Volkswagen Touareg

Name: 2008 Volkswagen Touareg
Brand: Volkswagen

EPA MPG: 16 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 16 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

When we first tested a Touareg in 2003, we were impressed by its offroad ability, but its weight took a toll on performance and fuel economy. This freshening helped with power, but fuel economy still needed attention. However, the Touareg remained a capable off-roader with a comfortable and quiet cabin, as well as excellent fit and finish. However, the vehicle is somewhat heavy and lumbering. The smaller and more accommodating VW Tiguan actually outscored it in our testing.

2008 SUVs Reliability

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Volkswagen Touareg

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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2008 Midsized SUVs Ratings

2008 Volkswagen Touareg

$4,550 - $7,925

EPA MPG 16 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

$3,550 - $8,700

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Ford Edge

$3,425 - $4,550

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 GMC Envoy

$4,250 - $5,850

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

$4,100 - $9,975

EPA MPG 16 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Kia Sorento

$2,950 - $4,300

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mazda CX-7

$3,700 - $4,050

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

$3,675 - $4,525

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor

$3,100 - $3,475

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Saab 9-7X

$4,400 - $5,275

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Saturn Outlook

$3,800 - $4,675

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Subaru Outback

$4,325 - $4,775

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Midsized SUVs Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD

3.6-liter V6 (280 hp)
4.2-liter V8 (350 hp)
5-liter V10 turbodiesel (310 hp)

6-speed automatic

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2011-2017

2011 Redesign Year

The Touareg's 2011 redesign made it much better, an agile, solid, well-finished SUV with comfortable seats and a plush interior. The V6 turbodiesel, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, pulls strongly and is relatively refined. Some low-speed transmission shifts could be smoother. The low-speed ride is overly firm. Access is easy and towing capacity is generous. The V8 engine has been dropped in favor of a hybrid model, and the base 3.6-liter engine is carried over. The redesigned SUV weighs less than the original Touareg but has lost its low-range, off-road gearing. Changes for 2016 included vented seats for the V6 Lux versions, a power-adjustable steering column, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist for the V6 Executive model. The Hybrid and TDI versions were discontinued. The Touareg was dropped after the 2017 model year.

2004-2010

2004 Redesign Year

The Touareg is a luxury SUV co-developed with the Porsche Cayenne. Unlike most car-derived SUVs the first-generation Touareg was an impressive off-roader. On regular roads the ride is compliant, though a bit jiggly at low speeds. The interior is very quiet. Handling is responsive, with sharp steering. The cargo area is slightly smaller than the Passat wagon's and many controls are overly complicated. The 3.2-liter V6 gulps premium fuel and struggles to move the Touareg's 5,200-pounds, so acceleration feels lethargic. For 2005, the V6 gained 20 more horsepower, and a 3.6-liter unit replaced it in 2007.