Volkswagen Touareg 2 Model Overview

Let’s deal with the most perplexing questions of the day right up front: The word for Volkswagen’s classy-looking and off-road-loving rig appears to be best pronounced along the lines of “tour egg.” And if you must spell it? No good tricks for that. The best we can do is to suggest going with what Touareg fans prefer and shortening it to “Treg.”

No matter how you say or spell it, the bottom line is clear. The Touareg continues to be another of Volkswagen’s popular models, especially when it comes to getting off the road and going most anywhere in most any conditions.

That’s been the case since VW rolled the Touareg out in 2003. Volkswagen tweaked things with it a bit, starting with the name, for 2010. It dropped the “2” from Touareg 2 and is back to the original, and it also dropped a V8 option.

The vehicle comes in two trims, based on two different engines. There’s the VR6 FSI with its 3.6-liter six cylinder that produces 280 horsepower with 266 lb-ft of torque. The TDI has a 3.6-liter six-cylinder diesel at 225 hp that ramps up the torque to 406 lb-ft and reviewers say is quite quiet. Both Touaregs have six-speed automatic transmissions and permanent four-wheel drive with a low-range gear.

The V6 is rated at 14 miles per gallon and 20 on the highway, which has been one of the raps against it. The TDI pushes mileage up to 18/25 mpg.

Otherwise, the two versions are much the same. They come with 17-inch wheels, with 18- and 19-inchers optional, and each, VW says, is rated to tow a hefty 7,700 pounds. A power sunroof, trip computer and heated front seats are standard. They stack up well in safety tests.

“Tregs” have no third-row-seat option and are a true five-seater and not overly roomy, which is why some reviewers like them better for off-roading than for getting the family around on the highway. Still, most appreciate their handling, comfort and ride on pavement at high speeds as well as in mud and muck and rocks.

The Touareg has traditionally rated only so-so for reliability, but loyal owners have been coming to its defense and note that those problems seem to be mostly in the past.

All in all, no matter how you say it - or spell it - the “Treg” is well worth a look.