So, I’ve bought another Volkswagen. I’ll be honest, this wasn’t the vehicle I set out to purchase. I wanted to get into something a little more fun off the pavement and scratch the itch that I’ve been having. My vision was for a Bronco or a Jeep. As I live is a city suburb, there aren’t that many places nearby to exercise the off road capabilities of those vehicles. And I’m not into the whole duck thing… We needed something to replace my aging and problematic Ford Escape that had reached the end of it’s life and was becoming unsafe to drive.

This vehicle is by far one of the most comfortable vehicles that I’ve owned and driven. The Seats and arm rests are very soft, the steering wheel is adjustable for just the right driving position and it doesn’t seem to tire you out on longer trips. I purchased the Touareg in early March 2025 and as of Late July, I’ve put over 8,000 miles on it so far. It has been my main commuter as it will continue to do so, and we are planning a large 3,500 plus mile road trip this fall.

I opted for the 3.0L TDI  as I have diesel fuel in my blood so to speak. I have owned the smaller 2.0L TDI Jetta in the past and I absolutely loved it and I regret getting rid of it during the TDI buybacks. VW offered me more than I paid for the car in the first place so it seemed silly not to take the check at the time. It was put towards my 17 GLI that I still own and do love as well. Afterall, I’ve done more than 130,000 miles in it taking it all over the eastern United States.  

Exterior Design

At first glance, the Touareg exudes a quiet confidence. Volkswagen’s signature clean lines and tasteful chrome accents give it a mature, timeless appeal. The slightly sloping roofline and sculpted body panels provide a dynamic stance without resorting to aggressive flourishes. The front fascia features the brand’s familiar grille, flanked by sleek headlamps with available bi-xenon lighting and LED running lamps. Standard 18-inch alloy wheels fill out the wheel arches, while higher trims upgrade to imposing 20-inch options. Roof rails and a power tailgate round out its practical yet polished appearance.

Interior Comfort and Features

Stepping inside the Touareg, one is immediately struck by the attention to detail and the sense of solidity that pervades the cabin. High-quality materials, soft-touch plastics, real , and  leather upholstery are used throughout, giving the interior a luxurious yet welcoming feel. The dashboard is ergonomically laid out, with intuitive controls and a large, centrally-mounted touchscreen infotainment system. While I will admit, it has aged a bit and while carplay would definitely be a bonus, it is still fully functional and easy to use unlike some other automakers.

Seating is generous for five adults, with ample head- and legroom both front and rear. The supportive front seats, available with heating and ventilation, make long journeys a pleasure, while multiple power adjustments ensure every driver can find their ideal position. The rear seats split and fold, expanding the already impressive cargo space for those trips to the hardware store or ski slopes. Road and wind noise are kept admirably at bay, thanks to Volkswagen’s meticulous insulation and solid construction.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

Under the hood, the 2012 Touareg offers a trio of impressive powertrains:

• A 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine producing 280 horsepower
• A 3.0-liter V6 TDI turbodiesel with 225 horsepower and a remarkable 406 lb-ft of torque
• A hybrid option combining a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with an electric motor for a combined output of 380 horsepower

All models come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission which is one of the smoothest transmissions on the market that over shadows the ones that VW is using today and Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, ensuring confident traction in any weather.

On the road, the Touareg distinguishes itself with a composed, refined ride. The suspension strikes an ideal balance between comfort and control, soaking up bumps without feeling floaty. Steering is precise and nicely weighted, making the SUV feel smaller and more agile than its size suggests. The TDI diesel, in particular, is a standout, providing effortless acceleration and impressive real-world fuel efficiency—often exceeding 25 mpg on the highway. The V6 and hybrid offer robust performance as well, with the hybrid delivering a surprising surge of power and seamless transitions between gas and electric propulsion.

Off the beaten path, the Touareg proves itself with notable ground clearance and advanced traction aids. While it may lack the locking differentials and low-range gearbox of some hardcore off-roaders, it remains eminently capable for light to moderate adventures, such as snowy mountain passes or muddy trails.

Technology and Safety

The 2012 Touareg is well-appointed with technology, even by modern standards. Standard features include Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-speaker audio system, and a touchscreen interface. Upper trims add navigation, a panoramic sunroof, a premium Dynaudio sound system, and a hands-free power liftgate.

Safety is a priority as well. The Touareg comes equipped with a suite of airbags, stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, and tire pressure monitoring. Available driver assists, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a rearview camera, enhance peace of mind. In crash testing, the vehicle scored well, reflecting its robust engineering and thoughtful design.

Practicality and Everyday Use

For daily life, the Touareg excels as a family vehicle or commuter. The driving position offers excellent visibility, and the controls are user-friendly. The cargo area is generous, with a low load floor and a wide opening. Rear seat occupants enjoy comfort and amenities such as air vents and optional seat heaters. Towing capacity is a strong suit, with properly equipped Touaregs able to tow up to 7,700 pounds—making it ideal for boaters or those with trailers.

Fuel economy is competitive for the segment, especially with the TDI diesel engine, which consistently achieves mid-20s mpg in mixed driving. The hybrid delivers lower emissions and added efficiency in city driving, though at a higher initial cost.

Reliability and Ownership Costs

Volkswagen’s reputation for engineering excellence is evident in the Touareg, but prospective owners should be mindful of higher-than-average maintenance and repair costs associated with European luxury SUVs. Scheduled service is essential, especially for the diesel and hybrid variants, which have more complex systems. Parts and labor can be pricier than mainstream alternatives, but many owners find the driving experience and amenities to be worth the investment.

Resale value is fair, though not as strong as some Japanese competitors. I was able to pick mine up rather cheap compared to others as it had a few issues that the dealer didn’t want to tackle. A few of them have been remedied already and a couple of them ( meaning the DPF and emissions system) I’m hoping I can skate by with for a while with no attention.

Competitors

Within the midsize luxury SUV class, the Touareg faces formidable rivals such as the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Lexus RX, and Acura MDX. While others may offer more brand cachet or a wider range of powertrain options, the Touareg carves a unique niche. It is less ostentatious, focusing instead on substance, quality, and all-round competence.

The Touareg is built on the same chassis and uses a lot of the same parts as the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne. While there is a noticeable difference in the touchy feely quality, underneath all the flashy bits, it’s the same animal.

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Touareg is an underrated gem in the luxury SUV market. It delivers a premium driving experience, with impressive performance, a refined interior, and genuine versatility. Its understated design and robust engineering make it a compelling choice for those who value quality and practicality over flashiness. While ownership costs may deter some, the overall package is immensely rewarding for drivers who seek a European SUV that does it all with quiet confidence. Whether navigating urban avenues, embarking on cross-country adventures, or tackling winter weather, the Touareg handles it all with poise and style.

The successor is the new Volkswagen Atlas. I have yet to drive one, but it seems very similar in build quality as our Tiguan. I hate to say it, but since Dieselgate, It seems like VW was forced to lower their build quality and make their vehicles cheaper and less…. German. I hope that one day the VW brand gets back to their roots and brings back a car that the people once loved.