2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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With probably the hardest name to spell of any SUV, the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg seems caught between markets. On the one hand, it strives to appeal to the high-end consumer with its upscale SUV comfort and cost, which is comparable to luxury Mercedes and Lexus SUVs. On the other hand, its superior off-roading AWD capability targets a more rough-and-ready crowd. For these reasons, the Touareg has never quite found its niche.
Relatively unchanged since last year, the 2009 Touareg adds a few new options, such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure assist, and updates its navigation system to be hard-drive based. The big news, however, is the disappearance of the turbodiesel TDI engine, which may disappoint buyers conscious of fuel costs. As of 2009, this AWD SUV comes in only two trims, based on their respective FSI engines. The VR6 houses a 3.6-liter, 280-hp V6 that gets 16/20 mpg. The 4.2-liter V8 puts out 350 hp with 12/17 mpg. Both engines come paired with a 6-speed automatic. Its maximum towing capacity of 7,716 pounds surpasses many of the Touareg's competitors.
A host of creature comforts hints at the 2009 Touareg's luxury trappings. The VR6 features 18-inch wheels, power front seats, heated seats, leather upholstery, a power liftgate, sunroof, and wheel-mounted audio and cruise control, with the V8 adding wood trim, memory settings, an adjustable air suspension, and larger 19-inch wheels. The adjustable suspension increases ground clearance to 11.8 inches, which comes in handy when taking this SUV off road. The rugged AWD system features low-range gearing and a locking center differential. ABS brakes, traction and stability control, Hill Descent Control, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows make up the safety equipment, which earns the 2009 Touareg five stars from the NHTSA.
Lack of rear passenger room and a small cargo area (31 cubic feet, expandable to 71) might help explain the Touareg's lackluster sales. Unlike many competitors, the Touareg does not offer a third row, even as an option. Rear seats do split-fold flat, but require a cumbersome process to do so. The cargo area sits high and lacks depth. A roof rack is standard on both trims.
The Touareg 2's heavy curb weight (it's one of the heavier SUVs on the market) puts a lot of pressure on the underpowered V6, and reviewers find it contributes to ponderous steering and significant body lean. Other complaints include the lack of a third row, difficult entry and exit to the second row, and poor fuel economy. For a luxury SUV, reported interior rattles also seem disappointing. On the upside, the 2009 Touareg exhibits outstanding off-road performance, powerful acceleration with the V8, and a long list of standard features.
User reviews for 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2
Write a review2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
CD changer: 6 · Single disc in-Dash CD · Dynaudio premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in trunk · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 115V · Cruise control: adaptive · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Universal garage door opener: Homelink
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Locking differential: rear
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: chrome · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 8 · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rails: silver
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: ready · Trailer wiring: 7-pin
Truck Features
Running boards: step
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
CD changer: 6 · Single disc in-Dash CD · Dynaudio premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in cargo area · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 115V · Cruise control: adaptive · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Universal garage door opener: Homelink
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Locking differential: rear
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: chrome · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 8 · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rails: silver
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: front
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: ready · Trailer wiring: 7-pin
Truck Features
Running boards: step
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
CD changer: 6 · Single disc in-Dash CD · Dynaudio premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in trunk · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cruise control: adaptive · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Sunshade: side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Locking differential: center
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: chrome · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 8 · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rails: silver
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Tires
Type: all season
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: ready · Trailer wiring: 7-pin
Truck Features
Running boards: step
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent
