The 2014 Volkswagen Touareg ranks 6 out of 19 luxury midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on analysis of published reviews and test drives of the Volkswagen Touareg, as well as reliability and safety data. The 2014 Volkswagen Touareg is ranked: #6 in Luxury Midsize SUVs; #10 in Luxury SUVs with 2 Rows; #10 in Luxury Crossover SUVs. While it's not the sportiest or most capable SUV in the segment, the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg impresses reviewers with an upscale cabin, comfortable seats and a refined ride and powertrain. The 2014 Volkswagen Touareg comes standard with a six-cylinder engine that reviewers say provides plenty of power. Some prefer the optional diesel V6, however, for its abundant torque and better fuel economy. With the gas engine, the Touareg achieves 17/23 mpg city/highway. However, the diesel model gets 20/29 mpg, which is excellent for the class. Reviewers report that the Touareg's ride is more sporty than comfortable, and some appreciate that body lean through turns is minimal. Test drivers also praise the Touareg's steering, saying that it's more responsive than the steering in many SUVs in the class. The Touareg still offers way more truck-like ability than most other crossovers do--and more off-road and towing ability. The Touareg earns high marks for its upscale cabin appearance, and reviewers are pleased with the abundance of high-quality materials. The Touareg's cargo space is comparable with other two-row SUVs' space in the class, and many reviewers say the five-seat Touareg's front and outboard rear seats are comfortable enough for a full day of driving. Reviewers report that the Touareg's climate controls are straightforward, though some complain that the optional navigation system complicates stereo adjustments. Standard features include an eight-speaker stereo, dual-zone climate control and Bluetooth. Notable options beyond navigation include a backup camera and a reviewer-liked 10-speaker Dynaudio stereo system. Underneath, the Touareg features a platform that was jointly engineered with Audi and Porsche, who use it for the Q7 and Cayenne, respectively. In other words, the Touareg gives you a truly world-class foundation, and it does so for many thousands less than those premium brands.” The 2014 Volkswagen Touareg seats five and has standard all-wheel drive. A 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission are standard, while a turbodiesel 3.0-liter V6 is optional. Eight-speed automatic transmissions and full-time four-wheel drive are the building blocks in the powertrain department, while under the hood there are three quite different engine choices. Base versions get a conventional gasoline V-6--a 3.6-liter, 280-horsepower narrow-angle V-6 (VR6)--while two other versions show the way toward both more power and better gas mileage, albeit at a premium. The clean-diesel 3.0-liter V-6 TDI has been our favorite of the lineup, with its strong torque output (407 lb-ft) and confident feel for towing (up to 7,700 pounds) or highway cruising. An updated version of this engine steps up to 240 hp and even better fuel efficiency. Otherwise, a Hybrid model combines a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 with an electric motor system, sandwiched between the engine and transmission, for a combined 380 horsepower – and an EPA rating of 20 mpg in city driving. It gets a better boost in highway driving compared to other hybrids, due to the system's ability to disengage the engine and motor for long high-speed coasting. The Touareg comes in five trims: Sport (gas-engine only), Sport with Navigation, Lux, R-Line and Executive. Each trim adds to the Touareg's interior and technology features, and the R-Line also adds unique wheels and a sport suspension. The Touareg was last redesigned in 2011, and since it sees no major changes for 2014. — SG
