The 2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI stands out in the crowded SUV market, offering a unique blend of luxury, capability, and fuel efficiency. As experts at keyfobprog.com, specializing in automotive insights and repair, we’ve taken a detailed look at this diesel-powered vehicle to give you a comprehensive review. Let’s delve into what makes the 2014 Vw Touareg Tdi a compelling choice for discerning drivers.
Exterior Aesthetics: A Blend of Curves and Purpose
The exterior of the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI presents a rounded, almost bubbly design, a departure from the sharp angles often seen in pickup trucks and some SUVs. However, this curvaceous body is undeniably appealing, with lines flowing smoothly in all the right places. The front fascia is marked by bright LED accented headlights that provide excellent illumination, while the large taillights ensure high visibility for drivers behind you. The subtle chrome trim adds a touch of sophistication without being ostentatious. Surprisingly, the 20-inch wheels appear perfectly proportioned to the vehicle’s size, enhancing its overall stance.
However, the design isn’t without minor flaws. The trailer hitch receiver, while functional, seems somewhat like an afterthought, disrupting the otherwise clean lines of the rear. This is particularly noticeable given the attention to detail evident in the design of the exhaust tips. Volkswagen’s choice of “Toffee Brown” for the press vehicle, while potentially pandering to automotive journalists, actually suits the Touareg well, even for those not typically fond of brown cars.
Interior Comfort and Design: Nearing Perfection
Stepping inside the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI reveals an interior that, for many, approaches perfection in design and comfort. The instrument cluster features large, clear circular gauges with white-on-black text and red needles, ensuring excellent readability. The front seats boast an athletic contour and a smooth texture, providing a snug and supportive feel. They strike a balance, being firmer than typical American car seats yet more forgiving than the often rigid leather seats found in BMW or Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Rear passengers are equally well catered for, especially in the Executive trim. The three-across rear bench offers heated and reclining seats, a rare treat in this class. Adding to the spacious and airy feel is the expansive 57.2×39-inch panoramic sunroof, offering the best view in the cabin. The controls are intuitively placed and easy to reach. However, a notable ergonomic issue was pointed out by a passenger: the prominent transmission tunnel intruding into the front passenger footwell can make foot and purse placement awkward. This is worth considering, particularly for families, suggesting a test drive with all regular passengers is advisable. The black and two-tone brown color scheme might not appeal to everyone, but the “saddle” leather option adds a touch of elegance.
Audio, Infotainment, and Gadgets: Feature-Rich but with Quirks
The Dynaudio sound system in the 2014 VW Touareg TDI is undoubtedly good, but it might not fully satisfy audiophiles seeking truly exceptional audio fidelity. Even with equalizer adjustments, it lacks the powerful punch expected from a high-end system. Furthermore, adjusting basic audio settings like bass, treble, and midrange requires navigating deep into the infotainment system’s menus, which is less than ideal for quick adjustments on the go.
The navigation system offers both flat and 3D map views, the latter including digital building representations, a visually interesting but functionally superfluous feature. A genuinely useful feature is the integration of navigation prompts into the driver information display between the speedometer and tachometer. This system provides turn-by-turn directions, including lane guidance and information about upcoming exits and services. The system is remarkably specific, even displaying logos for businesses like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts at relevant exits, suggesting a unique advertising partnership with Volkswagen. However, the GPS voice is described as abrasively robotic, a common complaint with some automaker’s navigation systems. While auditory prompts are crucial for navigation, especially in urban settings, the voice quality in the Touareg TDI feels outdated and less refined compared to more natural-sounding systems.
Engine Performance: Refined Diesel Power
The 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6 (TDI) engine in the 2014 VW Touareg TDI is a standout feature, representing one of the most refined diesel engines available at the time. Compared to older diesel engines and commercial trucks, the TDI is remarkably quiet and produces minimal odor. This engine delivers 240 horsepower and a substantial 406 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for merging onto highways, tackling inclines, and even light off-road driving. Using ultra-low sulfur diesel, as mandated, the engine’s operation is so smooth and quiet that it’s easy to forget it’s a diesel at all.
Fuel economy is another significant advantage. The Touareg TDI can achieve close to 30 MPG on the highway while still offering substantial passenger and cargo space. Real-world testing yielded over 22 MPG across nearly 500 miles of mixed driving conditions, including highway cruising and more spirited driving.
Gearbox and Braking: Smooth and Responsive
The 8-speed automatic transmission is a highlight of the 2014 VW Touareg TDI. In standard “D” mode, shifts are exceptionally smooth and seamless. Engaging “S” mode, by pulling the gear selector back from Drive, unlocks a more dynamic driving experience with more aggressive shift points. While paddle shifters are absent, manual gear selection using the gear stick is reasonably responsive.
Braking performance is more than adequate, offering substantial stopping power. In “Off Road” mode, the hill-descent control system effectively manages speed when descending steep slopes at speeds below 20 MPH. The four power-assisted 13-inch disc brakes, combined with appropriate tires, provide confident and abrupt stops on various surfaces, including pavement, loose gravel, and wet dirt.
Ride and Handling: Optimized for On-Road Comfort and Capability
The suspension of the 2014 VW Touareg TDI is tuned to provide a responsive on-road driving experience, leaning slightly towards firmness, which can translate to a somewhat harsher ride over bumps. This setup reflects Volkswagen’s understanding that most Touaregs will primarily be used on paved roads. However, this on-road focus doesn’t compromise handling. Telescopic dampers and an anti-roll bar contribute to keeping the vehicle stable and flat through corners. The 4Motion full-time all-wheel-drive system, featuring a Torsen center differential, seamlessly distributes power to the wheels, enhancing traction in various conditions without driver intervention.
The traction control system is effective but not infallible. While hill-descent control is excellent at lower speeds in slippery conditions, at higher speeds, the rear end can become surprisingly easy to lose traction, requiring driver awareness and caution.
Hauling, Towing, and Cargo: Practical and Versatile
The tested 2014 VW Touareg TDI was equipped with the optional tow package, including a Class III receiver and a substantial 7,700-pound towing capacity. While towing was not tested directly in this review, the engine’s robust torque suggests it would handle towing boats under 25 feet and two-horse trailers with ease. The Touareg has a reputation for being a capable tow vehicle in its class.
The rear cargo area is dog-friendly, comfortably accommodating two medium-sized dogs, although this leaves limited space for luggage. Interestingly, a harp proved too large to fit even with the rear seats folded down, highlighting the cargo space limitations for particularly bulky items, despite the 64 cubic feet of space with seats down. Folding the rear seats is conveniently done with buttons in the cargo area, as is the power-operated rear hatch. These features, initially considered superfluous, proved to be quite useful in daily use. The cargo cover, designed to lift automatically for easy access to the 31 cubic-foot space behind the rear seats, was found to be somewhat prone to unwanted opening.
Off-Road and Maneuverability: Surprisingly Capable
Despite its on-road focus, the 2014 VW Touareg TDI demonstrates impressive off-road capabilities. It boasts a notable fording depth and strong grip in challenging terrain. It handled slick mud, wet rocks, and even frozen river sections without difficulty. In fact, intentionally inducing wheel slip for off-road photos proved surprisingly difficult, a testament to its traction capabilities. For more detailed insights into its off-pavement performance, further resources are available online.
The Touareg TDI is equipped with multiple cameras, including a 360-degree top-down view, accessible manually through the infotainment system or automatically engaging with the backup camera when reversing. These camera systems greatly enhance maneuverability in tight spaces and off-road environments.
Value Proposition: Premium Features at a Premium Price
The 2014 VW Touareg TDI, particularly in the Executive trim, occupies a premium price point. While a gasoline-powered Touareg starts at a lower price, the TDI models begin notably higher. The range-topping Executive trim tested pushes the price even further. Comparing it to competitors, an Audi Q7 Prestige TDI, even in its highest trim, is only marginally more expensive. Alternatively, the review humorously suggests that the price could buy two used Range Rovers.
While Audi’s option packages can be significantly more expensive than Volkswagen’s, and the running costs of a Range Rover could quickly offset initial savings, the $60,000+ price range for the Touareg TDI is a significant consideration. However, the Volkswagen offers a degree of understated subtlety compared to the flashier Audi Q7, Range Rover, or Porsche Cayenne, which might appeal to buyers seeking luxury without overt ostentation.
Verdict: A Refined and Enjoyable Diesel SUV
Living with the 2014 VW Touareg TDI for a week proved to be a genuinely enjoyable experience. It’s a pleasure to drive, aesthetically pleasing, and features a near-perfect interior. For buyers who can afford its premium price but prefer a more understated luxury SUV compared to its Audi and Porsche counterparts, the Touareg TDI is an excellent choice. However, exploring the used market for a slightly older model might present a more financially advantageous option.
Specifications As Tested: 2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Executive
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $61,760.00 |
| Engine | 3.0 TDI V6 |
| Horsepower | 240 hp @ 4,000 RPM |
| Torque | 406 lb-ft @ 2,000 RPM |
| Transmission | ZF 8-speed automatic, 4Motion AWD |
| Fuel Economy (EPA) | 20 City/23 Combined/29 Highway MPG |
| Observed MPG | 22.1 MPG (over 473 miles mixed driving) |
| Cargo Volume (Seats Up) | 32.1 cubic ft |
| Cargo Volume (Seats Down) | 64 cubic ft |
| Curb Weight | 4,974 lbs |
| GVWR | 6,305 lbs |
| Payload | 1,155 lbs |
| Towing Capacity | 7,716 lbs (with Towing Package) |
| Approach Angle | 26º |
| Departure Angle | 26º |
| Breakover Angle | 21º |
