For This engine provides all the performance you need and is impressively refined. Altitude spec brings larger alloy wheels, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and fancier interior trim.
Against The Altitude model loses the Escape’s extra off-road kit. It has five seats instead of the seven that you get in many rivals and the cabin doesn’t feel special enough.
There are better 4x4s, but this engine gives you all the pace you need and is the most fuel-efficient in the range. We’d stick with the entry-level trim, though.
The cheapest VW Touaregs use a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel. There are two versions with two different outputs, but the more powerful is our favourite thanks to its strong performance and decent economy.
You can also have a hybrid model that combines a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol unit with an electric motor but, although this offers hot-hatch pace, it costs a lot more to buy and is nowhere near as clean as the rival Lexus RX450h. A 4.2-litre V8 diesel that’s even faster – and even more expensive – completes the line-up.
All Touaregs leather upholstery, climate control, automatic lights and wipers, satellite-navigation, cruise control and parking sensors.
Escape spec adds locking centre- and rear differentials and extra underbody protection, while Altitude swaps these for larger alloys, Bluetooth and fancier interior trim. V8 and Hybrid cars also get bi-xenon headlights and electric front seat adjustment.
Refined, powerful and well assembled from high quality materials - as it should be, given the thoroughly upmarket price. The interior is a serene…
Looks better than any Land Rover, it's more powerful & comfortable than a BMW X5 and it's cheaper than a Porsche Cayenne. Mileage is more than decent…
I have had my Tuareg from new for 5 years and now covered 80k miles It is actually the 2.5 D altitude. It was originally my company car and I bought…