2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2 VR6 Review

Introduction

What's New - The Touareg 2 offers up more power, more safety equipment and subtly revised styling over its predecessor.

Why It Matters - The Touareg's fourth year is celebrated with a few tweaks here and there, more power and a slew of safety improvements to keep it relevant in the ever-expanding SUV and crossover utility vehicle market.

Volkswagen Touareg 2 VR6 - 2008 Review: At first glance, indeed at first turn of the wheel, the Volkswagen Touareg 2 presents few surprises to the average buyer, seeming very much like just another five-seat crossover looking for a home. Even the revisions to the 2008 model year aren't extensive: It looks very much like the first Touareg, and it offers the same lineup of six- eight- and 10-cylinder engines. But wait, what's this on the center console? A low-range selector? Surprise! The Touareg 2, like its predecessor, offers actual off-road ability to go with its smooth and sophisticated European looks. For some buyers, learning that the small Volkswagen ute has a low-range is like finding a $100 bill in the pants you just picked up from the cleaners.

Yet even if you don't go off road the Touareg 2 offers significant upgrades over the "1" it replaces. There is more safety gear loaded within. The engines have all been revamped for more power, torque and better fuel economy. Yet after a week with an entry-level Touareg 2 VR6, we were left with mixed feelings. On one hand, we liked the ability to go off road, yet still drive something with enough European snob appeal to ask the valet to park it in a good spot. On the other hand, that ability comes at a cost, more than its $40,000 price tag suggests. See, that four-wheeling gear isn't cheap, and to keep the price down - if you consider 40 large "down" - Volkswagen had to cut corners here and there, making the Touareg feel more downgrade than we expected.

Is it a good buy? Ask yourself this: Do I want to go off road and have a German nameplate? If you answered yes, then the Touareg may be your thing. If not, well...