2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2: Road Test
2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 ▼
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- MSRP: $39,300 - $48,900
- Invoice: $36,203 - $44,997
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Our road test for the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 help you decide if a 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| V6 | V8 | TDI | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 5 | 6.3 |
Touareg 2s are among the heaviest midsize SUVs, and the V6 labors in mountain driving and highway passing sprints. In Consumer Guide testing, a V6 model did 8.1 seconds 0-60 mph. The V8 version is no hot rod but delivers better all-around acceleration and is a necessity for towing. VW says 7.6 seconds 0-60, though it doesn't feel quite that fast.
The TDI is a bit sluggish from a stop, but it comes on strongly after the first 20 ft.
FUEL ECONOMY
| V6 | V8 | TDI | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5 | 3.5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, Touareg 2 TDI models averaged 18.6-21.8 mpg.
A V8 averaged 15.5 mpg in city/highway driving. VW recommends premium-grade gas for V6 and V8 models.
RIDE QUALITY
| V6 | V8 | TDI | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 5.8 |
The impressively rigid structure enhances comfort, with the base suspension and 17-inch wheels furnishing the best ride. Bumps intrude on models equipped with the 19-inch wheels, and some testers complained of some float in Touaregs so equipped. The available air suspension has three firmness settings, but only the middle one satisfies on-road. The air system's main asset is providing up to 11.8 inches of off-road clearance.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| V6 | V8 | TDI | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 5 | 5.5 |
Touareg 2 feels ponderous in fast changes of direction, and it's no match for SUVs such as the Acura MDX or Lexus RX. The steering has a linear feel, but isn't as precise as it should be. Touareg 2 corners with good balance but marked body lean. The air suspension imparts a slightly more agile feel. A compact turning radius aids maneuvering, but some test V8 models suffered front driveline binding with the front wheels fully turned. The astute AWD system helped Touareg claw through severe conditions in dry-surface off-road tests.
QUIETNESS
| V6 | V8 | TDI | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
The air suspension muffles tire thrum slightly better than the conventional version, but the 19-inch tires are always more audible than the smaller-size ones on coarse surfaces. V8 versions make a pleasant, expensive-sounding growl at full throttle. All engines, even the diesel, are muted at idle. Wind rush is low for an SUV. One test Touareg 2 suffered from marked wind rush around the front A-pillars.
CONTROLS
| V6 | V8 | TDI | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
The gauges, dashboard, and console look contemporary and upscale, but the proliferation of buttons and controls requires a preflight briefing. Even then, some audio and climate system functions seem needlessly fussy. The climate system is a bit too low for easy driver use or view. The navigation system takes lots of study to master and governs too many audio functions, but its Global Positioning Satellite feature is useful off-road.
DETAILS
| V6 | V8 | TDI | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
Touareg 2 matches any luxury SUV for quality of interior materials. Several test models, though, suffered from an assortment of interior rattles.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| V6 | V8 | TDI | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.4 |
Touareg has great headroom, generous seat travel, and firm and comfortable seats. The standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel helps drivers find an ideal position, but for some testers, parts of the gauges are blocked by the wheel rim. Step-in is higher vs. crossover SUVs, but entry or exit isn't difficult. Hampering visibility to the front corners are large outside mirrors and to the rear are back-seat headrests; the rearview camera is a help. Some test Touareg 2s had slight windshield distortions.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| V6 | V8 | TDI | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.1 |
The tallest riders may want a bit more head clearance. Foot and knee space shrinks to marginal with the front seats set far back, but knee space is never painfully tight. The seatback doesn't recline, but the cushion provides fine support. Narrow rear doorways hamper entry and exit.
CARGO ROOM
| V6 | V8 | TDI | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.4 |
The cargo bay is handsomely finished. It is tall and wide rather than long, but it is spacious enough. The load floor is pretty high, though. The rear seatbacks lay flat, but not before an annoying ritual of flipping the lower cushions and removing the headrests. There's quite a bit of small-item storage space, but few of the cubbies are handy for quickly stashing items such as a cell phone.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| V6 | V8 | TDI | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 5.8 |
Touareg 2 is pricey for a Volkswagen but on par with Lexus and Mercedes-Benz rivals offering superior brand prestige, resale values, and customer care. But any Touareg 2 rewards with first-class cabin decor, competent SUV road manners, and terrific off-road prowess. The diesel's price premium would be tough to recoup in fuel savings, but it's frugal and does add some useful around-town punch while drastically undercutting the V8's much steeper cost.
Total Score
| V6 | V8 | TDI | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | 68 | 70 | 68.3 |
Total Score: 69
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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