Overview

What's New for 2012:
- Minor changes to trim-level content after 2011 redesign

Exterior Features
The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is a 5-passenger midsize SUV available in three trim levels and as a hybrid. Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, bi-Xenon headlights, fog lights, roof rails, and a power liftgate. Towing capacity is 7,700 pounds.

Interior Features
Standard equipment on the Volkswagen Touareg includes cruise control, 8-way power and heated front seats, leatherette upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity, 8-speaker sound system, satellite radio, and iPod integration.

Optional Features
The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg offers options at various trim levels. Those options include a navigation system, 19-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, heated side-view mirrors, walnut cabin accents, leather upholstery, 12-way power front seats with power lumbar support for driver, driver-seat memory, 20-inch wheels, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, Dynaudio premium sound system, power-adjustable steering column, rear parking sensors, and passenger-seat memory and power lumbar.

Under the Hood
The Touareg's gasoline versions are fitted with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine rated at 280 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque. TDI versions use a 3.0-liter, turbo-diesel V-6 engine rated at 225 horsepower and 406 lb.-ft. of torque. The hybrid version is powered by a 3.0-liter, V-6 gasoline engine paired with an electric motor that generates 380 horsepower and 428 lb.-ft. of torque. All versions of the Touareg come standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg are:
- Touareg with gasoline engine: 16/23/19 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- Touareg TDI: 19/28/22 mpg
- Touareg Hybrid: 20/24/21 mpg

Safety
Standard safety equipment on the Volkswagen Touareg includes stability and traction control, hill-hold assist, and a battery of air bags.

To date, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not tested the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg for crash-worthiness. In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Touareg received "Good" ratings--the Institute's highest--for frontal-offset, side-impact, and rear-crash protection and roof strength, and was named a "Top Safety Pick" for 2012.