2014 Volkswagen Touareg

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 models.

Volkswagen Touareg
Pictured: 2019 Volkswagen Touareg V6 R-Line Tech TD 3.0 Front. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Body styles
3.0l Tdi 4motion 4 Dr SUV AWD, 3.6l V-6 4 Dr SUV AWD
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel, Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined · 20 city / 29 hwy
Length
189 in
Curb weight
4,711–4,974 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 28% better than the average 2014 standard SUV (17.9 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • Few owner complaints24 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 306 for similar models.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2014 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2014 Volkswagen Touareg is a standard SUV offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 189 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,974 lb (3.0l Tdi 4motion 4 Dr SUV AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 29 highway), 28% better than the 2014 standard SUV average of 17.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 24 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2014

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2013 Touareg — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2013; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2013 Touareg →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
3.0l Tdi 4motion 4 Dr SUV AWD189 in76.4 in68.1 in113.8 in64.6 / 64.6 in4,974 lb53/47
3.6l V-6 4 Dr SUV AWD189 in76.4 in68.1 in113.8 in64.6 / 64.6 in4,711 lb53/47

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Touareg Diesel3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive20 / 29 / 23+28%$4,150445
Touareg Hybrid Hybrid3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive20 / 24 / 21+17%$3,900414
Touareg3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 19+6%$4,350476
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $7,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
17.9 MPG2014 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg.

Similar 2014 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2014 Volkswagen Touareg (this car)23 MPGNot rated3
2014 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated4
2014 Toyota RAV426 MPGNot rated7
2014 Toyota 4Runner19 MPGNot rated7
2014 Ford Explorer23 MPGNot rated6
2014 Subaru Forester27 MPGNot rated2
2014 Mazda CX-529 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (3)

Unknown Or Other · May 16, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V329000 · 252 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Risk
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages · Mar 24, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V170000 · 46,574 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Touareg vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a securing clip, allowing the pivot pin to move and the brake pedal to dislodge.
Risk
If the brake pedal dislodges, the driver may not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly to verify the presence of the securing clip and install any missing securing clips, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 46G4.
Hybrid Propulsion System · Jan 25, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V035000 · 825 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Touareg Hybrid vehicles manufactured March 20, 2010, to April 11, 2015. The hybrid battery tray may not drain water sufficiently. If water collects in the hybrid battery tray, it may cause an electrical short in the high voltage battery.
Risk
An electrical short in the high voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a fitted drain valve to allow water to drain properly, free of charge. The recall began late February 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this 53B8.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2014 Volkswagen Touareg is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

24Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
4Injuries reported
33,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine6
Steering5
Suspension3
Unknown Or Other3
Electrical System3
Air Bags2
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Engine And Engine Cooling1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
15/01: 115/02: 115/04: 115/09: 116/01: 116/03: 116/04: 116/05: 217/02: 117/08: 118/03: 118/08: 219/01: 119/06: 120/11: 120/12: 121/06: 121/08: 221/10: 122/03: 124/01: 115/0115/0916/0417/0819/0120/1221/10max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2014 Volkswagen Touareg buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 6 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Steering — 5 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  4. Suspension — 3 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 33,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Touareg years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2017 Touareg19189 inNot rated124
2016 Touareg24189 inNot rated245
2015 Touareg23189 inNot rated324
2013 Touareg23189 inNot rated320
2012 Touareg22189 inNot rated420
2011 Touareg22189 inNot rated47
2010 Touareg20187 inNot rated114
2009 Touareg20187 inNot rated112
2008 Touareg17187 inNot rated141
2007 Touareg17187 inNot rated25
2006 Touareg17187 inNot rated117
2005 Touareg16187 inNot rated128

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →