2018 Volkswagen Touareg Review

Detailed Review

The first generation VW Touareg, known as the 7L, was produced from 2002 until 2010. The Touareg comes standard with 4-motion four-wheel drive technology. It had an automatic progressively locking center differential (with manual override) and a “low range” setting in the cabin. The Touareg has an optional 4-wheel active air suspension that can raise the ride height on command, as well as a locking rear differential, to boost off-road capability.

The Touareg was redesigned in 2006. An adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and newly redesigned comfort seats were added. All diesel models are fitted with a diesel particulate filter.

The second generation VW Touareg, codenamed 7P, was manufactured from 2010 to 2018. It had a lane departure warning system, adaptive cruise control, a blind spot monitor, and adaptive air suspension.

The Touareg hybrid was also introduced during this period. For the 2016 model year, the Touareg 7P received a makeover that included standard bi-xenon headlights, an automatic post-collision braking system, a revamped adaptive cruise control, and an enhanced basic steel-spring suspension.

The third-generation VW Touareg, codenamed CR, was released in 2018 and is still in production today. It largely prioritizes fuel efficiency. The Touareg R plug-in hybrid vehicle was introduced to the public in 2020.

The 2018 VW Touareg comes in a single engine option; a 3.0 L (Diesel) which is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

2018 Volkswagen Touareg Grades

1. 150 TDI ELEMENT- This grade comes with cruise control, power steering, AUX/USB input socket, Hill descent control, Bluetooth connectivity, traction control, heated front seats, a digital clock, and an MP3 audio player.
2. 150 TDI MONOCHROME- This grade comes with chrome roof rails, an electronic differential lock, Radio CD with 8 speakers, driver fatigue detection, reversing camera, satellite navigation, and an electronic parking brake.
3. 150 TDI- This grade comes with map reading lights, brake assist, xenon headlights, a 12-volt power outlet, power lumbar support front seats, child seat anchor points, a headlight washer system, and Auto climate control.
4. V6 ADVENTURE- This grade comes with adaptive damping control, electronic brake-force distribution, heated front seats, speed-sensing auto-door lock, cargo cover, MP3 audio player, and Bluetooth connectivity.
5. V6 TDI- This grade comes with daytime LED running lights, a rear center armrest, grab handles, glovebox cooler, keyless entry, a 12-volt power outlet, cargo cover, central locking remote control, parking distance control rear, and power lumbar support front seats.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The 2018 Volkswagen Touareg is a five-seat Crossover SUV with a modern and functional cabin.

The first row has plenty of legroom and headroom, as well as seats that may recline to any desired position. The second row is as impressive, with plenty of knee and headroom. Taller passengers can stretch their legs comfortably.

Cabin Storage

The first row of the 2018 Volkswagen Touareg has a center console, a glovebox, bottle storage, and two cupholders. The second row offers a bottle storage area as well as two cupholders located on the armrest.

Boot Space

The 2018 Volkswagen Touareg has a cargo size of 28.6 cubic feet with all seats up and 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Exterior

The front end of the 2018 Volkswagen Touareg is dominated by a massive slatted glossy grille with the VW logo affixed on it. LED headlights on either side of the grille add a stylish touch. The rear end features LED taillights and turn signals. It also has a towing hitch that comes out of the car’s belly when a button is pressed.

 2018 Volkswagen Touareg Safety Features

The 2018 Volkswagen Touareg features SRS Airbags, Curtain airbags, DCS and TCS, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Pre-crash Safety System, Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Pedestrian Warning, Lane Departure Alert, Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic High Beam, Run Flat tires, Active Roll Stabilization, and Electronic Damping Control.

2018 Volkswagen Touareg Fuel Consumption

2018 Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 L diesel engine consumption-  14.1 km/l on average

2018 Volkswagen Toureg Acceleration

2018 Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.9 secs

2018 Volkswagen Touareg Fuel Tank Capacity: 100 liters

Ground Clearance

The 2018 Volkswagen Touareg has a ground clearance of 8.1 inches.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts and Availability

Service parts are fairly priced and available in major towns in Kenya. Body parts are expensive and mostly available in Nairobi

Stability And Handling

The 2018 Volkswagen Touareg offers agile handling on the highway and mild off-road. Its suspension system is finely calibrated, absorbing road imperfections and decreasing noise in the cabin picked up from the road surface.

The steering wheel is also up to the task, as it is extremely responsive, particularly when approaching steep turns or trying to park in a tiny space.

The VW Touareg comes standard with adaptive cruise control and traction control, thus providing the car with additional traction on the road.

Reliability

To reap the full benefits of the 2018 Volkswagen Touareg, it must be serviced and maintained on a regular basis. The VW Touareg, like any other vehicle, has flaws. Some users have noticed transmission system problems. Some vehicles experienced a delayed or harsh shift, resulting in poor acceleration and a bad driving experience overall.

Refer to the Volkswagen Touareg buyer guide for a thorough dependability report. We also urge that you always follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.

Resale Value: Average

Volkswagen Touareg Competitors: BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, Mercedes Benz GLE, Range Rover Sport, and Volvo XC90.

What we like about the 2018 Volkswagen Touareg

Spacious cabin

High towing capacity

What we don’t

Costly compared to its competitors.

Conclusion

The 2018 Volkswagen Touareg has nimble handling and is ideal for those who enjoy tackling modest off-road terrain while maintaining a luxurious feel.