Volkswagen’s Toureg is a five-passenger SUV offered with four trim levels: Sport, Lux, Executive and Hybrid. All except the hybrids are available with a choice of either a gasoline V6 or turbodiesel TDI V6 engine. The 3.6-liter gasoline V6 is rated 280 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. The 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 develops 225 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Hybrid is powered by supercharged, direct-injection 3.0-liter V6 gas engine coupled with an electric motor with a combined 380 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque.
An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard on every 2012 Touareg. Estimated EPA fuel economy of the 3.6L is 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway, the TDI is rated 19/28 mpg and the Hybrid is rated 20/24 mpg. Properly equipped, the Touareg in any trim level is rated to tow 7,700 pounds.
All new Touaregs have standard ABS disc brakes, stability and traction control, and hill-hold assist. Touareg’s passenger capacity is five and cargo capacity is 32 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 71 cubic feet with them down.
The basic Sport model gets 18-inch wheels, bi-xenon headlights, foglights, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, power/heated front seats, power liftgate, Bluetooth and eight-speaker audio, a six-CD changer, satellite radio and iPod integration. The optional GPS navigation system also adds a rearview camera.
The Executive adds 20-inch wheels, heated steering wheel and rear seats, keyless entry and a premium sound system.
Lux versions get 19-inch wheels, a sunroof, heated mirrors, leather upholstery, 12-way power front seats. The Executive adds 20-inch wheels, heated steering wheel and rear seats, keyless entry and a premium sound system. Check off Hybrid and you also get a power steering column, parking sensors and passenger power lumbar support. Other options include a towing package, rubber floor mats, cargo mat and mud guards. Prices begin at $43,275.
