2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2

Review

It's hard to be all things to all people, and the Volkswagen Touareg 2 has a lot of people to please. Intended to be a premium sport-utility with serious off-road capabilities, but all while appealing to suburban professionals, Volkswagen had a lot to prove with the 2009 Touareg 2.

Based off the popular Touareg 1 platform that debuted in 2004, this newer version of the Touareg offers a turbo-diesel option and decent fuel economy.

Improvements from the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2

Volkswagen changed the Touareg's (optional) navigation system to a hard drive-based system and included adaptive cruise control and a lane-change assist feature. Also new is a 3.0-liter V6 turbo-diesel engine.

Performance

The Touareg 2 comes in three trim levels, that will affect overall performance. Choose from the VR6 (3.6 liter), the TDI (3.0-liter V6) or the V8 (4.2-liter). The base VR6 model gets 16 miles per gallon in the city and 20 on the highway.

• Car pricing: Base price at $42,800.
• Engine: 3.6-liter turbo-diesel V6 that gets 280 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque.
• Transmission: Six-speed automatic with all-wheel drive3.
• Acceleration: 0-60 in 8.1 seconds.

Exterior Features

This midsize SUV has three trim levels, each of which is related to a specific engine: VR6, V6 TDI and V8. The base model comes standard with a power liftgate and a sunroof.

Interior Features

There is no third-row for seating on the 2009 Touareg 2, which could be an issue for families who want to focus on passenger capacity. And even with that, cargo space is relatively small for an SUV of the Touareg 2's size. Standard interior features include leatherette seating surfaces, dual-zone climate control, a 10-speaker stereo system with satellite radio and CD, and automatic wipers.

Most auto reviews praise the look of the Touareg 2's interior, specifically the ergonomics and surfaces for the dash and seating. But the cargo space and overall room for passengers are routinely cited as drawbacks for the Touareg 2.

Safety and Specifications

All trim levels are equipped with antilock brakes, stability control, hill/incline control, front seat airbags and side curtain airbags. Optional safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control and a lane-change assist feature. The Touareg 2 earned four out of five stars in government-sponsored crash testing.

Upgrade Options

After you select the trim level, there are additional upgrades available on the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2, including a "Lux Plus" package, which includes a premium 10-speaker sound system and keyless entry and ignition. There's also a Technology package that includes a rearview camera, navigation, and an upgraded sound system. Depending on the trim, you can get leather seats, wood trim, power seats and more.

How the Volkswagen Touareg 2 Compares to its Competition

Competitors include the Acura MDX, Infinity FX35 and the Lexus RX 350. While some of the interior features rival the Mercedes-Benz ML Class or the BMW X5, the Touareg 2 doesn't have the overall cache to compete with this group of vehicles. Price could be the biggest issue, according to auto reviews.

Conclusion: Is the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 a Smart Buy?

At $42,000, the Volkswagen Touareg 2 comes with big expectations. And unfortunately, many auto reviewers don't think Volkswagen hit the mark. The price tag makes it more affordable than premium SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz ML Class, but it's lack of cargo space and passenger comfort make it a tough sell overall. Volkswagen enthusiasts will love the ergonomic features and design. You'll have to weigh your cargo needs and budget before you make your decision.