2015 Volkswagen Touareg

NEW FOR 2015:

- Available 360-degree parking camera.

Volkswagen’s mid-size Touareg SUV enters 2015 mildly restyled, but the changes are of the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it variety. Key giveaways include LED daytime running lights, and a linear four-bar chrome grille. There are also new wheel designs, more exterior chrome trim, reshaped exhaust tips, and on certain models, LED taillights. Inside, upgrades to the already premium cabin include new wood trim, and slightly upgraded materials.

To help keep drivers safe, the Touareg gains some useful active safety technology including radar cruise control with auto-brake, blind-spot warning, and lane-departure warning. It’s a bit surprising that it took VW this long to add these features, and it’s unfortunate that they’re limited to higher-spec models, but we’re glad they are available.

An impressive vehicle, the Touareg offers confident handling, a comfortable ride, and is as refined as its premium European rivals. It’s much more BMW X5 and Benz ML, than Toyota 4Runner or Nissan Murano.

The Touareg is available in four trim grades: Sportline (new for 2015), Comfortline, Highline, and Execline. All come standard with a 280-hp 3.6-litre narrow-angle V6 engine, and all can be had with the optional 240-hp 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6. Both engines feature an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive as standard equipment.

Sportline features 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, alarm, front armrest with storage, rear folding armrest, cruise control, carpeted floor mats, colour TFT instrument cluster display with trip computer, remote keyless entry, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, illuminated vanity mirrors, power heated exterior mirrors, chrome interior trim, 6.5-inch touchscreen display with AM/FM/CD/SD card reader, MDI media interface port (iPod), satellite radio, Bluetooth, eight-way power adjustable front seats with manual lumbar support, heated front seats, leatherette upholstery, 60/40 split folding rear seat with pass-through, electronic parking brake, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, tilt and telescoping steering column, dash-top storage compartment with cover, rear air vents, power windows, privacy tinted glass, adaptive bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, reverse sensor, rear spoiler, silver roof rails, chrome window surrounds, and heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Outdoors Package adds panoramic sunroof and rear trailer hitch.

Comfortline adds KESSY proximity key with push-button start, 8.0-inch infotainment system with AM/FM/CD/DVD player, navigation, 60 GB hard drive, digital compass, LED fog lights, LED tail lights, reverse camera, panoramic sunroof, tire-pressure monitoring system, hands-free power tailgate, and blind-spot monitoring system.

Technology Package adds radar cruise control with stop & go capability, city emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist.

Highline adds 19-inch wheels, adjustable arm rest, 14-way power adjustable front seats with memory function, power folding rear seats, garage door opener, heated steering wheel, mahogany wood trim, leather upholstery, metal door sill plates, power folding auto-dimming exterior mirrors.

Technology Package adds radar cruise control with stop & go capability, city emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist.

The R-Line Package includes R-Line body kit, 20-inch wheels, R-Line sport steering wheel with paddles, chrome oval tail pipes, R-Line badging, alloy pedals, sport suspension, aluminum interior trim, R-Line sill plates, and black headliner.

Execline adds 20-inch wheels, heated rear seats, power tilt and telescoping steering column, adaptive radar cruise control, ebony wood trim, rear side roller blinds, 12-speaker Dynaudio 620-watt speaker system, lane-keeping assist, and 360-degree parking camera.

The R-Line Package includes R-Line body kit, 20-inch wheels, R-Line sport steering wheel with paddles, chrome oval tail pipes, R-Line badging, alloy pedals, sport suspension, aluminum interior trim, R-Line sill plates, and black headliner.