2008 Volkswagen Touareg V10 Tdi Review Car and Driver
The Car Connectedness Expert Review
Editorial Director
Baronial 1, 2008
Likes
- Ride condolement
- Hushed interior
- Attractive, well-appointed interior
- Top prophylactic protection
Dislikes
- Disappointing dorsum seat and cargo space
- Horrible gas mileage
- Difficult to maneuver and park
Buying tip
features & specs
four-Door V10
4-Door V6
four-Door V8
The 2008 Volkswagen Touareg has more toughness than almost mid-size SUVs for heavy-duty towing and off-road needs yet on-the-route comfort doesn't suffer.
In bringing you this comprehensive review covering the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg, the automotive experts at TheCarConnection.com take looked to some of the most respected review sources on the Web. Then, in order to brand the review especially useful, TheCarConnection.com's editors accept included their own immediate driving experience.
The mid-size 2008 Volkswagen Touareg sport-utility vehicle looks similar a car-based crossover vehicle, and even though it doesn't have a ladder frame like some of the workhorse SUVs, information technology'south even so capable of much more serious off-route situations and heavier towing tasks than other crossovers.
The 2008 Volkswagen Touareg keeps the aforementioned basic shape as last year's model, but it incorporates a host of smaller changes inside and out and gains "Touareg2" badging. The headlights and front air intakes follow a new design, with more brightwork, and a new LED rear lamp design is introduced. Aerodynamics have been improved, roof runway are now standard, and a new rear spoiler fits much better with the Touareg'south silhouette.
Within, the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg breaks away from VW's traditionally Spartan cabins, with fine leather, metal, and wood materials along with pleasing plastics; information technology's put together well, with like shooting fish in a barrel-to-read gauges and mostly well-placed controls.
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Seating is very generous and spacious in front, with smashing seats that are soft enough to feel luxurious, yet sufficiently firm for ache-free long drives. Behind the front seats, the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg is disappointing, with backseats that are comfortable but don't offer a lot of infinite for larger folks and surprisingly piddling cargo space. The four-zone climate control aids comfort in dorsum, nevertheless.
The 2008 Volkswagen Touareg comes in 5-vi, V-eight, and V-x models. The base of operations V-6 model's 276-horsepower, 3.6-liter now moves the Touareg respectably, though it'south non particularly quick. The V-viii model'southward 350-horsepower, 4.2-liter provides more satisfying acceleration for driving effectually with a total load of people or cargo, only the V-10 model's huge 5.0-liter turbodiesel engine is the choice if you programme to tow a large boat up the ramp and onto the interstate—it makes near as much horsepower every bit the V-8 (310 hp versus 350 hp), simply with an enviable 553 pound-feet of torque. Properly equipped, the Touareg can tow upwardly to 7,716 pounds. But the large turbodiesel isn't a choice for those who wish to go green; it'southward non offered in California-emissions states, and it gets the same highway fuel economy as the V-half-dozen, just striking 20 mpg. With the V-viii engine, the Touareg is rated at merely 12 mpg city.
The 2008 Volkswagen Touareg has an extremely polish, settled ride that's comfortable but not at every bit boisterous as some SUVs, and the interior is remarkably quiet. It also handles well for a vehicle that in some trims can arroyo three tons—although the weight tin can be felt in sharp maneuvers. Despite the Touareg's length and width, which aren't all that different from a mid-size sedan'south, the Touareg is somewhat hard to park, with limited rearward visibility—though at present-standard parking sensors help.
The Touareg'southward all-wheel-drive organization has a low range for serious off-roading, along with the impressive approach and departure angles to conquer some precarious situations. Hill descent and climb assistance, two electronic aids, also help with slippery situations. The available air suspension package brings the ability to adjust ride height and improves handling both on- and off-road.
Several features that were optional earlier are now standard on the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg, including a power rear liftgate, sonar parking sensors, and Sirius Satellite Radio. Heated seats, a sunroof, keyless entry, cruise control, and dual-zone climate control are besides included. Major options include a loftier-end Dynaudio sound system, a navigation system, adaptive cruise control, and cricket leather and walnut trim upgrades. A Bluetooth hands-free organisation is nonetheless not offered.
Front side airbags, total-length side drape bags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control are all standard on the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg. Information technology has done very well in federal crash tests, with peak five-star ratings in both frontal and side-impact tests.
The freshened 2008 Volkswagen Touareg looks more than functional, capable, and luxurious, inside and out.
A minor refresh for the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg subtly enhances the SUV's balletic appearance and quality interior.
"Restyled headlamps and a large chrome grille that echoes the expect of the Volkswagen Passat," says Kelley Blue Volume of the front of VW's kickoff entry into the SUV field, restyled subtly for 2008. They go on to praise its "tall, wide stance" and "short front and rear overhangs that as well assistance better arroyo and departure angles." Cars.com likes the exterior freshening, making note of the grille that "adopts Volkswagen's familiar silver faceplate," every bit well every bit "darker taillights and a new roof spoiler." Seventeen-inch wheels are at present standard with the V-6 (VR6 in VW-speak), 19s for the V-eight and turbodiesel V-10. Of the new silhouette, MyRide.com feels "it gives the nose some character, something the generic-looking first run of Touaregs lacked," and otherwise describes the Touareg shape equally a "classic two-box SUV with all the edges rounded off."
MyRide.com likes "the simplicity of the layout, the proper orientation of all the controls" on the within of the Touareg. ConsumerGuide feels "the gauges, dashboard, and console look contemporary and upscale, but the proliferation of buttons and controls requires a preflight briefing." They temper this criticism, noting the "Touareg 2 matches any luxury SUV for quality of interior materials." Of the standard V-Tex Leatherette, MyRide.com says, "information technology'due south strong just otherwise did a decent job of feeling like it once came from an animal of some sort." Upgrades characteristic sumptuous leather and wood, an interior handling that Kelley Blue Book attests "easily rivals the all-time in the luxury SUV grade." Auto and Driver mentions "its handsome IP" that "includes analog gauges for water temp, oil temp, and volts – a rarity."
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The 2008 Volkswagen Touareg masters trails, swills fossil fuel, and overwhelms its powerful engines with its massive curb weight.
The 2008 Volkswagen Touareg applies every i of its 5,000-plus pounds to startling off-road prowess--and to startling on-road fuel consumption and unwieldiness.
The Touareg's two gasoline-powered engines benefit from Audi/VW's gasoline direct-injection wizardry, dubbed FSI. But rather than reducing their thirst, they upped the ability to debate with all that adjourn weight. The base of operations 276-horsepower 3.six-liter V-vi, contends Kelley Blue Book, at present "provides adequate power." The optional V-8, fortified to the tune of 350 horsepower, "provides acceptable ability" and yields "a subtle growl when passing," remarks Motor Tendency. Edmunds finds the 5.0-liter turbodiesel V-x, at 310 hp and a stump-pulling 553 pound-feet of torque, to be "the most intriguing (and expensive) entry." Information technology also yields both the swiftest acceleration and the all-time fuel economy.
All engines are paired with "a vi-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and total-time four-wheel drive," reports Kelley Bluish Book, who explain that the Touareg's "low-range gear, adaptive torque distribution and locking middle differential aid take the Touareg 2 over the nigh intimidating terrain." Car and Driver complains that transmission in their test vehicle "whined whenever the vehicle was coasting." Only Edmunds praises the "stone-solid platform co-adult with Porsche," that is "more in line with the Range Rover than the growing number of soft-roader crossovers."
All of this brute force, off-road ability, and stout construction take their toll at the pump. The EPA rates the Touareg at xiv/19 mpg, 12/17 mpg, and 15/20 mpg for the V-6, 5-8, and diesel, respectively—all dismal numbers in this historic period of skyrocketing oil prices. Popular Mechanics weighs in, calling the V-six's numbers "distressing" and the Five-8'due south "downright lousy." Edmunds comments, "fuel economy is relatively poor for this class of vehicle." Note that premium is recommended for both gasoline engines.
All that weight takes a cost on the handling as well. ConsumerGuide feels that "Touareg 2 feels ponderous in fast changes of direction, and it's no lucifer for lighter SUVs such equally the Acura MDX or Lexus RX." Still, the Touareg's steering and handling are generally praised: "light steering and a supple off-road ride," comments Car and Driver; "The ride is compliant yet provides plenty of road feel, and the adequately responsive steering feels artificial at low speed," remarks Motor Tendency. But bringing that weight to a halt resulted in "the longest braking distance of this pack," reports Auto and Driver in an eight-SUV comparison.
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The 2008 Volkswagen Touareg has less space and fewer seats than rivals costing far less—but it does have exceptional materials.
Compromised interior space blended with splendid fit and finish are a tough sell on a $40,000 2008 Volkswagen Touareg, and an even taller club on a $seventy,000 ane.
If cargo and rider chapters are less of an result, then the front of the Touareg's interior just might win you over. "Based on its quality of materials and level of condolement the interior easily rivals the best in the luxury SUV class," raves Kelley Blue Book. ConsumerGuide praises "smashing headroom and generous seat travel" and "firm and comfortable seats." And MyRide.com feels "the long bottom cushion is perfect for long thighs, offer enough of support."
The tight rear quarters of the Touareg injure it in comparison with a field of SUVs and crossovers that accept adopted seven-passenger seating as the dominion. With no third row, the Touareg can accommodate merely five passengers. That "back seat room – with either two or iii persons – was the slimmest in this competition," reports Auto and Commuter in its comparison test of 8 SUVs. Kelley Bluish Book also feels "many buyers will find the Touareg 2'due south v-passenger blueprint flawed" and remarks that "even a fully loaded, $70,000+ Touareg has neither a premium badge nor a 3rd row of seats." Of the rear seats, ConsumerGuide remarks that "the tallest riders may want a chip more head clearance" and "pes space shrinks to marginal with the front seats set up far back, but articulatio genus space is never painfully tight." They as well find that "narrow rear doorways hamper entry and exit." MyRide.com considers the seatback "too upright and the bottom absorber…too short."
Maybe saving the Touareg is "a richly-appointed cabin of leather, forest and chrome trim," according to Kelley Bluish Volume. Reviewers too appreciate the Volkswagen'south attention to sound attenuation, and indeed, ConsumerGuide finds that "wind rush is low for an SUV" and the "Touareg 2 matches any luxury SUV for quality of interior materials," while still noting that some of their examples "suffered from an array of interior rattles." MyRide.com comments that the leather-covered wheel "feels expert in the hands; so does the similarly wrapped shift handle." They too discover that "finding a comfortable place to rest our elbows was easy."
In base trim, at around $40,000, the Touareg competes with luxury SUVs such as the Acura MDX, the Lexus RX 350, the BMW X5, the Mercedes-Benz ML500, and the Land Rover LR3. But more often than not, those vehicles offer lower curb weights and, therefore, better acceleration and fuel mileage--not to mention bachelor 3rd-row seating in some of the above. Moving up the range, a V-8 starts at well-nigh $50,000. And "at its about expensive," claims Kelley Bluish Book, "a fully-optioned Touareg two V10 Turbo diesel tin can arroyo $77,000." Says MyRide.com of this range-topping model, "we have to wonder if it's worth it to shell out nearly $70,000 on a Volkswagen - even i with a pavement ripping 533 lb.-ft. of torque - when an Audi and Porsche price merely as much."
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The 2008 Volkswagen Touareg has excellent crash-exam scores and abundant safety features.
The 2008 Volkswagen Touareg'due south stout platform is enhanced with new loftier-tech agile prophylactic features, making it less likely to need its passive ones.
In the National Highway Traffic Safe Assistants'south (NHTSA) front and side affect crash testing, the 2008 Touareg earned v stars all the way effectually. It earned 4 stars in the rollover resistance category, peradventure explaining Volkswagen'due south decision to include the aforementioned Active Rollover Protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safe has non yet tested the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg.
The well-nigh prolific prophylactic news for the Touareg's 2008 model year is in the realm of braking. In improver to the Hydraulic Braking Assistant, which, as MyRide.com explains, "charges the braking organisation fully if the throttle is suddenly disengaged," there is the new ABSPlus, which is designed specifically to shorten off-route stopping distances. On loosely packed surfaces such as clay and snow, ABSPlus helps to reduce stopping distances by up to twenty per centum "past intentionally locking up to push button debris in front of the wheels," reports Cars.com.
Popular Mechanics brings give-and-take of a new rollover protection system, Active Rollover Protection, that "activates the side and side-pall airbags to reduce the possibility of injury" if sensors detect that the Touareg is about to go abdomen upwardly. They also mention a new tire pressure monitoring system that "delivers real-time air-pressure readings to the driver more than rapidly and accurately."
Other new safety features for the 2008 Touareg include Understeer Control Logic, which, every bit MyRide.com explains, "improves the vehicle's dynamics if it understeers in a corner." They also mention the ESP dry braking function, which "engages the brake linings with the disc at repeated intervals" during wet weather to go on the pads and disc surfaces dry and ready for constructive braking at a moment's notice.
The 2008 Volkswagen Touareg starts out with adept features, but more expensive models lack some stuff that'southward standard on the competition—and Bluetooth isn't offered at all.
At $40,000, a 3.6-liter VR6 2008 Volkswagen Touareg is an impressively equipped and capable vehicle. But equally you move up the model spectrum or add many options, its competitors brand more sense.
For your $40,000 entry fee, the VR6 model "includes a long list of features designed to enhance its on and off-route abilities," then states Kelley Blue Book. Front end, forepart-side, and side-drapery airbags, and anti-lock brakes round out what you lot would expect, while Colina Descent Assist, 4XMotion iv-wheel drive, and tire-pressure level monitoring are items you might non. A standard tow rating, with all three engines, of 7,716 pounds speaks to the Touareg'southward heft and do-anything abilities. Standard creature comforts include dual-zone climate command, automatic headlights, heated seats, a sunroof, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Step up to the V8 FSI trim, and you lot get an available "adjustable air suspension, xenon headlights, existent forest trim, leather upholstery and driver memory role," co-ordinate to Edmunds. The air intermission, which Popular Mechanics finds "infinitely tunable to all conditions off-route," is standard on the V-ten TDI.
A Dynaudio 10-speaker, 640-watt stereo is optional across the board, as is a DVD-based navigation system, a reality that troubles MyRide.com, who complaining when speaking about the $69,000 V-10 TDI, "you lot all the same have to pay extra for the navigation system, heated rear seats, upgraded audio and keyless entry and get-go. Conspicuously, value isn't the Touareg's strong arrange." Also, Bluetooth functionality is not to be had in whatever of the models. A locking rear differential and a tow hitch are available.
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