Whether you’re new to the hybrid wave or an old hat, the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid gives you exactly what you’re looking for – a comfortable, luxurious ride that provides decent fuel economy.
Key Features
This hybrid option from Volkswagen offers a supercharged V6 as well as an electric motor, paired with an automatic eight-speed transmission. The result is plenty of power that eliminates any sluggishness you might have seen with other hybrid models. Add in regenerative brakes that offer a pleasurable pedal feel and you already have a good understanding of why the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid should be on your test drive list.
Changes for 2012
The Touareg Hybrid was introduced in 2011, and saw no significant changes for the 2012 model year.
What We Like
We love the responsive feel and smooth transition between the gas and electric motors. The cabin also delivers an upscale ride that is truly comfortable. With all-wheel drive and controlled cornering, the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid delivers a solid ride. When you consider the 20/24 mpg city/highway fuel economy, you’ll quickly see why it just makes sense to make a larger vehicle a hybrid – that kind of mileage will keep you away from the gas pump considerably longer than the non-hybrid options in the class. Another great benefit that offers plenty of peace of mind is the 10-year/10,000 mile powertrain warranty that shows not only that Volkswagen stands behind their vehicle, but also that any potential problems will be addressed.
What Concerns Us
There isn’t much to dislike about this crossover SUV, but the limited cargo space does make a difference. If you are looking for a people hauler, you might need to look for other options, as there’s only room for five in this scaled down SUV.
Available Models
The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid is only available in one model, which uses an electric motor paired with a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. Together, this combination provides:
- 380 horsepower @ 5,500-6,500 rpm
- 425 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000-5,250 rpm
- City/highway fuel economy: 20/24 mpg
Major Recalls
There is only one major recall available for this model. Some 2012 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrids may experience a leak in the fuel injection system. If there is an ignition source nearby, this could result in a fire.
Common Issues
There are no reported common complaints available for this vehicle.