Used 2016 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Lux SUV Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Lux SUV.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Best Kept Secret in the SUV Universe -
George, Great Falls, MT, 06/10/2017
2016 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Lux 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 8A)
Driving the amazing VW Touareg TDI is like no other driving experience I've ever had. Prior to the Touareg, I drove Audi A6 bi-turbo and A4 for nearly 11 years. Eventually, I decided that I wanted something that would allow me to enjoy the sporty ride of the Audi's, but give me capable off-roadability. Well, I found this in spades with the VW Touareg. (Confession: I was so absorbed in … the Audi universe, the Touareg was completely off my radar.) When I decided to acquire an off-road capable SUV, I looked at all the usual suspects, but after driving Audi sport sedans for so long, nothing in the SUV market really grabbed me. I did test drive the gorgeous Audi Q5, but found it too cramped inside. I test drove the Q7 and although it was plenty spacious and a beautiful vehicle, it was just much more vehicle than I needed and didn't smack of the off-road prowess I was seeking. At one point in my search for my next ride, I saw an Ad for a VW Touareg TDI turbo diesel. Hmmmmm . . . I thought to myself - wondering what this is about? So off to the VW dealer for a test drive. My first impression was extremely positive as I checked out the exterior lines and the interior accoutrements. So, pulling out of the dealer's lot and onto the highway, I'm pushed back into my very comfy seat as the turbo diesel with it 407 lb. feet of torque accelerates like my Audi A6 and instantly, I can sense a creation of huge smile sneaking-up on my face combined with thoughts of 'WTF', this thing is amazing! The ride was incredibly quiet, smooth and planted. The torky TDI provides instant power delivery to the wheels with absolutely no hesitation or lag. The test drive route the sales person guided me through consisted of stop-and-go traffic, open highway and a section of twisty county road. All I could think about is how slot-car like planted, precise and fun to drive the Touareg was. Serious Wow factor to be found here (Akin to a huge Audi A6). Later that day, I went on YouTube and reviewed the numerous videos of the Touareg performing off-road and I was sold! I now have 62,000 miles on my Touareg TDI Lux trim and I plan on driving it until the wheels fall off. It's just that good! As for problems, I've replace 2 light bulbs and had a problem that had nothing to do with the vehicle, but everything to do with the outdated urea the dealer sold me. But problem was fixed and that has been the extent of the issues.
my third one!
jeff, Orleans, MA, 08/21/2018
2016 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Lux 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 8A)
I am a big fan of the TDI Touaregs. Just traded my 2014 with 85k and zero problems for a 2016 with 4k miles on it - This is my third TDI and I have put over 80k on each of the others with zero problems. Sad to see them leave the marketplace. I can easily get 30mpg on the highway and tow my 21' Boston Whaler with ease (22 mpg). I love the new safety features on the 2016 - plus AC … seats! -
update - I now have 17000 miles on the Touareg - I love the TDI, great torque, effortless cruising. The only thing I have done is change the tires to Vredestein Quatrac 5's. The stock tires were too noisy for me.
Amazing Diesel SUV
Eatl, Denver, CO, 04/16/2020
2016 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Lux 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 8A)
This SUV is simply the most-underrated luxury SUV ever made. Powerful engine, smooth ride, will pull down your house, and comfortable luxurious interior. What I love most about it is that you never see any others on the road unlike BMW, Mercedes, and Audi which are at ever traffic light in Atlanta.
Touareg- Better than my Mercedes Benz ML350
Lyle Schwartz, Diamond Bar, CA, 01/31/2018
2016 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Lux 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 8A)
Love the car. Would buy again despite some shortcomings like Nav and entertainment. The 3,0L diesel very quick and surprisingly quiet. 8 speed transmission perfect match for engine. However, the Nav system is borderline rubbish (VW Nav has always been crummy- have 2 other VW's 2014 Tiguan and 2015 Golf with same Nav issues). So I use Waze instead. The sound system is definitely … rubbish... shouldn't be hard to get a good sound system on ANY car these days. Doesn't matter if playing CD or Bluetooth input from your iPhone- same result... blah! Handles great, and safety systems very good (radar based cruise control, lane change assist, etc.). I've recently sold my MBZ ML350. I like this better than that (except for the NAV and Entertainment). But all else better.
Aug 2020- have owned since Dec 2017. Still love the Touareg. Have taken many lengthy trips (500-1100 miles). Only thing I hoped for was better fuel mileage. It does seem to go through more Def-Blue additive than I planned. We monitor engine wear by using outside oil monitoring company (to monitor crankcase oil dilution possibility to minimum during warranty period- highly recommended).
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Lux SUV
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Powerful and fuel-efficient engines
- Pro:confident handling
- Pro:high towing capacity
- Pro:classy interior
- Pro:respectable off-road capability.
- Con:Luxury price, non-luxury badge
- Con:no standard USB port or third-row seat available.
Full Edmunds Review: 2016 Volkswagen Touareg SUV
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2016 Volkswagen Touareg in Nevada is:
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