2021 VOLKSWAGEN TOURAN REVIEW
The Volkswagen Touran is one of the most practical and refined compact MPVs on the market. Built on VW’s MQB platform, it brings about car-like handling with SUV comfort and seven-seat versatility ,making it ideal for growing families or business use. With its efficient turbo engines, premium cabin, and advanced safety features, the Touran brings German quality and practicality together in one smart package.
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Detailed Review
The Volkswagen Touran is VW’s versatile compact MPV, offering families a practical yet refined alternative to SUVs. Since its 2003 debut, it has evolved into one of Volkswagen’s most reliable and space-efficient people carriers. The current second generation (Typ 5T), introduced in 2015 and built on the MQB platform shared with the Golf and Tiguan, received updates through 2021 that enhanced safety, connectivity, and efficiency.
The 2021 Touran features petrol and diesel options, most notably the 1.5-liter TSI turbo (148 hp, 250 Nm) with 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG, and the 2.0-liter TDI diesel known for its torque and economy. It delivers a smooth, car-like drive with precise steering and composed handling, making it equally at home in city traffic or on long trips. With seven seats, sliding second-row seats, and generous boot space, the Touran remains one of the most family-friendly MPVs in its class.
For those interested in buying the 2021 Volkswagen Touran, we have prepared a separate Buyer’s Guide with details on what to look out for when buying a used one and the common pitfalls to avoid. Click here to purchase the Buyer’s Guide.
2021 Volkswagen Touran Grades
Touran S – Base trim with excellent practicality. Comes with LED daytime running lights, manual air conditioning, 6.5″ touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and safety essentials like automatic emergency braking. A solid, no-frills family MPV.
Touran SE – Adds useful everyday upgrades such as front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, and upgraded infotainment. Balanced value for family buyers.
Touran SE Family – Tailored for active families with added roof rails, panoramic sunroof, rear-view camera, and rear sunblinds. Includes extra USB ports and improved storage versatility.
Touran SEL – Premium comfort trim featuring 17″ alloy wheels, full LED headlights, ambient interior lighting, digital cockpit, and Discover Media navigation. Combines style with practicality.
Touran R-Line – Sport-inspired range-topper with R-Line exterior kit, 18″ alloys, sport seats, flat-bottom steering wheel, and upgraded trim details. Offers a dynamic look while retaining family-friendly functionality.
Interior
Legroom & Space
The 2021 Volkswagen Touran offers one of the most versatile and family-oriented cabins in its class, reflecting Volkswagen’s clean and functional design philosophy. The dashboard layout is intuitive and uncluttered, featuring a clear instrument cluster and an easy-to-use central touchscreen, keeping all major controls logically positioned for both driver and passenger access.
High-quality materials, including soft-touch plastics, durable fabric or optional leather upholstery, and brushed aluminum-style accents, give the Touran a premium yet practical feel. Attention to fit and finish remains consistent throughout the cabin, even on base trims.
As a true 7-seater MPV, the Touran provides excellent space management. Front passengers enjoy generous legroom and supportive seats, while the second row offers sliding and reclining functionality to optimize passenger comfort or cargo space. The third row is suitable for children or shorter adults, making it a flexible option for larger families.
Cabin Storage
The Touran excels in everyday practicality with numerous clever storage solutions. The cabin includes multiple cupholders, large door bins, seat-back trays, under-floor compartments, and even hidden storage spaces under the front seats. A deep center console and a spacious glovebox provide additional convenience for keeping personal items neatly organized.
Boot Space
Cargo capacity is one of the Touran’s strongest features. With all seven seats in place, boot space is around 137 liters, ideal for small bags or groceries. Folding the third row increases space to about 743 liters, while folding both the second and third rows opens up a massive 1,857 liters of flat load space. The low loading height and wide tailgate opening make it easy to load bulky or heavy items, perfectly suiting active family lifestyles.
Exterior
The 2021 Volkswagen Touran presents a refined, understated design that blends the practicality of a family MPV with Volkswagen’s signature European sophistication. Its clean, horizontal lines and broad stance give it a stable, confident appearance on the road. The front fascia features a wide grille flanked by sleek LED headlights and chrome detailing, creating a modern yet subtle look that fits comfortably within VW’s design language.
Along the sides, the Touran’s long, uninterrupted profile emphasizes its spacious interior and family-focused proportions. Subtle creases along the body panels and chrome window surrounds add visual interest without excess flair. Depending on the trim, wheel options range from practical 16-inch alloys on the base model to sportier 18-inch designs on the R-Line, complementing its versatile aesthetic. Functional roof rails and large windows contribute to the Touran’s sense of openness and everyday usability.
At the rear, wraparound LED taillights and a wide tailgate design highlight its functionality. The integrated rear spoiler and smooth bumper design give it a touch of dynamism while maintaining its family-friendly appearance. The Touran’s design is a masterclass in subtlety—elegant, practical, and unmistakably Volkswagen.
2021 Volkswagen Touran Safety Features
The 2021 Touran offers a strong suite of safety technologies designed to protect all seven occupants. Standard equipment includes multiple airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking system (ABS), and tire pressure monitoring. Higher trims benefit from Volkswagen’s advanced driver assistance features, including Front Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Blind Spot Monitoring.
Optional features such as Park Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, and a rear-view camera enhance convenience and confidence in urban environments. Built on VW’s proven MQB platform, the Touran delivers reassuring safety performance, earning high safety ratings across global crash test programs.
2021 Volkswagen Touran Fuel Consumption
Fuel consumption ranges between approximately 6.2–7.0 L/100 km, depending on driving conditions and engine configuration. The 1.5 TSI petrol engine remains the most efficient in mixed urban and highway driving, while the 2.0 TDI diesel variant delivers even greater fuel economy for long-distance use.
2021 Volkswagen Touran Acceleration
Touran 1.5 TSI (Petrol Turbo) – 0–100 km/h in approximately 9.3 seconds
Touran 2.0 TDI (Diesel) – 0–100 km/h in approximately 9.8 seconds
Fuel Tank Capacity
58-liter.
Ground Clearance
The Touran provides a ground clearance of approximately 5.9 inches (150 mm).
Service and Maintenance
Spare Parts and Availability
Service parts for the 2021 Volkswagen Touran are readily available through Volkswagen’s dealer network and authorized parts distributors in major urban centers. Common maintenance items such as filters, brake pads, and sensors are competitively priced. Genuine and OEM parts maintain consistent availability, and most replacement components can be sourced locally with minimal lead time.
For service parts and body components, Visit: https://yokaspares.co.ke/
Stability and Handling
The Touran delivers a composed and predictable driving experience. Its chassis is tuned to balance comfort with precise handling, providing stable cornering and excellent ride quality on varied surfaces. The steering feels accurate and responsive, and the suspension absorbs bumps effectively while minimizing body roll.
On motorways, the Touran remains stable and confidence-inspiring, aided by features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and advanced traction management. Its MQB platform ensures predictable handling and solid braking performance suitable for family driving needs.
Reliability
The 2021 Volkswagen Touran benefits from Volkswagen’s proven engine and transmission technologies, offering dependable long-term performance when properly serviced. The 1.5 TSI and 2.0 TDI engines are well-established across VW’s lineup and have demonstrated strong durability. Occasional reports of minor electronic issues exist, but consistent software updates and regular servicing typically prevent long-term concerns. With proper care, the Touran remains a reliable, low-maintenance family MPV.
Volkswagen Touran Competitors:
- Honda Stepwgn
- Toyota Isis
- Mazda Premacy
- Honda Freed
What We Like About the 2021 Volkswagen Touran
- Flexible three-row seating with generous cabin space
- Excellent fuel efficiency for a seven-seater MPV
- Refined European design and build quality
- Smooth and composed ride with predictable handling
- Premium interior fit and finish
- Strong safety credentials and advanced driver aids
What We Don’t
- Higher servicing and parts costs compared to Japanese rivals
- Infotainment interface can be complex for new users
- Conservative styling lacks flair for some buyers
Conclusion
The 2021 Volkswagen Touran stands out as a well-rounded and intelligently designed family MPV. It combines Volkswagen’s signature build quality with practical versatility, offering a spacious and refined interior ideal for families and long-distance travel. Its efficient turbocharged engines, strong safety record, and composed road manners make it a top contender in the compact MPV category. While maintenance costs are slightly higher than Japanese alternatives, the Touran rewards owners with lasting durability, driving comfort, and premium refinement uncommon in its class.
For those interested in buying the 2021 Volkswagen Touran, we have prepared a separate Buyer’s Guide with details on what to look out for when buying a used one and the common pitfalls to avoid. Click here to purchase the Buyer’s Guide.
If you are looking to import the Volkswagen Touran to Kenya, click here to fill out our contact form, and we will get back to you immediately, or email us directly via [email protected].
Get More With TopCar
If you have a question about this model or any other automotive questions, you can now get answers on our forum.
If you want to sell or trade-in you vehicle, you can list it for free via our seller portal.
If you wish to purchase this model local or abroad, you can do that via our marketplace.
