Skip advert
Advertisement

VW Touareg 3.0 TDI SE

New 4x4 shares running gear with Porsche, but has a softer set-up

LINED up against the showy models in this test, the Volkswagen’s styling is very low-key. While this will undoubtedly appeal to some buyers, the new Touareg hasn’t taken a big step forward from its predecessor. In fact, despite being all-new, you could easily mistake it for the outgoing model. 

Smart LED daytime running lights add a dash of style, but the soft lines look disappointing next to the chunky BMW, sporty Porsche and unique Infiniti. Inside, it’s a similar story, as owners of the current car hoping to see a big advance in quality and design will be disappointed. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The uninspiring cabin lacks the upmarket ambience of the Porsche, with which the Touareg shares its underpinnings. For a car in this price range, the VW simply doesn’t feel special enough. The glovebox lid is a prime example, as it’s made of harder and less attractive trim than the surrounding dashboard – and these unappealing plastics can be found in other places around the cabin as well. 

Build quality is solid, but the dated design and mismatch of materials is a shame. However, the large eight-inch screen on the centre console is standard, while the duplicate display between the dials for the driver is a neat touch. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Octavia vRS

2023 Skoda

Octavia vRS

50,927 milesAutomaticPetrol1.4L

Cash £19,067
View Octavia vRS
Cooper Electric

2022 MINI

Cooper Electric

23,215 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £14,847
View Cooper Electric
XC40

2022 Volvo

XC40

33,532 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £21,947
View XC40
Q2

2026 Audi

Q2

38,589 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £18,497
View Q2

As in the Porsche, you get deep door pockets, decent cabin stowage and a wide range of adjustment for the driving position. The seats aren’t as supportive or comfortable over long distances as those in the Cayenne, but in SE models they’re heated as standard. Sat-nav is also included – both are options on the other German cars.

In the back, space is identical to the Porsche and the seats slide, tilt and fold in exactly the same manner. The 580-litre boot is 40 litres behind the BMW’s for overall luggage capacity.

While the cabin lacks the feelgood factor of its main rivals, there’s no faulting the VW’s pace. At the test track, the Touareg was fastest from 0-60mph, with a time of 7.1 seconds, and was closely matched to the X5 and Cayenne during our in-gear assessments.

Advertisement - Article continues below

As the VW and Porsche share the same V6 diesel and eight-speed Tiptronic auto box, their similar performance figures were predictable. But after driving them back-to-back, they clearly have different characters. The Touareg is less focused. Its handling is safe and composed, but the steering lacks the Cayenne’s precision. There’s also extra body roll and less grip during hard cornering, so the VW doesn’t feel as agile or involving.

The relatively soft suspension set-up delivers a supple ride around town, yet at higher speeds, it’s unsettled as the rear dampers struggle to cope. 

Driven in isolation, the VW won’t disappoint, but in our line-up of sporty off-roaders, it’s outclassed. Only the Infiniti trails the Touareg dynamically, as the German 4x4 is more comfortable than its Japanese rival from behind the wheel. 

Where the VW scores well is on economy and emissions, because, like the Porsche, it features a smooth stop/start system. This contributes to low CO2 emissions of 195g/km for such a fast and heavy vehicle, as well as decent fuel efficiency – we managed 29.7mpg on test. The Porsche and BMW have identical eco credentials, though, and returned better economy.

Details

Chart position: 3
WHY: As before, Touareg shares a platform, engine and some components with Porsche. It’s a cheaper alternative, but is it as good?

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,575Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £7,850
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,766 off RRP*Used from £13,850
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £3,970 off RRP*Used from £8,795
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £7,568 off RRP*Used from £13,600
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025