Whenever you read about the Volkswagen Touareg, you can count on two things always being mentioned: compliments to the engineers who delivered the off-road capabilities that simply amaze; and instructions on how to pronounce (TOUR-regg).
There is a reason both keep coming up. The name is unique and was never in danger of being on any other Marketing department's Top-10 list other than VW. Any good marketing person will tell you, if properly launched, and of course backed up by good product, any name can stick.
Perhaps the Touareg's laundry list of high-tech performance and handling systems is the best indicator of good marketing meeting great engineering. The list reads like a chemistry formula for a polymer. This VW formula happens to deliver amazing off-road capability. Things like EBD; ABS; EBA; HBA; ASR; EDL are all part of the systems, which work independently and with synergy in varying driving circumstances to deliver complete off-road and on-road dominance.
Drive characteristics for my Touareg tester (3.6 liter V6) were outstanding in several off-road forays and pleasing on city and highway pavement. The Touareg is one of the heaviest midsize SUVs, and with that comes pluses and some negatives. Most noticeably hampered was acceleration, which is going to be better with the optional V8 or V10. While fuel economy is 16/20, nothing to brag about or be ashamed of, the curb weight along with the rigid frame structure does deliver enhanced comfort and feel with the road (on and off).
I think Touareg's materials match the quality of any SUV in the midsize or large category. Inside the Touareg there is a quality and comfort equivalent to match the engineering bar set under the hood. A refined setting that is highlighted by genuine wood accents and supple Anthracite Leather, the driver is surrounded by cockpit-like gauges and controls for a seemingly endless number of functions. While the Touareg's gauges are functional, they cannot be classified as anything other than refined, adding to the sophistication and feeling of high tech throughout the cabin.
As is oft the case with the technically advanced cars I review, there is a learning curve I allow for the console and dash function. German manufacturers in particular have a love affair with especially high-tech gadgetry, so Touareg's vast expanse of wonderful technology will take a little longer to get comfortable with.
Second row seating is comfortable for two adults and the 60/40 split allows for easy pass through of cargo to the rear utility area. As you repeatedly read the pronunciation of Touareg, so too do I feel the need to reiterate that as long as you need to remove the headrests to lay the seats flat, you need to have a place specific for headrest storage. Maybe next year. Seats are structurally firm but supportive and comfortable on long trips. I did find the rear door size a bit smaller and more awkward for easy entry and exit.
My base Touareg started at $37,990 and, with upgrades such as leather, bi-xenon headlights, 6-speed Tiptronic transmission, 12-way power seats w/memory, leather armrest and front and rear audible park assist, it landed at $42,490.
If you are like the majority of Americans, your Touareg will never leave the pavement and will only be challenged by poor road and weather conditions. Nonetheless, the Touareg is an adequate performer with the base 3.6-liter V6 and all models come standard with an all-wheel-drive system for off-road conditions. My tester had the 4XMotion permanent 4WD w/low range gear, which is sufficient for most any drivers needs. I'd have to recommend going up to the V8 package (1 of 4), which would add a base $2,100 minimum increase.
Overall, Touareg exhibits wonderful road manners while displaying sophisticated looks and classy interior spaces. Any SUV with the technology and refinement offered in Touareg anywhere close to $40,000 is worth it.
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