Volkswagen Touareg

Fuel economy, running costs and specs by model year

The Volkswagen Touareg appears in this database in 2 model years, from 2016 to 2017, offered with diesel and gasoline power. Combined economy ranges from 19 to 24 MPG across those years, with annual fuel costs of $3,400 to $3,950 at 15,000 miles.

Fuel economy by year

How it compares

Against the average standard sport utility vehicle 4wd in this dataset (about 23 MPG), the Touareg sits roughly 1 MPG below that mark on average, making it a thirstier-than-average choice for its class.

Five-year fuel cost

Fuelling a Touareg for five years at the EPA's 15,000-mile basis costs roughly $17,000 to $19,750, averaging about $18,375 across the versions here. That is the energy bill alone — it excludes insurance, maintenance and depreciation, which for most owners together exceed what goes into the tank.

The range within the range

Economy across the Touareg varies by about 5 MPG between its most and least frugal versions, which run on diesel and gasoline. Engine size, turbocharging, drivetrain and even wheel size explain most of that gap, so when you shop a used Touareg check which version you are looking at before comparing its running cost to another car.

How it changed over time

Between 2016 and 2017 the Touareg's average combined economy slipped from about 22 to 19 MPG. Redesigns, new engines and added hybrid or electric versions are usually what move the number, so the year you choose can matter as much as the model.

Best year for fuel economy

The 2016 Touareg has the strongest average combined economy in this database at about 22 MPG, while the 2017 is the lowest at about 19 MPG. If running cost is your priority, that is the year to target on the used market; later years may add equipment or safety features instead.

2017 Touareg at a glance

Use the comparison tool to set the Touareg against a rival, or go back to all Volkswagen models.