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 buyers seeking a versatile and technologically advanced vehicle. While not initially a major seller in the United States (the Touareg was discontinued in the US after the second generation and reintroduced in 2024 with the third generation), the Touareg has been a significant player in 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 engine.
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 more luxurious and capable SUV option than Volkswagen’s Tiguan. The third generation, and specifically the 3.0 V6 TDI model, continued this trend, emphasizing advanced technology, a spacious interior, and a powerful yet efficient diesel engine. The Touareg III moved further upmarket, focusing on premium features and a sophisticated driving experience. Its primary market was Europe, where diesel engines remain popular, and demand for capable all-wheel-drive vehicles is high.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Touareg III 3.0 V6 TDI is a 2,967 cc (181.06 cu. in.) V6 diesel engine, producing 286 horsepower (Hp) and 600 Nm (442.54 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2250 and 3250 rpm. This engine utilizes a diesel common rail fuel injection system and is turbocharged with an intercooler to maximize power and efficiency. The engine is longitudinally mounted in the front of the vehicle. Power is delivered to all four wheels via Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. This combination allows for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 6.1 seconds and a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds, making it a relatively quick SUV for its size and class. The Touareg III achieves a combined fuel economy of 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg, 40.9 UK mpg), with CO2 emissions of 182 g/km, meeting Euro 6d-TEMP emission standards. The weight-to-power ratio is 7 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 3.3 kg/Nm, indicating a good balance between power and weight.
Design & Features
The Touareg III 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 five seats and a spacious interior. Key design elements include a prominent front grille, sleek headlights, and a muscular profile. The interior is characterized by high-quality materials, a minimalist dashboard layout, and advanced technology features. The Touareg III prioritizes safety, incorporating systems like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and electric power steering. Practicality is also a key feature, with a trunk (boot) space 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. The vehicle has a maximum roof load of 75 kg (165.35 lbs) and can tow up to 3,500 kg (7716.18 lbs) with brakes.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Touareg |
| Generation | Touareg III (CR) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 V6 TDI (286 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 (economy) – urban | 8.1 l/100 km (29 US mpg, 34.9 UK mpg, 12.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 6.2 l/100 km (37.9 US mpg, 45.6 UK mpg, 16.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg, 40.9 UK mpg, 14.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 182 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 6.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 235 km/h (146.02 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-TEMP |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 286 Hp |
| Torque | 600 Nm @ 2250-3250 rpm (442.54 lb.-ft. @ 2250-3250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | DENA |
| 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 oil capacity | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt | 5.37 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1995 kg (4398.22 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2850 kg (6283.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 855 kg (1884.95 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 3.0 V6 TDI 4MOTION Tiptronic represents a sophisticated and capable SUV, blending performance, efficiency, and technology. While its presence in the US market was limited, it remains a popular and respected vehicle in Europe, offering a compelling alternative to its competitors.
