2006 Volkswagen Touareg: Road Test
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2006 Volkswagen Touareg ▼
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- MSRP: $37,320 -$67,750
- Invoice: $33,896 -$40,527
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Our road test for the 2006 Volkswagen Touareg includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Volkswagen Touareg from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Volkswagen Touareg, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Volkswagen Touareg help you decide if a 2006 Volkswagen Touareg is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| V6 w/Eq. Pkg. 2 | V8 w/nav. sys. | V8 w/nav. sys., 19-in. whls. | V10 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Touareg among the heaviest midsize SUVs, and V6 struggles with a full load or up steep grades. No chance yet to test '05 V6, but it should run close to test '04 model's 9.2 sec 0-60 mph. V8 noticeably stronger and more relaxed, did 7.9 sec in our tests. Turbodiesel's class-leading torque delivers robust acceleration, ready passing power; VW claims 7.2 sec 0-60. On the downside, V10 suffers occasional turbo-lag throttle-response delay, and cold start-ups accompanied by some diesel smoke and smell. Gas engines' low-speed performance marred by inconsistent response to throttle inputs and by transmission's occasional reluctance to kick down. Transmission's Sport mode aids acceleration slightly, but locks out sixth gear. Towing capacity is 7716 lb for all models.
FUEL ECONOMY
| V6 w/Eq. Pkg. 2 | V8 w/nav. sys. | V8 w/nav. sys., 19-in. whls. | V10 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3.4 |
Test V6 Touaregs averaged 12.5-15.1 mpg, V8s 11.9-14.3 mpg, the V10 18.3. VW recommends premium-grade fuel for the gasoline engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| V6 w/Eq. Pkg. 2 | V8 w/nav. sys. | V8 w/nav. sys., 19-in. whls. | V10 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5.5 |
Impressively rigid structure enhances perceived comfort on all models, but base suspension and 17-inch tires furnish best ride--stable and fairly compliant. Bump-thump can be intrusive with 18-inch tires, is pronounced with 19s. Air suspension has three firmness settings, but only the middle one satisfies on-road. Air system's main asset is providing up to 11.8 inches of off-road clearance.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| V6 w/Eq. Pkg. 2 | V8 w/nav. sys. | V8 w/nav. sys., 19-in. whls. | V10 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5.7 |
No match for sporty SUVs like BMW X5 and Infiniti FX, but always feels confident, especially on highway. Steering linear, but a tad slow. Corners with good balance but marked body lean, like most truck-type SUVs; feels slightly more agile with air suspension. Compact turning radius aids maneuvering, but test V8 and V10 examples suffered front driveline binding with the front wheels fully turned. Brakes strong, but a test V6 made grabby low-speed stops. Astute AWD automatically apportions power, clawed through severe dry-surface off-road tests. Note: 19-inch tires are summer treads, not all-season type.
QUIETNESS
| V6 w/Eq. Pkg. 2 | V8 w/nav. sys. | V8 w/nav. sys., 19-in. whls. | V10 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 6.6 |
Rivals some upscale cars. Air suspension muffles tire thrum slightly better than conventional version, but 19-inch tires always more audible than smaller-size tires on coarse surfaces. Turbodiesel clatters at idle, but muted otherwise, as are gas engines. Wind rush low for an SUV.
CONTROLS
| V6 w/Eq. Pkg. 2 | V8 w/nav. sys. | V8 w/nav. sys., 19-in. whls. | V10 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6.6 |
Legible gauges have upscale "aircraft" look. So do dashboard and console, where proliferation of controls requires a preflight review. Climate system mounts a bit low for easy driver use or view. Navigation system governs some audio functions and also takes learning, but its Global Positioning Satellite feature is useful off-road. Touareg matches any SUV--regardless of price--for quality of interior materials. However, on two test examples, dashboard warning lights for ABS and airbag illuminated, even though a dealer service department found no problem with those systems. Those Touaregs also suffered several squeaks and rattles.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| V6 w/Eq. Pkg. 2 | V8 w/nav. sys. | V8 w/nav. sys., 19-in. whls. | V10 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.5 |
Great head room, generous seat travel. Firm, comfortable seats, but weak cushion support in fast turns. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel helps drivers find ideal position, but several testers find wheel rim blocks parts of some gauges. Wide doorways ease entry/exit. Step-in higher vs. car-type SUVs, but not difficult. Visibility astern hampered by rear headrests, small rear window. Some test models had slight windshield distortions.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| V6 w/Eq. Pkg. 2 | V8 w/nav. sys. | V8 w/nav. sys., 19-in. whls. | V10 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.3 |
Lots of head clearance. Foot space shrinks to marginal with front seats more than halfway back, but knee room not painfully constricted. Fine seat support, contour. Narrow rear doorways hamper easy exit.
CARGO ROOM
| V6 w/Eq. Pkg. 2 | V8 w/nav. sys. | V8 w/nav. sys., 19-in. whls. | V10 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.9 |
Cargo bay handsomely finished, spacious enough, but load floor is pretty high off the ground. Rear seatbacks won't lay flat without first flipping lower cushions, removing headrests. No dedicated headrest storage another nuisance. Abundant space for small-item storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| V6 w/Eq. Pkg. 2 | V8 w/nav. sys. | V8 w/nav. sys., 19-in. whls. | V10 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5.8 |
Touareg is pricey for a Volkswagen, on par with BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz rivals offering superior brand prestige, resale values, and customer care. The turbodiesel really costs--expect a base price around $60,000--and isn't widely available. But any Touareg rewards with first-class cabin decor, solid construction, and more-than-competent SUV road manners--and they're off-road wizards.
Total Score
| V6 w/Eq. Pkg. 2 | V8 w/nav. sys. | V8 w/nav. sys., 19-in. whls. | V10 turbodiesel | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56 | 56 | 54 | 57 | 61.5 |
Total Score: 56
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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