Used Volkswagen Touareg for sale: everything you need to know

The Volkswagen Touareg is an under-the-radar contender in the world of luxury SUVs. It appeals to buyers who want the space and ability of a large family vehicle, but without the ostentation of some rivals.

There is no shortage of alternatives to the Volkswagen Touareg, with big SUVs proving extremely popular. Premium models such as the Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Lexus RX and Porsche Cayenne are the main alternatives to the Volkswagen Touareg. For those who want a hint of Scandi-cool in their SUV, the Volvo XC90 is also an attractive choice. 

Should you buy a Volkswagen Touareg? 

The Volkswagen Touareg is a highly respected large SUV that has the practicality and performance to deliver what used buyers need. For those who want a big family off-roader that will quietly get on with the job, there is a lot to like about it.

Parts of the Volkswagen Touareg are shared with high-end SUVs including the Audi Q8, Bentley Bentayga and even the Lamborghini Urus. However, the much more affordable Volkswagen version can seem a little ordinary in comparison. The Volkswagen Touareg’s interior is generally well made, and has plenty of technology, but there are signs of budgets being managed.  

Where the Volkswagen Touareg’s cabin really does deliver is in terms of space. Unlike some SUVs that offer seven seats, the Volkswagen Touareg is limited to being a five-seater. However, this results in a gigantic boot, along with acres of space for passengers both front and rear. The rear seats also fold flat, taking luggage capacity to a van-like 1800-litres. It makes the Volkswagen Touareg ready for even the most enthusiastic Ikea trip.

On the road, the Volkswagen Touareg feels sportier than you might expect from a large SUV. It handles well, keeps body-roll to a minimum, and the all-wheel-drive system delivers plenty of traction. A smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic gearbox suits the car’s nature as well. 

Being a leftfield option is perhaps the Volkswagen Touareg’s USP, but it appeals in other ways. There is plenty of technology included as standard, with the higher-grade models particularly impressive in this regard. It also boasts a strong towing ability, making it a prime choice for caravanners. If you want a practical and usable luxury SUV, and without the chintz or questionable image, the Volkswagen Touareg could be a contender for you.

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What's the best used Volkswagen Touareg model to buy?

On the engine front, you can’t really make a bad choice in the Volkswagen Touareg, but we’d stick with the entry-level one, the 231PS V6 diesel. It keeps running costs down, the fuel economy up, and it’s more than muscular enough to haul you around as quickly as you’ll ever want to go.

The 286PS version is a little more effortless at getting up to speed, but not drastically so. The V6 petrol feels faster still, but you'll really suffer at the pumps - the official 25mpg is as good as it gets. And while the plug-in hybrid Touareg R promises up to 94mpg as long as you keep the battery charged up, finding one on the used market might be the biggest challenge.

In terms of trim level, that much depends on your taste. The earliest VW Touaregs could be had in the cheapest SE trim, but Volkswagen stopped making that soon after launch because, well, nobody bought one. SE L trim became the base point, and its equipment tally is very strong for an entry level model. 

Tech fans should note, though, that the show-stopping 15-inch touchscreen arrangement doesn’t arrive until you hit the higher SE L Tech, R-Line Tech and Black Edition trims, so if your heart’s set on that, you’ll have to venture further up the range.

Used Volkswagen Touareg fuel economy and performance

The Volkswagen Touareg is offered with four different engine options, with some determined by the model and trim level chosen. All make use of Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, with an eight-speed automatic the only gearbox available.

• Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 TDI V6 231: The entry-level engine for the Volkswagen Touareg is the first of two turbocharged V6 diesel options. Producing 231hp, it does not feel overwhelmed by this large SUV. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in less than eight seconds, plus deliver average fuel economy of 34.9mpg.
• Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 TDI V6 286: Moving up to the 286hp version of the 3.0-litre V6 diesel means a notable improvement in performance. The extra power cuts the 0-62mph time to less than six seconds, making the Volkswagen Touareg feel more relaxed on the road. According to official figures, fuel economy does not suffer; the Volkswagen Touareg can average 34.9mpg.
• Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 TSI V6: For those who prefer their SUVs to be petrol-powered, the Volkswagen Touareg can be ordered with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6. It produces 340hp, helping it accelerate from 0-62mph in less than six seconds. Fuel economy does suffer though, with its average falling to less than 26mpg.
• Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 TSI V6 eHybrid: Offered only for the Volkswagen Touareg R, the eHybrid combines a turbocharged petrol V6 with an electric motor. This results in a combined output of 462hp, helping the Volkswagen Touareg R sprint to 62mph in less than five seconds. When fully charged, it can cover 28 miles on battery power only.

What used Volkswagen Touareg trim levels are available?

The Volkswagen Touareg is available in various trim levels and with three different engines, alongside the range-topping R performance model. Standard equipment is generous for all.

• Volkswagen Touareg SE: A short-lived entry-point trim when this Touareg was first launched, though hardly anyone bought it so it was soon dropped. It comes with climate control, cruise control, all-round parking sensors, and 19-inch alloy wheels. There's also leather upholstery and heated front seats.
• Volkswagen Touareg SEL: This is now the starting point for the Volkswagen Touareg range, with buyers able to pick from two V6 diesel engines or the V6 petrol. It may be the entry-level version, but the SEL comes with leather seats, LED headlights, climate control and satellite navigation as standard. 
• Volkswagen Touareg R-Line: The first of two R-Line models, bringing sportier styling inside and out. Stylish 20-inch alloy wheels are combined with sports suspension, while the interior gains a black headlining. There are plenty of interior and exterior badges to remind people you bought the R-Line, too.  
• Volkswagen Touareg R-Line Tech: Delivering extra equipment for the R-Line model, the Tech version has a digital instrument panel, keyless entry and a different set of 20-inch alloy wheels. A 15-inch multimedia touchscreen is standard, allowing features such as self-learning navigation to be used. 
• Volkswagen Touareg Black Edition: To give your Volkswagen Touareg a bit of extra visual aggression, the Black Edition adds gloss-black exterior detailing to the R-Line body kit. Larger 21-inch alloy wheels are fitted (in black, of course), and air suspension becomes standard. Fancier matrix LED headlights and darkened rear lights are installed as well. This is the most numerous Volkswagen Touareg trim level among used examples for sale.
• Volkswagen Touareg R: Topping the Volkswagen Touareg range is the high-performance R model, which gains a wealth of special equipment as standard. In addition to its hybrid powertrain, the Volkswagen Touareg R is fitted with 22-inch alloy wheels, a bespoke body kit and performance brakes. On the inside, the perforated leather seats are both heated and ventilated, and there’s an R-branded steering wheel.

Used Volkswagen Touareg dimensions and boot size

The Volkswagen Touareg’s exterior dimensions are: 

• Length: 4,878mm
• Width: 1,984mm
• Height: 1,717mm
• Ground clearance: 215mm

The Volkswagen Touareg’s boot space is:

• 810 litres
• 1,800 litres with rear seats folded

Used Volkswagen Touareg road tax

Pick the eHybrid version of the Volkswagen Touareg and you save a whole £10 per year when it comes to road tax costs. This is thanks to the small discount given to alternative fuel vehicles, which the hybrid Touareg counts as. However, like the rest of the range that pays the standard £180 rate, the hybrid also attracts the £390 surcharge for cars that cost more than £40,000 when new. This additional cost applies until the Touareg is five-years old.

How much is it to insure a Volkswagen Touareg? 

Given the cost, performance and sheer size of the Volkswagen Touareg, insurance costs will naturally be on the high side. Choosing a Volkswagen Touareg SEL with the V6 TDI engine will see an insurance rating of group 37 (out of 50). The same model with the petrol V6 TSI engine increases this to group 41. Predictably, the performance Volkswagen Touareg R is the priciest of all, allocated group 48 for insurance.

Read our full Volkswagen Touareg review