DecodedCars2009 Volkswagen Touareg
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- 2 4dr SUV AWD V6, 2 4dr SUV AWD V8
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl, 4.2L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 17 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 187 in
- Curb weight
- 5,086–5,300 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 33 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Volkswagen Touareg is a SUV - offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl and 4.2L 8-cyl) and all-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 187 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,086 lb (2 4dr SUV AWD V6).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 24 highway), 13% better than the 2009 SUV - average of 17.7 MPG, for an estimated $4,800 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2009
- Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 5.0L 10-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 17 to 20
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Touareg →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 4dr SUV AWD V6 | 187 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 111.8 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 5,086 lb | 52/48 |
| 2 4dr SUV AWD V8 | 187 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 111.8 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 5,300 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touareg Diesel | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | +13% | $4,800 | 509 |
| Touareg | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -10% | $5,150 | 555 |
| Touareg | 4.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -15% | $5,500 | 592 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Volkswagen Touareg (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2009 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2009 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2009 Toyota Highlander | 26 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe | 20 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 8, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V151000 · 20,908 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Touareg vehicles. The fuel filter flange may crack and allow fuel to leak out.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel filter flange if cracks are found. A protective cover will be applied to the fuel filter to prevent oxidization cracks from forming. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 3, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 20Z4.
Not every 2009 Volkswagen Touareg is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Volkswagen Touareg buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 6 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 90,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Touareg years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Touareg | 19 | 189 in | Not rated | 1 | 24 |
| 2016 Touareg | 24 | 189 in | Not rated | 2 | 45 |
| 2015 Touareg | 23 | 189 in | Not rated | 3 | 24 |
| 2014 Touareg | 23 | 189 in | Not rated | 3 | 24 |
| 2013 Touareg | 23 | 189 in | Not rated | 3 | 20 |
| 2012 Touareg | 22 | 189 in | Not rated | 4 | 20 |
| 2011 Touareg | 22 | 189 in | Not rated | 4 | 7 |
| 2010 Touareg | 20 | 187 in | Not rated | 1 | 14 |
| 2008 Touareg | 17 | 187 in | Not rated | 1 | 41 |
| 2007 Touareg | 17 | 187 in | Not rated | 2 | 5 |
| 2006 Touareg | 17 | 187 in | Not rated | 1 | 17 |
| 2005 Touareg | 16 | 187 in | Not rated | 1 | 28 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →