| Model year | 2009 |
| Make | Volkswagen |
| Model | Touareg 2 |
| Style | V6 TDI 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A) |
| Base MSRP | $42,800 |
| Options on test vehicle | Technology Package ($3,350 -- includes navigation system with 30GB hard drive, multifunction color display and rearview camera with park distance control); Technology Plus Package ($2,000 -- includes keyless entry/ignition and 10-speaker Dynaudio sound system); Trailer Hitch ($500) |
| As-tested MSRP | $49,400 |
| Drive type | All-wheel drive |
| Engine type | V6 |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 2,967cc (181 cu-in) |
| Block/head material | Iron/aluminum |
| Valvetrain | Double overhead camshaft |
| Compression ratio (x:1) | 16.8 |
| Redline (rpm) | 4,400 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 221 @ 3,750 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 407 @ 1,750 |
| Transmission type | 6-speed automatic |
| Transmission and axle ratios (x:1) | I=4.15; II=2.37; III=1.56; IV=1.16; V=0.86; VI=0.69; Final Drive=4.56; Transfer Case (High)=1.00; Transfer Case (Low)=2.66. |
| Suspension, front | Double wishbone |
| Suspension, rear | Multilink |
| Steering type | Power steering |
| Steering ratio (x:1) | 14.7 |
| Tire brand | Goodyear |
| Tire model | Eagle LS 2 |
| Tire type | All-season |
| Tire size, front | 255/60R17 H |
| Tire size, rear | 255/60R17 H |
| Wheel size | 17-by-7.5 inches front and rear |
| Wheel material | Alloy |
| Brakes, front | Ventilated disc |
| Brakes, rear | Ventilated disc |
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 5.0 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 8.1 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 12.5 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 16.0 @ 83.4 |
| 0-60 with 1 foot of rollout (sec.) | 7.9 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 33 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 131 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 61.3 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | 0.80 |
| Sound level @ idle (dB) | N/A |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | N/A |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | N/A |
| Acceleration comments | Surprisingly, this VW doesn't mind pedal overlap, and it responds very well to brake torque. Best run was in manual gate where it auto-upshifted at redline. Shifts are exceptionally smooth, but rather slow. Much quieter than I imagined it would be; faster, too. |
| Braking rating | Average |
| Braking comments | Inconsistent distances. I believe that was due to all-season tires hunting for traction, especially from 60 mph to 40 mph. From 40-0 it feels planted and powerful. Some bobbing/diving though. |
| Handling rating | Very good |
| Handling comments | Skid pad: Stability control isn't really off. When "off," the stability control chops the throttle (doesn't use brakes). Light, numb steering, but it holds a line very well. Slalom: Some steering delay-gain but more responsive than I had predicted. Steering is light but precise and body motions keep up in the transitions. Overall, quite athletic for a big SUV. Stability control doesn't help; it just throws the anchor after second transition. |
| Elevation (ft.) | 1,121 |
| Temperature (°F) | 79.06 |
| Wind (mph, direction) | 2.2 H-C |
| EPA fuel economy (mpg) | 17 city/25 highway |
| Edmunds observed (mpg) | 20.4 |
| Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) | 26.4 |
| Curb weight, as tested (lbs.) | 5,361 |
| Weight distribution, as tested, f/r (%) | 53.2/46.8 |
| Length (in.) | 187.2 |
| Width (in.) | 75.9 |
| Height (in.) | 68.0 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 112.4 |
| Track, front (in.) | 65.2 |
| Track, rear (in.) | 65.7 |
| Turning circle (ft.) | 38.1 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 41.3 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 35.6 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 38.7 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 38.3 |
| Shoulder room, front (in.) | 57.7 |
| Shoulder room, rear (in.) | 57.4 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 31.0 |
| Max. cargo volume, seats folded (cu-ft) | 71.0 |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 12 years/Unlimited miles |
| Roadside assistance | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Standard dual front |
| Head airbags | Standard front and rear |
| Knee airbags | Not available |
| Antilock brakes | 4-wheel ABS |
| Electronic brake enhancements | Braking assist, electronic brakeforce distribution |
| Traction control | Standard |
| Stability control | Standard |
| Rollover protection | Standard |
| Tire-pressure monitoring system | Tire-pressure monitoring |
| Emergency assistance system | Not available |
| NHTSA crash test, driver | 5 stars |
| NHTSA crash test, passenger | 5 stars |
| NHTSA crash test, side front | 5 stars |
| NHTSA crash test, side rear | 5 stars |
| NHTSA rollover resistance | 4 stars |
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