The Volkswagen Touareg III (CR), specifically the 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION Tiptronic variant, represents the third generation of Volkswagen’s mid-size luxury SUV. Produced from July 2018 to May 2023, this model aimed to blend off-road capability with on-road refinement, appealing to a market segment seeking a versatile and technologically advanced vehicle. While the Touareg has been sold in North America, the third generation was not officially offered in the United States or Canada. Instead, it primarily served the European market, competing with vehicles like the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. The “CR” designation refers to Common Rail injection, a key technology in its diesel powertrain.
Volkswagen Touareg III (CR): Overview and Market Position
The Touareg has always occupied a unique space within Volkswagen’s lineup. Initially developed in collaboration with Porsche (resulting in the Porsche Cayenne sharing many components), the Touareg aimed to provide a premium SUV experience with Volkswagen’s reputation for build quality and engineering. The third generation continued this trend, emphasizing advanced driver-assistance systems, a sophisticated interior, and a range of efficient engines. The 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION Tiptronic model, with its 231 horsepower diesel engine and all-wheel-drive system, was a popular choice in Europe due to its balance of performance, fuel economy, and towing capacity.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Touareg III (CR) 3.0 V6 TDI is a 2,967 cc (181.06 cu. in.) V6 diesel engine, designated as the DEND engine code. This engine produces 231 horsepower (Hp) and a substantial 500 Nm (368.78 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. The engine utilizes a diesel common rail fuel injection system and is turbocharged with an intercooler to enhance performance and efficiency. Power is delivered to all four wheels via Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. This combination allows for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 7.5 seconds and a maximum speed of 235 km/h (146.02 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 9 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 4.1 kg/Nm contribute to a responsive driving experience. Fuel economy is rated at 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg) combined, with 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 US mpg) in urban conditions and 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle. The vehicle meets Euro 6d-TEMP emission standards, incorporating a particulate filter to reduce emissions.
Design & Features
The Touareg III (CR) features a modern and sophisticated SUV design. It boasts a length of 4,878 mm (192.05 in), a width of 1,984 mm (78.11 in), and a height of 1,717 mm (67.6 in). The vehicle offers a spacious interior with seating for five passengers and a generous cargo capacity ranging from 810 liters (28.6 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 1,800 liters (63.57 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Key features include a comfortable and well-appointed cabin, advanced infotainment systems, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies. These technologies typically include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system. The 4MOTION system provides enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions, making the Touareg capable both on and off-road. The vehicle’s approach, departure, and ramp-over angles (23.3°, 17.2°, and 13.5° respectively) contribute to its off-road prowess.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Touareg |
| Generation | Touareg III (CR) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 V6 TDI (231 Hp) 4MOTION Tiptronic |
| Start of production | July, 2018 |
| End of production | May, 2023 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 173 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 235 km/h (146.02 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-TEMP |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 231 Hp |
| Torque | 500 Nm @ 1750-3000 rpm (368.78 lb.-ft. @ 1750-3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | DEND |
| Engine displacement | 2967 cm3 (181.06 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt | 5.37 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2070 kg (4563.57 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2850 kg (6283.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 780 kg (1719.61 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 810 l (28.6 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1800 l (63.57 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 75 l (19.81 US gal | 16.5 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 3500 kg (7716.18 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 140 kg (308.65 lbs.) |
| Length | 4878 mm (192.05 in.) |
| Width | 1984 mm (78.11 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2193 mm (86.34 in.) |
| Height | 1717 mm (67.6 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2904 mm (114.33 in.) |
| Front track | 1653-1669 mm (65.08 – 65.71 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1669-1685 mm (65.71 – 66.34 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.322 |
| Approach angle | 23.3° |
| Departure angle | 17.2° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 13.5° |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission Tiptronic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
The Volkswagen Touareg III (CR) 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION Tiptronic offered a compelling package for European buyers seeking a luxurious, capable, and efficient SUV. While not sold in the US market in this generation, it represents a significant evolution in Volkswagen’s SUV offerings, showcasing advancements in technology, performance, and comfort.
