DecodedCars2016 Volkswagen Touareg
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 3.0l Tdi 4motion 4dr SUV, 3.6l Vr6 4dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 189 in
- Curb weight
- 4,696–4,974 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 24 MPG combined — 28% better than the average 2016 standard SUV (18.7 MPG).
- Few owner complaints45 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 389 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Volkswagen Touareg is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 3.6L 6-cyl) and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 189 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,974 lb (3.0l Tdi 4motion 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 28 highway), 28% better than the 2016 standard SUV average of 18.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 45 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2016
- No hybrid version any more
- Engine dropped: 3.0L 6-cyl
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Touareg →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0l Tdi 4motion 4dr SUV | 189 in | 76.4 in | 68.1 in | 113.8 in | 64.6 / 64.6 in | 4,974 lb | 53/47 |
| 3.6l Vr6 4dr SUV AWD | 189 in | 76.4 in | 68.1 in | 113.8 in | 64.6 / 64.6 in | 4,696 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touareg Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | +28% | $4,000 | 434 |
| Touareg | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | +2% | $3,550 | 462 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg.
Similar 2016 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Volkswagen Touareg (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Toyota RAV4 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Honda CR-V | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2016 Ford Explorer | 22 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2016 Subaru Forester | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (2)
Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems · Apr 26, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V243000 · 366 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toureg vehicles manufactured July 7, 2015 to March 3, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) may be improperly calibrated and, as a result, the TPMS may fail to warn the driver that the tire pressure is low. Additionally, the tire pressures printed on the Safety Certification labels are incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
- Risk
- If the vehicle is driven on underinflated tires, the tires may fail suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will correct the TPMS settings and replace the safety certification label, free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2016. Volkwagen's number for this recall is 44M9.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages · Mar 24, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V170000 · 46,574 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Touareg vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a securing clip, allowing the pivot pin to move and the brake pedal to dislodge.
- Risk
- If the brake pedal dislodges, the driver may not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly to verify the presence of the securing clip and install any missing securing clips, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46G4.
Not every 2016 Volkswagen Touareg is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Volkswagen Touareg buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 22 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 6 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Service Brakes — 5 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 21,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Touareg years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Touareg | 19 | 189 in | Not rated | 1 | 24 |
| 2015 Touareg | 23 | 189 in | Not rated | 3 | 24 |
| 2014 Touareg | 23 | 189 in | Not rated | 3 | 24 |
| 2013 Touareg | 23 | 189 in | Not rated | 3 | 20 |
| 2012 Touareg | 22 | 189 in | Not rated | 4 | 20 |
| 2011 Touareg | 22 | 189 in | Not rated | 4 | 7 |
| 2010 Touareg | 20 | 187 in | Not rated | 1 | 14 |
| 2009 Touareg | 20 | 187 in | Not rated | 1 | 12 |
| 2008 Touareg | 17 | 187 in | Not rated | 1 | 41 |
| 2007 Touareg | 17 | 187 in | Not rated | 2 | 5 |
| 2006 Touareg | 17 | 187 in | Not rated | 1 | 17 |
| 2005 Touareg | 16 | 187 in | Not rated | 1 | 28 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →