2020. This plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) combines a gas-fueled engine with an electric motor.
The Touareg R is a significant addition to Volkswagen's R performance brand, offering a unique blend of performance and efficiency. With a powerful turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and an advanced electric motor, the Touareg R delivers an impressive total system output of 456 horsepower. This setup provides exceptional acceleration, with an estimated 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of around five seconds and a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).
The electric motor in the Touareg R is no slouch, capable of propelling the SUV to speeds of up to 87 mph (140 km/h) on its own. This all-electric mode is powered by a 14.1-kWh battery pack, providing an estimated range of up to 30 miles (48 kilometers) on a single charge. This electric range is sufficient for the average daily commute, making the Touareg R a practical and environmentally friendly option for many drivers.
In addition to its impressive performance and electric capabilities, the Touareg R also stands out with its stylish design and luxurious features. The exterior boasts distinctive R badging, exclusive color options, and sleek body styling. The interior showcases premium materials, such as leather upholstery, aluminum trim, and a high-tech digital cockpit. The Touareg R also offers advanced technology, including a 15-inch infotainment touchscreen, LED matrix headlights, and four-zone climate control.
The Touareg R PHEV expands Volkswagen's commitment to electrification and provides a compelling option for drivers seeking a high-performance, environmentally conscious SUV. While it is not available in the United States, it has been introduced in Europe and other markets, offering a unique driving experience and showcasing Volkswagen's innovation in the automotive industry.
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The Touareg has impressive fuel efficiency
The Volkswagen Touareg is a large SUV that was introduced in 2002. Over the years, it has been offered with a variety of engine and fuel options, including diesel and hybrid variants. The diesel versions of the Touareg have particularly stood out for their impressive fuel efficiency.
The Touareg was one of the first Volkswagen models to emphasize fuel efficiency. While the actual fuel consumption of the Touareg can vary depending on driving conditions, driving style, and other factors, it has consistently demonstrated competitive fuel economy in its class. User-reported fuel consumption data for the Touareg shows higher values than official consumption ratings, with diesel engines having a notably higher difference.
For example, the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI has a reported fuel efficiency of around 20.3 MPG, while other models from 2010 to 2016 range from 14.3 MPG to 21.7 MPG. The 3.0-litre TDI diesel model has shown impressive fuel efficiency, achieving 34.5 mpg on the highway, which is extremely competitive.
The plug-in hybrid version of the Touareg, the R PHEV, offers even higher fuel efficiency, with an impressive 122.8 mpg on paper. However, in real-world testing, it averaged 32.0 mpg over a week of mixed driving and peaked at 39.5 mpg on a moderate long-distance run.
The Touareg's impressive fuel efficiency, especially in its diesel variants, has contributed to its appeal as a versatile and economical SUV. With its powerful and efficient engines, the Touareg offers a balance between performance and fuel economy, making it a practical choice for long-distance and everyday driving.
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Frequently asked questions
No, not all Volkswagen Touaregs are diesel-fueled. While the V10 Touareg was a diesel-powered SUV, it was only on the market for a short time. The Touareg R PHEV, which arrived in 2020, is a plug-in hybrid with a gas-fueled V6 engine and an electric motor. The Touareg R e-Hybrid is another hybrid option, and there are also non-hybrid petrol options available.
Dieselgate was a scandal involving Volkswagen installing hidden software on its diesel-powered vehicles to pass emissions testing, regardless of the vehicles' actual emissions. This destroyed the reputation of diesel engines and led to the V10 Touareg's exit from the market.
Yes, the Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI, a diesel-powered version of the SUV, was previously available in the United States for a few years and can now be found on the used market.
The Volkswagen Touareg emphasizes fuel efficiency and offers features such as a diesel particulate filter and BlueMotion technology on certain models to improve fuel economy.
The Volkswagen Touareg has been reported to have a fuel consumption of 19.1-20.3 MPG, and over 3.0 million miles of real-world fuel economy data have been provided by Touareg owners.
