When hitting the open road on a long family trip, having a capable, powerful, and versatile vehicle instills confidence and makes clocking the miles a pleasant experience. The Volkswagen Touareg lives up to its nomadic tribal namesake in that it’s truly at home while on the move.
Below are four reasons why the VW Touareg is the ultimate road trip SUV.
1. Looks Stylish
The VW Touareg is available in three trim levels — Sport, Lux, and Executive — giving buyers great options when determining which model will be best for their family adventure. The base Sports model is well-equipped with a sharp exterior that rolls on standard 18-inch wheels. LED running lights and taillights are also standard, as are adaptive Bi-xenon headlights. A power liftgate makes loading all your family’s cargo an easier task, while automatic wipers keep the view clear. The available Technology Driver Assistance Package adds a trailer hitch to take advantage of the more than 7,000 pounds the Touareg can pull.
Stepping up to the Lux trim provides you with 19-inch wheels, auto-dimming mirrors, and a panoramic sunroof to better take in the light and scenery as you eat up the miles. The Executive trim level comes with 20-inch wheels, with optional 21-inch wheels available. Like the Lux, this trim level comes with the Technology Driver Assistance Package as standard.
2. Plenty of Room
Embarking on a road trip means committing to some serious seat time, but with the Touareg that’s not a challenge due to its comfortable and well-appointed cabin. Cruise control is standard, as is a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, heated power front seats, and dual-zone climate control, which all help reduce fatigue on a long drive. The Lux adds ventilation to the front seats and leather upholstery, while the Executive trim level sees the addition of heated seats for rear seat passengers and rear side sunshades, which the kids will certainly appreciate. Cargo capacity on the Touareg is a solid 32.1 cubic feet; dropping the split rear seats brings it to 64 cubic feet.
3. Great Performance
The Touareg’s standard V6 engine produces 280 horsepower, while the 3.0-liter turbodiesel on TDI models puts out 240 horsepower and a stump-pulling 4,006 pound-feet of torque. This makes it perfect for passing, pulling a trailer, or traversing mountainous terrain on a cross-country trip.
4. Excellent Gas Mileage
An eight-speed transmission provides power transfer duty on all models, while VW’s 4motion all-wheel-drive system ensures power is transferred to all four wheels, letting the road trip continue when the pavement ends. Properly equipped, a Touareg can hit 60 mph in well under eight seconds and return almost 30 mpg, giving it the legs for a long ride. Available safety systems include stability and traction controls, a full suite of airbags, and optional collision warning and blind spot monitoring systems.
Its combination of strong available engines, good fuel economy for a five-passenger mid-size SUV, and an interior with luxurious and comfortable appointments put the Touareg ahead of lesser rivals, making it the ultimate road trip SUV.
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