The Top 5 Volkswagen Touareg Models In History

The Volkswagen Touareg is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV that was initially developed with the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7. The model debuted in 2002 and has since occupied one of the top spots for reliability in its class.

The Volkswagen Touareg was produced for three generations, with some redesigns deserving their spotlight. Check out five of these models, and find out if your favorite made it to the list.

2002 Volkswagen Touareg: Trendsetter

Introducing a vehicle model for the very first time can be tricky. Luckily for Volkswagen, the debut of the Touareg in 2002 was a step in the right direction.

The Touareg was already an elegant tech carrier from the get-go. Its very first model carried a 4XMotion four-wheel drive system, as well as an automatic progressively locking center differential.

The 2002 Touareg closely resembled the Passat with its station wagon-like fascia, chrome trims, broad windows, and rounded body panels.

When it came to off-roading capabilities, the 2002 Touareg was definitely a force to be reckoned with, housing an active air suspension feature, optional locking rear differential, and an extra ground clearance of nearly 12 inches.

The 2002 Touareg and other models years belonging to the same generation also had a variety of engine options, including the following:

• 3.2L V6
• 4.2L V8
• 6.0L W12
• 4.2L V8
• 6.0L W12

2002 Volkswagen Touareg Specs:

• Base engine size: 3.2L V6
• Horsepower: 220 hp
• Torque: 224 lb-ft.
• Combined MPG: 17.42 mpg
• 0-60: 9.4s

2009 Volkswagen Touareg Lux Limited: Luxury at Its Finest

Featured in the 2009 North American International Auto Show, the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg Lux Limited came as a much-improved version of the Touareg in terms of luxury features.

Only 1,940 Lux Limited models were made, which made the vehicle even more valuable. Two additional gasoline engines were offered on top of the pre-existing V6 TDI, including a V6 FSI and V8 FSI.

From the outside, the limited-edition Touareg can be viewed as one of the classiest and most luxurious mid-size crossovers out there with its 20-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires as well as a special styling package.

The Lux Limited came in four colors: Biscay Blue, Black Magic Pearl Effect, Campanella White, and Galapagos Gray.

Drivers can choose between two versions for the interior. The first version is a cricket leather color combination of Latte Macchiato and St. Tropez White, while the second is a cricket leather color combination of Anthracite and St. Tropez White.

Regardless of the style, the Lux Limited includes other high-tech features, such as dual power front seats, touchscreen navigation with Bluetooth audio, and adaptive headlamps.

2009 Volkswagen Touareg Lux Limited Specs:

• Base engine size: 3.6L V6
• Horsepower: 280 hp
• Torque: 265 lb-ft.
• Combined MPG: 15 mpg
• 0-60: 7.9s

2010 Volkswagen Touareg: A Fitting Send-Off

The 2010 Touareg was the last model in the first-generation series, and it’s safe to say that it did not disappoint. For many critics, the 2010 model year was the best one yet, as it was the most refined Touareg in its class.

Launched at the Geneva Motor Show, the 2010 Touareg featured a new grille and bi-xenon headlights as well as aerodynamic bumpers that elevated its sporty look.

One of the most notable changes in the 2010 Touareg is the improved length and width dimensions, which brought the wheelbase to a total of 114 inches.

The 2010 Touareg was available in a 4.2L V8 and 3.6L V6, both offering promising fuel economy ratings.

The Touareg remained a five-seater after adding a few inches to its overall dimensions for the 2010 redesign. While this might be the case, interior specs certainly made up for everything else, including an infotainment system with iPod connectivity and a standard instrument cluster.

2010 Volkswagen Touareg Specs:

• Base engine size: 3.6L V6
• Horsepower: 280 hp
• Torque: 266 lb-ft.
• Combined MPG: 16 mpg
• 0-60: 7.9s

2011 Volkswagen Race Touareg 3 Qatar: Upping the Ante

The 2011 Volkswagen Race Touareg 3 Qatar is a concept car introduced as a street-legal version of the race-ready Touareg that competed in the Dakar Rally in 2011.

The Race Touareg 3 Qatar was inspired by Volkswagen’s diesel-powered race buggy. To make it street-legal in Qatar, the automaker had to make a few adjustments, which included switching out stock lights with a legal version.

While the Race Touareg 3 Qatar doesn’t look like it’s built for the tracks from the outside, the interior is much more promising.

Recaro seats trimmed in Nappa leather and a Serpentino Grey metallic roll cage scream “racer” for the Race Touareg 3. Under the hood is a monster of an engine, a 2.5L twin-turbo I4 that can churn out 305 horsepower.

With the Race Touareg 3 debuting in Qatar, it’s only fitting for the automaker to throw in another one-of-a-kind model that matches the country’s lifestyle.

The automaker decked out a 24K version of the regular Touareg to go with the Race Touareg 3. The model’s gold edition had 24K linings on the wheels, roof rails, window trims, side cladding, badges, and trunk sill.

The cabin also had 24K accents on the switches, shift lever, door handles, instrument cluster rings, HVAC vent trims, and steering wheel.

2011 Volkswagen Race Touareg 3 Qatar Specs:

• Base engine size: 2.5L twin-turbo TDI
• Horsepower: 296 hp
• Torque: 442 lb-ft.
• 0-60: 6.1s

2018 Volkswagen Touareg: It Only Gets Better from Here

One of the many reasons the Touareg lasted as it did is because of the automaker’s attention to detail, which carried on until the model’s third generation.

The 2018 redesign is the first model for the third generation. It debuted a steel and aluminum body that previous Touaregs didn’t have.

The 2018 Touareg also had a lengthened wheelbase that spanned a total of 2.9 meters and a lowered vehicle height by up to seven millimeters compared to previous models.

Optimized electromechanical active roll stabilization system, enhanced connectivity and assistance systems, and an overall dynamic character headlined the 2018 Touareg’s debut.

2018 Volkswagen Touareg Specs:

• Base engine size: 3.0L V6
• Horsepower: 227 hp
• Torque: 369 lb-ft.
• Combined MPG: 31-42 mpg
• 0-60: 7.4s