New for 2016
There are a number of changes for 2016, including the addition of 14-way power ventilated front seats to Lux and Executive models. Executive models also gain a standard power tilt wheel as well as the contents of the Driver Assist package, which includes features like Change Assistance (Side Assist), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist).
The Clean Crossover
Sometimes you just want a crossover SUV that does away with all the silliness and instead delivers a laser-focused driving experience. If that sounds like something you'd appreciate, then we recommend the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg.
Blessed with a potent yet efficient V6 powertrain, the 2016 Touareg instills confidence the moment your foot hits the gas pedal, courtesy of a standard 4Motion all-wheel drive system. But the good times don't end there. The Touareg also boasts luxury accommodations, including a long list of standard and available safety features.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2016 Volkswagen Touareg is powered by 3.6-liter V6 that produces 280 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. All Touareg models feature an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. 4Motion AWD delivers impressive grip in all conditions, and adds an extra layer of confidence out on the road.
Despite its size and standard AWD, the Touareg still manages to achieve respectable fuel economy, earning an EPA-rated 19 mpg combined (17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway).*
Features and Trims
The 2015 Volkswagen Touareg is a five-door, five-seat midsize SUV. It’s available in four trim levels, with prices starting at 42,705.**
Starting with the base Sport model, the Touareg comes standard with 18-inch Arica wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights with Adaptive Front Lighting System, V-Tex seating surfaces, power driver and passenger seats, iPod® connectivity, and LED taillights. A half-step up from the Sport, the Sport w/Technology trim adds a power liftgate, keyless access, Side Assist, and a towing package.
Building on the Sport and Sport w/Technology models, the Lux incorporates all of its standard features, and adds 19-inch 'Salvador' wheels, wood interior trim, Vienna leather seats, panoramic sunroof, and Park Distance Control.
Moving further up the range is the Executive V6, which incorporates all of the standard features from the previous models, and adds 20-inch 'Montauk' wheels, stainless steel pedals and scuff plates, 10-speaker Dynaudio sound system, 14-way power ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel and rear seats, and Area View exterior camera system.
Design
The 2016 Volkswagen Touareg adapts familiar Volkswagen styling cues to the body of a large high-riding SUV quite well.
At the front, the 2016 model features a front fascia with a four-bar chrome grille and Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights. The sides are defined by clean, horizontal lines like those on many recent VW models, while at the back the Touareg features LED taillights and a cleaner rear bumper design.
The interior is just as clean as the exterior, with LED lighting, a three-spoke steering wheel, and available 8-inch central display. It’s spacious too, boasting 36.9 inches of rear legroom, and a 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench seat that allows for 32 cubic feet of cargo space when up, and 64 cubic feet when folded.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, Hill Descent Assist, a rollover sensor system, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, and a full array of airbags.
In addition, the optional Driver Assistance Package includes lane-change assist, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Touareg buyers can also specify Volkswagen’s Area View external camera system and Park Distance Control.
Bottom Line
A clean design (both inside and out) and an efficient V6 powertrain, coupled with standard 4Motion all-wheel drive, make the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg a real winner in the midsize crossover SUV segment.
For more information, or to schedule a test drive, contact us online or visit us at 3Birds Template.
*17 city/23 highway mpg (2015 Touareg 3.6L, 8-speed automatic transmission). 2016 EPA estimates not available at time of publication. See www.fueleconomy.gov for updated information. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
**Prices exclude transportation, taxes, title, other options and dealer charges.
Image: Volkswagen
