Used 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2

The 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 TDI is a rarity in a world of gas-guzzling SUVs that aren’t meant to ever leave the beaten path. The VW Touareg 2 TDI offers highly competent on-road driving dynamics with fuel efficiency rivaling that of a midsize sedan, and is an extremely capable off-roader. Part of the TDI’s appeal lies in the fact that many of its parts are shared with the much more expensive Audi Q7 TDI and gas-powered Porsche Cayenne. For those willing to forgo the exclusivity of these nameplates, the Touareg 2 TDI represents an opportunity to enjoy a similar driving experience at a lower price point. Despite its luxuriously-appointed cabin, however, many buyers will find the Touareg 2 TDI’s five-passenger design flawed in light of the current trend among SUVs to offer seating for seven, and if diesel prices begin to rise again, you may end up paying a premium at the pump.

When behind the wheel of the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 TDI, you might never notice that you are driving a diesel vehicle. Gone are the days of black-smoke belching, smelly, rattle-prone diesels. The VW Touareg 2 TDI has been refined to the point that the only time you know there’s a diesel under the hood is when you really push it hard, and then you might get some engine noise in the cabin – which one might be willing to forgive for the prospect of travelling more than 600 miles on a single tank of gas. The TDI comes with VW’s excellent Tiptronic six-speed automatic, which offers manual shifting if you want to be more hands-on with the upshifts. The Touareg TDI also features 4XMotion permanent four-wheel drive with adaptive torque distribution and locking center differential, allowing it to take on even the most intimidating terrain.

Step inside the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 TDI and you are treated to a richly-appointed cabin of leatherette and chrome trim. Based on its quality of materials and level of comfort, the Touareg 2 TDI’s interior easily rivals the best in the luxury SUV class. Where it can’t compete, however, is in seating capacity. Many SUVs now offer a third row of seats, increasing occupant capacity to seven, but the Touareg 2 TDI remains a two-row SUV, thus limiting the number of seats to five. Luggage space, on the other hand, is quite good, thanks to a large, useful, squared-off rear cargo area.

Volkswagen is known for its small cars, but, despite its midsize SUV dimensions, the Touareg 2 TDI looks every bit a member of the VW family, with integrated wrap-around headlamps and a large chrome grille that echoes the look of the Volkswagen Passat. The Touareg 2 TDI’s tall, wide stance gives the impression that it’s ready to take on the toughest trails, as do short front and rear overhangs that also help improve approach and departure angles.

Ultra-Low Emission System
The VW Touareg TDI’s ultra-low emission system features optimized turbocharging, common rail fuel injectors and an AdBlue cleaning agent for the exhaust system. All of these features combine together to make the TDI one of the cleanest and quietest diesels on the market.

AdBlue Exhaust Additive
The AdBlue urea-based exhaust cleaning solution is another of our favorite features. Your dealer will add this non-toxic, odorless and biodegradable solution automatically with scheduled maintenance visits. When AdBlue becomes more commercially available, VW has made it easy to access the tank beneath the spare tire if you find yourself in a pinch.

The 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 TDI comes nicely equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, 12-way adjustable heated front seats with lumbar support, dual-zone climate control, multi-function leather steering wheel, park distance control, a power liftgate and a moonroof. The TDI also features a premium CD audio system with satellite radio and Homelink car-to-home wireless control system. Standard safety equipment on the TDI includes six airbags, Electronic Stabilization Control (ESP) with anti-slip regulation and electronic differential lock and anti-lock brakes (ABS).

There are several options packages available for the Volkswagon Touareg 2 TDI. The Lux Package features leather seats, walnut trim and 12-way power passenger’s seat. The Lux Limited Package adds to this the poplar wood trim, front/rear valences, side sills and 20-inch wheels. The Technology Package comes with Navigation, rearview camera and a VW Sound 11-speaker stereo system. The Technology Plus Package upgrades to a premium Dynaudio sound system and adds keyless entry and start. Other options include lane change assist, adaptive cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, air suspension, a rear differential lock and trailer hitch.

The Volkswagen Touareg 2 TDI comes with only one engine option, a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel. Considered a "clean diesel," the exhaust system for the V6 has been modified to inject a urea-based solution called AdBlue into the catalytic converter, which in turn breaks down the pollutant nitrogen oxide into harmless water and nitrogen. The diesel also benefits from a common rail fuel injection system that uses piezo fuel injectors to inject spray through eight-holed nozzles for a finer mist and more efficient, faster combustion. The piezo injectors lower the diesel’s emissions as well as reduce noise from the engine. The greatest advantage of the TDI is its 406 pound-feet of torque, giving the Touareg plenty of power at low revs and allowing it to tow up to 7,716 pounds.

3.0-liter V6 Turbocharged
221 horsepower @ 3750-4000 rpm
406 lb.-ft. of torque @1750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25