The entry-level Volkswagen Touareg SUV featured a capable 3.2-liter V6 engine that generated 220 hp. That was enough power to ably move the heavy Touareg, which weighed in at more than 5,000 pounds, but not enough to help it break any speed records. The V6 was linked to a six-speed automatic overdrive transmission, which was standard across the line.
Standard features in the V6 included eight-way adjustable heated front seats, power windows, power door locks, two-zone automatic climate control, wood and metal trim, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, power heated mirrors, keyless entry system, cruise control, privacy glass, rain-sensing windshield wipers, an AM/FM/CD audio system, a navigation system, and a rechargeable flashlight built into the center console. The V6 did not come with leather seats, however, as the other Touareg trim packages did.
Other features in the V6 included four-wheel anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, an anti-theft alarm system, daytime running lights, and fog lights.
What made the V6 Touareg work better than expected, as far as acceleration is concerned, was its six-speed transmission, according to one reviewer. The extra shift points in the transmission gave the vehicle the extra "umpf" it needed off the line. However, that same six-speed transmission raised some eyebrows with other reviewers, who felt when driving around town that the vehicle tended to accelerate despite a constant pressure on the gas pedal. Downshifting was also a bit jumpy, reviewers noted. As far as regular drivers were concerned, they were impressed with the Touareg's handing, ride, and drivability, as well as the gas economy of the V6, as opposed to its gas guzzling larger siblings.