2018 Volkswagen Touareg Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
What’s New for 2018?
No changes were made to the 2018 Volkswagen TouaregTop 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Volkswagen Touareg – The Pros
1. Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission Aids Performance
The Touareg’s eight-speed automatic transmission enables you to take full advantage of its 280-horsepower engine. You are bound to be impressed by the transmission’s smooth character. Because the gearbox shifts so quickly, you will never experience a delay in performance. When using the SUV to tow a load, the transmission immediately downshifts to the optimum gear.
2. Handles Well Without Sacrificing Ride Comfort
Upon first taking the 2018 Volkswagen Touareg for a test drive, most people are pleasantly surprised by its athletic handling. Unlike some of the other SUVs in the segment, the Touareg makes you feel connected to the road. Fortunately, you can still look forward to experiencing a bump-free ride.
3. Sophisticated 4Motion AWD System
All versions of the 2018 Volkswagen Touareg come equipped with a 4Motion AWD system. It is among the most sophisticated AWD systems on the market. The extra traction helps make this SUV a highly recommended winter vehicle. You can also use the Touareg to tackle a rugged off-road trail. Respectable ground clearance helps you to push through mud and snow.
4. Excellent Brakes
Some drivers tend to neglect the importance of a vehicle’s brakes. However, a good braking system will give you more confidence during emergency situations. You will definitely benefit from the Touareg’s extra stopping power. When tested on the road, it came to a halt quicker than most of the other SUVs in the segment.
5. Timeless Exterior Styling
The 2018 Volkswagen Touareg is the type of vehicle that should look good even years from now. Its smooth body lines will help it to age gracefully. Adaptive bi-xenon headlights now come standard on every trim. Powerful, twin exhaust tips give the SUV an additional degree of sportiness. While the base model is certainly stylish, upgraded wheels are featured on the higher trim levels.
6. Excellent Build Quality
The new VW Touareg has the build quality of a premium vehicle. Although a leather-trimmed interior is available, the base model’s premium vinyl upholstery looks almost as luxurious. While driving the new Touareg on the road, you won’t hear any annoying creaks or rattles coming from inside the cabin. Volkswagen also did an excellent job of eliminating wind noise at higher speeds.
7. The Most Popular Features Come Standard
If you don’t want to spend any extra money on options, the base Touareg’s list of standard features should keep you happy. Some of the standard tech includes an 8.0-inch display screen, Bluetooth connectivity, and satellite radio. You will also benefit from creature comforts like heated front seats and a hands-free tailgate.
8. Can Be Used for Towing
A standard trailer hitch makes the 2018 Volkswagen Touareg a great alternative to a pickup truck. The SUV’s maximum towing capacity stands at a more than 7,700 pounds. This is a major advantage for the drivers who need to haul campers and boats. Most importantly, your family and friends will be able to join the adventure.
9. Standard Safety Technologies
Several notable safety technologies come standard on the Touareg. A post-collision braking system helps reduce the seriousness of a crash. Meanwhile, the automatic emergency braking system immediately responds to imminent danger. Adaptive cruise control, a backup camera, and blind-spot detection all come standard as well. The top-of-the-line Executive trim adds a 360-degree parking camera.
10. 10-Speaker Dynaudio Sound System
The Executive trim’s Dynaudio sound system delivers a truly enjoyable music-listening experience. A 620-watt amplifier and Digital Signal Processor technology enable you to enjoy top-notch sound quality. When taking a long trip on the highway, this premium sound system is bound to keep you entertained.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Volkswagen Touareg – The Cons
1. Not Great on Gas
Don’t expect the 2018 Volkswagen Touareg to sip fuel like a compact car. According to the EPA, it is rated to return a below-average 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The only perk is that you don’t need to burn premium fuel. Rivals, such as the new Acura MDX, return far better fuel economy.
2. Only One Available Engine
In contrast to most competitors, the Touareg does not have an optional engine in its lineup. While a turbocharged four-cylinder engine would promote better fuel efficiency, a larger V8 engine would elevate the Touareg’s performance.
3. Not Super Quick
Although the Touareg feels strong, a hefty curb weight limits its ability to accelerate very quickly. With a 0-60 time of around 7.7 seconds, the Touareg is about as quick as the average family sedan. You will find that the Touareg’s rivals deliver a bit more performance.
How it Stacks Up Against the Competition:
Some of the other midsize luxury SUVS to consider include the 2018 Acura MDX and the 2018 BMW X5. More standard features give the 2018 Volkswagen Touareg an advantage over both of these competitors. In comparison to the Acura MDX, the Touareg’s well-designed infotainment system is a bit easier to use. Meanwhile, BMW X5 buyers will be forced to fork over significantly more money.
Conclusion:
The Touareg’s incredible versatility makes it a worthy family vehicle. Although the Touareg’s fuel economy may pose a concern for urban dwellers, it’s certainly efficient enough for highway cruising. When outfitted with 20-inch alloy wheels, the SUV looks especially stunning. Furthermore, effective safety technologies help the Touareg to give drivers an extra sense of protection.
