Volkswagen Touareg Model Years and History

The Volkswagen Touareg is largely unchanged for 2017. Diesel models are no longer available, while the Lux trim has been replaced with the Wolfsburg edition trim level. Several new items come standard on the sport trim with the technology package, including a suite of electronic safety features.

The Volkswagen Touareg is largely unchanged for 2016, though the Hybrid model has been discontinued and the base price has dropped by nearly $2,000, to $42,705.

The Touareg continues to improve for 2015. A new front fascia includes new bi-xenon headlights, while the rear of the Touareg gets new LED taillights and a new liftgate. New wheel designs further improve the look of the 2015 Touareg. Overall, the new styling is handsome, with subtle improvements rather than revolutionary changes. The interior of the vehicle has been improved with the addition of new switchgear and new chrome or wood accents. In addition, a new driver's assistance package is available for 2015. The package includes adaptive cruise control, lane assist and an automatic post-collision braking system.

For 2014, Volkswagen adds an R-Line trim to the Touareg, which is based on the Lux trim for V6 and TDI models and includes special interior and exterior styling, as well as a sport suspension with 20-inch alloy wheels. Elsewhere in the lineup, the rear hatch now has an "easy open" feature on all trims except Sport and R-Line, while LED taillights now feature on Executive models. A trailer hitch is now standard on all Touraregs except for the V6 Sport and R-Line, while keyless access with push-button start is now fitted to Lux models and Sport models equipped with navigation. Finally, the Touareg X Special Edition celebrates the model's tenth year and comes in Moonlight Blue equipped with TDI Lux equipment, with piano black center console, 19-inch alloys and special exterior badging.

Volkswagen Touareg TDI diesel models get a power boost for 2013, to 240 horsepower, while its EPA ratings are up 1 mpg overall, to 20 mpg city, 29 highway. Otherwise the Touareg lineup carries over with only a few minor changes. The Hybrid gets new LED taillights; a new 18-inch 'Karakum' wheel design is offered in VR6 and TDI Sport models; and Vavona decorative wood interior trim has been added to Executive and Hybrid models.

The 2012 Touareg is virtually unchanged from the 2011 model.

The VW Touareg is the baby brother of the Porsche Cayenne SUV. The biggest news is the choice of engines: V6 gasoline, V6 diesel or V6 gasoline-electric hybrid. All of these are mated to a new 8-speed transmission, with the top two gears optimized for fuel economy. The Touareg body is longer, wider and shorter for an aggressive stance. 350 pounds have been removed from the vehicle -- again, with fuel economy the goal. The new available sunroof is 350% larger than the previous model, and a new premium touch-screen navigation system is available. Five new colors have been added to the palette: Cool Silver Metallic, Flint Gray Metallic, Toffee Brown Metallic, Night Blue Metallic and for the hybrid, Tungsten Silver Metallic.

The 4.2L V8 engine available last year has been dropped, leaving just the 3.6L V6 gasoline and 3.0L V6 diesel engine as the only engine choices. No other major changes have been made for 2010.

Two new gasoline direct-injected engines are added to Volkswagen's Touareg lineup for 2007. Also, a power rear liftgate and keyless access with a start/stop button are newly available options, roof rails are now standard across the line, and xenon headlamps with the adaptive front lighting system (AFS) are now standard on the V10 TDI model.