Most people don't associate Volkswagen with luxury SUVs or hybrids, but the VW Touareg Hybrid is both -- a plush four-wheel drive off-roader that uses both a supercharged V6 and electric motor to provide V8-like power. It's ideal for those who want a powerful SUV without the guilt associated with a premium badge or a thumping eight-cylinder engine. And, because of that, the Touareg Hybrid is a pretty good value among luxury 4x4s.
For 2015, the Touareg Hybrid got a new grille and lights front and rear, as well as revised wheels and interior trim and coasting function for the automatic transmission.
The Touareg Hybrid comes as just one trim level. For just under $68,000, you get a 3-liter supercharged V6 paired with an electric motor for a combined output of 333 horsepower. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. Fuel economy is rated by the EPA at 20 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
Every Touareg Hybrid comes with features such as 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go settings and automatic emergency braking, hands-free power tailgate, surround-view cameras, parking sensors and lane departure warning. Inside, there is leather upholstery with heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, keyless entry and start and an 8-inch touchscreen navigation with 60GB hard drive.
You either want a Touareg Hybrid or you don't, and your choice is limited to color and upholstery. Getting the Touareg TDI nets you more choice in terms of equipment levels, a $4,000 lower sticker price and a 5 mpg improvement in highway fuel economy, but you'll lose the level of performance and the hybrid bragging rights offered by this model.
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