CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 38.3%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 250
Average Price: Around £22,500

Volkswagen Touareg (2018-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Luxurious to travel in	Lacks the brand appeal of a BMW or Audi SUV
Good to drive	Uses a lot of fuel
Makes for a fine tow car	No seven-seat option

Quick Summary

The Volkswagen Touareg (2018-present) is a spacious and luxurious large SUV that sits at the top of the Volkswagen range. The current third-generation model, refreshed with a mild facelift in late-2023, shares its mechanical underpinnings with the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, ensuring genuine quality and refinement. Available with petrol, diesel, or plug-in hybrid powertrains, the Touareg offers impressive practicality with 810 litres of boot space (655 litres in hybrid versions), comfortable seating for five, and a well-appointed interior that feels classy for a Volkswagen, though not quite as premium as its more illustrious rivals.

The Touareg drives well for its size, with strong and powerful engines designed for effortless comfort rather than exhilaration. The entry-level diesel engine provides excellent value and smooth performance, whilst the flagship Touareg R plug-in hybrid delivers 456bhp and around 30 miles of electric range. As a new car, the high price makes it difficult to recommend over competitors like the Audi Q7 or BMW X5. However, as a used purchase, the Touareg becomes far more compelling, offering substantial savings whilst retaining luxury, practicality, and impressive towing capability. Running costs are moderate, with the lower-powered diesel achieving 34.4mpg, though insurance premiums are substantial.

Best for: Buyers seeking a spacious, luxurious large SUV with excellent practicality, those requiring strong towing capability, and used car shoppers wanting premium quality at a better price point.

Not ideal for: Those prioritising premium brand appeal (BMW, Audi, Mercedes), buyers needing seven seats, or drivers seeking exceptional fuel economy.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Touareg if: You're seeking a spacious, luxurious large SUV with excellent practicality, require strong towing capability, or want premium quality at a better price point as a used purchase.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise premium brand appeal (BMW, Audi, Mercedes), need seven seats, or require exceptional fuel economy.

Competitive Position: The Volkswagen Touareg (2018-present) is a very practical and feature-packed large SUV that drives well for its size and offers genuine luxury pedigree through its shared mechanical platform with the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne. Whilst not quite as polished as its premium rivals, it delivers excellent value as a used purchase, with strong performance, impressive boot space, and fine towing capability. As a new car, its high price makes rivals like the Audi Q7 and BMW X5 more compelling, but on the used market the Touareg represents a sensible choice for those wanting luxury and practicality without the premium price tag.

Read our full Volkswagen Touareg Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.