2011 Volkswagen Touareg - Review

The all-new-for 2011 Volkswagen Touareg is no longer as rugged-looking or off-road capable as the previous version, since it’s been redesigned with a focus on creating a better family SUV. Available in V-6, TDI and Hybrid variants, the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg occupies a niche above mainstream crossovers but below luxury SUVs.

Volkswagen managed to shave an impressive 450 pounds off the Touareg without shrinking it much in size. That makes even the base V-6 model some 20 percent more fuel efficient than the outgoing version, and the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid can achieve an impressive 20 mpg in city driving. It scores well in crash  testing, too, and we like the combination of style, available models and occupant safety enough to give the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg a rating of 7 of FamilyCarGuide.

The NHTSA has not yet tested the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg under its revised and more stringent crash test procedures, but the IIHS has named the 2011 Touareg as a “Top Safety Pick”. In IIHS testing, the 2011 Touareg scored “good” in all IIHS tests, including frontal, side impact and roof strength tests, and it comes with electronic stability control as a standard feature across the model range. All 2011 Touareg models also come with nine airbags, anti-lock brakes, active front head restraints, traction control and an impressive number of optional safety features. Touareg models can be equipped with an Area View display to monitor all four sides of the vehicle, lane departure warning and assist, blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control and self-dimming HID headlights,

On the outside, the family resemblance between the 2011 Touareg models and Volkswagen’s range of sedans is clear, especially in the grille and front-end styling. The Touareg is more car-like in appearance, and it’s shorter and lightly wider than the model it replaces. A longer wheelbase gives more interior space, and the Touareg retains a high, upright seating position to aid outward visibility. Overall, the new interior is both nicer and roomier than the one in the previous model, which could be tight for some adult occupants. The rear seat now adjusts fore and aft to provide additional leg room, and three adults can sit in relative comfort, at least on short trips. Cargo space is decent, and the rear seat folds to create a flat cargo floor for added room.

Buyers have three engine options for 2011, starting with the 3.6-liter V-6, good for 280 horsepower. If the idea of a clean diesel appeals to you, Volkswagen offers the 2011 Touareg in a 3.0-liter, turbodiesel V-6 that makes 225 horsepower. Hybrid buyers can even get a Touareg with a supercharged, 3.0-liter V-6 and a supplemental electric motor; the combination produces the most powerful Touareg, and is good for a combined 380 horsepower. All models come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive for superior all-weather traction.

The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg can approach luxury SUV pricing when generously equipped with option packages, but even lower models come reasonably well-equipped. Leather seating is standard on all models except for the base Sport version,  as is a panoramic sunroof and memory seating. Opt for the Executive or Hybrid models, and you’ll get a premium audio system, a heated steering wheel, keyless entry, a rear-obstacle detection system and heated rear seats.

For complete details on features and specification of all 2011 Volkswagen Touareg models, see the full review on TheCarConnection.