2010 Volkswagen Touareg

Car & Driver Overview:
For 2010, VW has dropped one of the best reasons for buying a Touareg: the optional 4.2-liter, V-8 engine. The standard V-6 is sluggish if relatively fuel efficient, but a new 225-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 diesel—coming this spring—looks to be the better powertrain choice.

Highs
Superior structural rigidity, spiffy cabin design and execution, excellent mileage from diesel.

Lows
Sluggish with V-6, limited cargo room, we still don’t know who came up with that name.

What's New
Introduced for 2004; for 2010, V-8 engine dropped, new diesel, some trim changes.

Behind The Wheel
Though hefty, the Touareg’s solid chassis delivers a nice blend of smooth highway ride and ready response, plus serious off-road credentials.