As more efficient cars take center stage these days, consumer demand for large, gas-guzzling SUVs has waned. But it hasn't disappeared; larger families still need these big people movers to get through the daily grind. For those looking for a combination of fuel-pump frugality and big hauling capacity, the diesel-powered Volkswagen Touareg TDI is an attractive choice. While it is a bit small inside, the Touareg has lots of upscale amenities and is quite fuel efficient.
Maintaining the same basic 5-door midsize SUV shape from the updated 2008 Touareg 2, the 2009 Touareg V6 TDI slots into the lineup directly parallel to its gasoline-powered V6 counterpart. Being a luxury SUV, standard equipment is plentiful and includes features like leather seats, a 10-speaker sound system with multifunctional display, a power rear liftgate, a power driver's seat and a power sunroof.
If the standard amenities won't suffice, Volkswagen offers three option packages: the Lux package includes several of the V8 FSI's standard features, such as cricket leather seating, bi-xenon headlights, walnut wood trim and dual power front seats; the Technology package adds navigation, an upgraded sound system and a rearview camera; the Technology Plus package adds keyless entry/ignition and the top-line Dynaudio 640-watt sound system.
For those who intend to explore the Touareg's notable off-road credentials, or just fantasize about doing so, there is still the optional 4-corner air suspension package (until 2010), which can adjust ride height to a maximum of 11.8 inches.
The new-generation V6 TDI ushers in an era of practicality, replacing the not so economically viable 4.9-liter V10 diesel unit. The turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 Clean Diesel offers up a modest 221 horsepower but a whopping 407 lb-ft of torque. By comparison, the workhorse Ford F-150 produces 390 lb-ft of torque from its largest V8. The standard 6-speed automatic transmission and 4X Motion 4-wheel-drive system with adaptive torque distribution ensure that every last bit of power will make it to the ground, regardless of the terrain.
The Touareg TDI gets an EPA rated 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway, allowing a highway range of more than 600 miles with the 26.4-gallon fuel tank. Actual testing suggests these numbers may be conservative for the highly efficient clean-diesel engine.
"Clean diesel" isn't just a marketing slogan. The new Touareg TDI qualifies as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) — a title to which very few SUVs can lay claim (a ULEV is 50 percent cleaner than the average new model year vehicle). Like many modern diesel systems, Volkswagen's TDI technology uses a fluid called AdBlue, a synthetically produced aqueous solution of urea that is continuously sprayed into a special catalytic converter to dramatically reduce the vehicle's emissions. A 4.5-gallon AdBlue tank is neatly tucked under the spare tire, and is refilled by the dealer about every 10,000 miles.
Finally, to reduce noise and vibration generally associated with old diesels, Volkswagen has added selective ribbing on the engine block. While a tinge louder than its gasoline counterpart, most people won't hear the difference.
Volkswagen has taken a cue from its sister brand, Audi, placing high quality and superbly fitted materials neatly in the Touareg. The interior is visually pleasing and lush, with clean lines; it really seems to get better every year. The new navigation system, found in the Technology package, is vastly improved and easier to use thanks to things like defeatable pop-up menus. There are a few too many steering-wheel-mounted buttons, however; they're hard to discern without taking your eyes off the road.
The standard 12-way power driver's seat is supple and comfortable, though it lacks lateral support. But this isn't a sports car, and the brown cricket leather upgrade on our Lux-equipped version is almost sweet enough to forgive the weak bolsters.
While the fit, finish and appointments are exceptional, the same can't be said for interior space. Cargo volume is a disappointing 31 and 71 cubic feet with the 3-way split-folding seats up or down, respectively. While this is enough for most daily needs, it's less than what's found in even far smaller SUVs. Additionally, the Touareg lacks third-row seating offered by some competitors, putting the kibosh on transporting the entire kiddie soccer team.
On the Road
Simply put, the TDI 3.0 V6 will surprise most. Around town, things are silky smooth, yet thrust is immediate at any speed, thanks to the monstrous torque and well-matched transmission. Shifts in gear go by almost unnoticed, creating a seamless stream of thrust. According Volkswagen, our TDI tester can reach 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. All that power also translates into a 7,700-pound towing capacity.
On the other side of the coin, the Touareg's considerable heft can be felt under braking, where more pedal effort than expected is necessary. Perhaps this is a mental folly, since we usually assume easy acceleration in a vehicle also means easy braking. Similarly, the weight and comfort-oriented suspension translate into above-average body motion in the twisties, accentuated by the less-than-supportive seats. If the suspension were any stiffer, however, it would be a Porsche Cayenne — and Volkswagen wants none of that. These are minor shortcomings to an otherwise poised and refined driving experience.
With a starting price of $42,800, and with fully loaded examples approaching a lofty $60,000, the Touareg TDI is priced higher than several similarly equipped competitors, like the Acura MDX. Though $3,500 more than the standard V6, the TDI's many benefits make it a relative bargain. The value of the Touareg TDI rises with the government-backed Advanced Lean Burn tax credit of $1,150. Whether you want to go green or simply appreciate a top-notch premium SUV that performs with the best of them, the Touareg TDI demands consideration.
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