► Touareg now beginning to look like an old-stager
► Tech and chassis tweaked in 2023
► V6 diesel, petrol or hybrid
Nestled in the tidal wave of all-electric SUVs and ever longer-range plug-in hybrids, the Volkswagen Touareg now feels like one of the establishment old guard. The facelift it received in 2023 breathed some new life into the package, but even with fresh lights, tech and suspension tweaks, it’s struggling to match the very best in the luxury SUV class.
That doesn’t mean it isn’t without appeal – far from it. Strong UK sales clearly mark this out as a popular choice, especially as many buyers in this market sector aren’t exactly enamoured with EVs or PHEVs.
Should you buy a Volkswagen Touareg? If you want discreet luxury, comfort and plenty of space without making a statement, the Touareg remains a solid but unexciting choice.
Here’s how we test cars, and why you should trust us.
At a glance
Pros: Superb space and comfort, solid tech updates, still tows 3500kg
Cons: Average EV range on PHEV, interior lacks sparkle versus rivals, high price for what it is
What’s new?
Volkswagen gave the Touareg a mid-life facelift in 2023 to help keep it relevant against newer rivals. It was hardly a dramatic overhaul, but it introduced fresh front and rear designs, new matrix LED headlights, and some subtle tweaks to the suspension systems aimed at improving ride comfort and handling precision.
Inside, the biggest upgrade was rolling out the large 15.0-inch central touchscreen and 12.0-inch digital driver’s display as standard across the range, previously reserved for higher trims. USB-C ports replaced the older USB-A sockets for faster charging, the navigation became more precise, and driving assistance systems were refined with a new roof load sensor that feeds information to the stability systems. Remote parking via an app was also added.
What are the specs?
Powertrains remain the same as before the facelift. The diesel line-up includes a 3.0-litre V6 TDI producing either 228bhp or 282bhp, while petrol fans can opt for a 335bhp 3.0-litre V6 TSI. Above those sit two plug-in hybrids. The standard eHybrid uses the petrol V6 for a combined output of 375bhp, while the flagship R model delivers 456bhp.
The plug-in hybrids share the same battery, which in 2025 still only offers an electric-only range of up to 31 miles and official CO2 emissions above 50g/km. That puts the Touareg’s PHEV system behind rivals like the BMW X5 xDrive50e and Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid, both offering significantly longer electric ranges and lower Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax bills for company drivers.
The Touareg remains practical, with all models capable of towing a 3500kg braked trailer, including the PHEVs. Standard wheel sizes range from 20 to 22 inches, and the base Elegance trim is the only version with steel springs, while Black Edition and R models come with air suspension and adaptive damping.
How does it drive?
Competently and certainly with a bias towards ride comfort. The automatic gearbox can hesitate slightly if you demand full throttle but otherwise shifts smoothly. The top V6 diesel provides ample performance for this big SUV, even if it’s not as creamy-smooth as the straight-six in a Land Rover Discovery.
The petrol V6 is quicker but needs to be worked harder to feel brisk. The plug-in hybrids are refined and smooth in transitions between electric and petrol power, though in pure electric mode they’re relatively sedate and the range feels short compared to modern rivals.
Ride comfort varies depending on spec. On steel springs, the Touareg feels firm over sharp-edged bumps at low speeds, though it becomes more settled as you pick up pace. Air suspension is a worthwhile upgrade, improving compliance while offering height adjustment and self-levelling. Rear-wheel steering is available, reducing the turning circle and making tight manoeuvres less stressful, but air suspension remains the more essential option.
The handling is secure and neutral rather than sporty. You can carry speed confidently, but there’s little sense of engagement compared to a Porsche Cayenne or BMW X5. The Touareg is happier as a long-distance cruiser than a back-road hustler.
What about the interior?
This is a luxury car first and foremost, and in this department, a fine replacement for the much-missed Phaeton. There’s more padding on the door armrests and centre console, helping cabin comfort, and the massive touchscreen dominates the dash. The display is crisp and responsive, though the menu layout can feel fussy. More physical controls would be welcome, particularly because the touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons can be fiddly on the move.
Quality is good, but it’s clear this is the entry point to the Volkswagen Group’s big SUV platform. An Audi Q7 feels a step up in luxury, while a Bentley Bentayga or Lamborghini Urus takes the same bones and builds something far more special.
Space is one of the Touareg’s strong suits. There’s no seven-seat option, but instead you get a huge boot: 810 litres with the seats up and parcel shelf in place, or 655 litres for the plug-in hybrids. Rear passengers get plenty of head and legroom, and three adults can fit across the bench in reasonable comfort.
Before you buy
As of mid-2025, the UK range comprises Elegance, Black Edition, and the high-performance Touareg R plug-in hybrid. All models now come with VW’s largest touchscreen and digital cockpit, plus plenty of active safety systems as standard.
Prices for the Touareg start from £68,765 for the 3.0 V6 TDI 228bhp Elegance. Plug-in hybrids begin around £75,000, while the R plug-in hybrid is closer to £88,000 depending on options. Air suspension remains a strong recommendation for those wanting comfort, with rear-wheel steering an option that’s useful but not essential.
Rivals have moved the game on considerably in two years. The BMW X5 xDrive50e now offers more than 60 miles of electric range, while the Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid facelift delivers similar improvements. The Mercedes-Benz GLE and Land Rover Discovery remain strong alternatives, the latter boasting a smoother inline-six diesel. For company car drivers, the Touareg’s higher emissions and shorter electric range mean it’s disadvantaged against rivals on tax.
Verdict
Minor changes from the 2023 facelift kept the Touareg in the game, but it’s struggling to keep pace with newer plug-in rivals. The cabin remains spacious and well built, and it’s still a superb long-distance cruiser with a healthy towing capacity. However, the base model’s ride can feel brittle on steel springs, and the plug-in hybrid versions now look dated compared to rivals boasting much longer EV ranges and lower tax bills.
Even the once-mighty V6 diesel is outgunned by Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz. If you value discreet luxury and solid comfort above all else, the Touareg remains a capable choice. But the game has moved on, and rivals offer sharper tech, lower running costs, and more ability behind the wheel. Despite that, we can’t deny it’s still rather appealing.