NOTE: Pricing based on data collected February 2011. Costs of hybridization and forced features are UCS estimates based on information available on manufacturer websites.
See full Hybrid Scorecard methodology
Vehicle Summary
Volkswagen introduced the Touareg Hybrid in 2011 as the highest trim level of the Touareg line, which debuted in 2002. This vehicle is the first hybrid model from a company well-known for using diesel technology to maximize fuel economy gains. Marketing the 21 miles per gallon (mpg) Touareg Hybrid as a “supercharged performance hybrid,” it is clear that Volkswagen focused on power and speed over fuel efficiency. With a supercharged V6 380-horsepower engine, this car is the very definition of a “muscle” hybrid. The Touareg Hybrid, like its drivetrain twin the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid, is a full hybrid, offering electric-only operation under certain conditions, idle stop/start, power assist, and regenerative braking.
Environmental Improvement Score
At 21 mpg, the Touareg Hybrid gets a measly 2 mpg improvement over the conventional model. The Touareg Hybrid’s 10 percent reduction in global warming pollution is the smallest of any model on the scorecard, even smaller than that of its twin, the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid. In contrast, the Infiniti M Hybrid was also designed with acceleration in mind, but met that goal while achieving a 28 percent reduction in global warming emissions over its conventional counterpart. Volkswagen could have made a similar vehicle to give high-end SUV consumers some real benefits from what hybrid technology has to offer. In addition to poor emissions reductions, the Touareg Hybrid achieves an EPA smog score of only 6, the lowest score among hybrids. The combination of a poor smog score and low global warming emissions reductions earn it an Environmental Improvement Score of 3.0–the lowest rated vehicle in this category.
Scorecard Environmental Improvement Score methodology
Hybrid Value
Volkswagen is charging a $7,865 premium for the hybrid system in the Touareg. This hefty price tag is among the most expensive of all hybrid models evaluated for the scorecard, and more than double the hybridization cost of its twin, the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid. Given that the Touareg hybrid is also the lowest achiever in terms of global warming emission reductions over its conventional model, it should come as no surprise that the Touareg earns a “Very Poor” Hybrid Value score.
Scorecard Hybrid Value methodology
Forced Features
While the Touareg is a high-end SUV in all its different forms, a buyer of the Touareg Hybrid is forced to accept a plethora of extra features that rival even the most luxurious luxury car. Volkswagen itself boasts that “almost every available luxury feature has been incorporated … standard.” All told, the Touareg has more than $8,000 worth of forced features, more than all but the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the Lexus LX 600h, and earning it the worst possible Forced Features rating of “$$$$$.” Sample forced features include a power sliding panoramic sunroof; rearview camera with Park Distance Control; power-operated, power folding, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals and memory; 12-way adjustable front seats, and heated rear seats. Click to see full list of forced features.
Scorecard Forced Features methodology
Hybrid Scorecard Home
Additional Info
Visit the Who’s Got Hybrids section to read comments and stories from actual hybrid owners.
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