Browse over 9,000 car reviews
What's the difference?
The 2024 Volkswagen Touareg has been on its way to Australia for what seems like forever with repeated delays pushing the large family SUV's arrival back one year (almost to the day) from its global release.
Changes made aren't drastic, meaning it's the introduction of the new flagship plug-in hybrid R variant that's most intriguing.
With the powertrain's niche success proven by cousin Cupra (also sitting under the Volkswagen Group umbrella), as VW Australia's first PHEV, the Touareg R may blaze the trial for future plug-in products.
On the spec sheet, the Touareg R certainly impresses. It makes no compromise on towing ability, power or cabin space despite consuming 60 per cent less fuel in lab tests.
We travelled to Melbourne and its scenic high country to sample the plug-in hybrid solution in VW's latest R product in the real world.
Mazda has a tendency to have a lot of similar looking horses in the stable; blink and you'll miss the (very) subtle differences between the CX-8 and the CX-9 but if you're not super keen on the bulk of the CX-9 and you've outgrown the space of the CX-5... this one's for you.
Especially, if you've been considering its competition - the Hyundai Santa Fe Elite CRDi AWD and Toyota Kluger GXL AWD. Both of which have become known for their features and space.
So, how does it compare? The CX-8 GT SP diesel all-wheel drive seats seven, has a decent boot space (albeit, when the third row isn't in use) and handles like a dream.
Perfect combination? Maybe. I've been driving it for the last week with my family to find out for you.
The facelifted Touareg is subtly improved across all metrics including price. That's a rare win for a mid-life facelift and should help VW shift more of this accomplished family SUV.
It's not all perfect, with no spare tyre included and the mis-match between braked towing capacity and towball down weight.
The diesel engine is torquey, refined and the 170TDI feels like an awful lot more than a base model with stacks of equipment.
As for the R, it's an expensive flagship with a unique powertrain. One that's very well integrated but the plug-in hybrid experience isn't for everyone. There's no doubting its performance credentials and everyday comfort, though.
No matter the spec, VW's revised Touareg is a family SUV that should definitely make it onto your short list.
So, what did my family think about the Mazda CX-8 GT SP diesel all-wheel drive? I love how it performs on the road - it's super easy to drive and you don't notice how large it is in a car park.
There are some great family-friendly features scattered throughout and I like how practical this is too with the extra seats and top-tether points. The multimedia system isn’t my favourite and I would have preferred to have seen a few extra airbags and a 360-degree view camera, but overall, it’s a good family car and gets an 8.0/10 from me.
My son loved the sun blinds and the cool colour of the seats. He also gives it an 8.0/10.
The Touareg is an elegant large SUV that has presence in its size, if not eye-catching design flair.
For the facelift, Volkswagen has smartened up the fascia and rear bumper. New 'click clack' front lighting signatures give extra menace while the rear light bar and glowing VW badge let you know this, indeed, is the new Touareg.
Fresh alloy wheels designs are interesting but the R-Line's are a little chunky for my tastes.
Inside, it's a similar story, though worth calling out is the open pore wood trims on 170TDI and Elegance that are so classy compared to the chintz of a Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The R gets Lapiz Blue accents and stitching inside though is generally very similar to the other models, meaning you might not feel so justified spending the extra cash.
Fans of light-coloured leather will be glad to hear the 210TDI Elegance can be ordered with Mistral cream leather upholstery for no extra cost.
To be honest, I can't really tell the CX-8 and CX-9 apart on the road. They're both large SUVs that sport the classic Mazda bonnet - sharp and long. Up close, the CX-9 has a bulkier shape but otherwise they are remarkably similar.
The CX-8's darkened grille generates some interest with its lattice-work and there are enough shiny chrome accents scattered about the car that it looks pretty.
Yet, the sporty sharpness that Mazda is known for is still hinted at with its shaping and the 19-inch black alloy wheels.
Our model is finished in 'Platinum Quartz Metallic' and it is the highlight for the exterior styling for me. I think because it's such an interesting colour to look at - it varies a lot depending on lighting conditions. Sometimes, it almost has a sheen of pink to it and at others, it looks like pearly sand.
The interior looks polished and refined with its burgundy leather trim and soft-touchpoints. Again, there is a lot of chrome inside to make otherwise dull features, like air vents, pop out.
Volkswagen has been busy improving usability of the touchscreen. There is now a vertical row of shortcut buttons for front and rear demisters, air recirculate and other heavily-trafficked functions.
Another row of shortcuts at the top of the screen allow you to a easily jump from navigation to car settings, phone mirroring and back.
Excitingly, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto take full advantage of the massive screen, now running to all four corners.
In general, the user interface is excellent and very user-friendly though there is occasional lag symptomatic of an older-gen processor. Also, when adjusting the HVAC settings, phone mirroring disappears briefly. Annoying but not end-of-world stuff.
Continuing on the theme, VW's customisable digital driver's display is very crisp and can display a map. The new head-up display is bright enough to work with polarised sunglasses, too.
There is plenty of space to stash snacks and drink bottles in the door pockets. Two large cup holders can be found in the centre console, there are three USB-C ports in the front (now 45W instead of 15W) and storage under the supportive armrest.
The back seat is roomy with enough space for three adults across. There's a transmission tunnel but it's low enough not to be too troublesome.
The Touareg's rear doors open wide and are fitted with soft-touch materials as well as classy integrated sun blinds.
With a standard panoramic sunroof, and lots of space between the front seats, vision out is fantastic. The cabin feels light and airy but thanks to tinted glass and powerful four-zone climate control it never gets too hot.
There are also two more USB-C ports and a second 12V socket in a fold out section of the rear console.
As before, the Touareg is only offered with five seats, with no optional third row to match some rivals.
All variants feature a standard power tailgate with auto-close functionality.
The boot has a crucial flaw for Australian buyers, though: no Touareg is equipped with a full-size or space-saver spare tyre. It's an inflation kit or tow truck if you get a flat.
Other attributes, including an 810L maximum space with five seat up or 1800L with the second row folded, are rather stellar. So is the finishing, with quality carpet, a cargo net included, sturdy tie-down points and a classy bag for the PHEV's charging cables.
There are shopping bag hooks on either side, remote pull tabs to fold the 40/20/40 backrest flat and buttons to raise and lower the air suspension for easier loading.
The CX-8 is a very practical family hauler because there's ample room in all three rows. Yes, even adults will be able to squeeze into that third row without too many complaints!
All rows enjoy well-cushioned seats and up front they are electrically adjustable, but unfortunately, only the driver's side has lumbar support.
The middle row can slide forward manually or by using the electric button found on the side of the seats... but doing it yourself is way faster.
They do slide far enough forward that you won't embarrass yourself too much when you have to clamber into the third row. Where the seats have a 50/50 split-fold and manual adjustments (accessed via the boot).
In the first two rows there are lots of individual storage options but the front enjoys the most. The middle console is deep enough to be useful and I like the dual opening lid. Each row gets a couple of cupholders and drink bottle holders, too.
The charging options are great, with each row getting two USB-C ports and the front getting a wireless charging pad and 12-volt socket.
All of the controls and dials feel within easy reach and the 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia system graphics are clear.
You can use it as a touchscreen or opt for the rotary dial but switching between the two was awkward for me. Especially, since the touchscreen function is disabled when you are using the wireless Apple CarPlay. This also has wired Android Auto, for those users.
The amenities are practical throughout with a dark headliner, three-zone climate control and heated outboard seats and retractable sun-blinds in the middle row.
Good news for families because there are five top-tether points across the back rows and ISOFIX child seat mounts on the outboard seats in middle row, in case you need them.
You can fit a 0-4 rearward facing child seat and it shouldn’t impact on front passenger comfort.
My six-year old found it super easy to get in and out of this car because of the 205mm ground clearance and wide door apertures. He enjoyed the high seating position, too, but was disappointed he couldn’t see out of the sunroof!
The boot space is a bit cramped with all three rows are in use at 209L but folding the third row opens up a more respectable 775L - perfect for the average family and its stuff!
The loading space is level, with the temporary spare tyre and clever storage compartments housed underneath. There is a retractable cargo blind and net, luggage anchor points and a 12-volt port, too.
And, as always, I love a powered tailgate, which this has!
Before we arrive at the driving, we've got to talk price – the reveal was a shock for all the right reasons.
When was the last time a new car arrived with a lower price than its predecessor? Well, the sweet starting price is the main reason behind the Touareg's tardy arrival.
The refreshed Touareg 170TDI entry grade lists at $86,790 before on-road costs, or $2450 less than the car it replaces.
New features include trick HD Matrix LED headlights with 38,000 individual diodes in the pair of front-facing lamps. Their beams can perform a sort of vehicular mating call with jazzy entry animations but their real trick is incredible functionality on dark country roads.
Additionally, the 15-inch 'Innovison' multimedia touchscreen (that finally boasts full-size wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) is now included, rather than being an $8700 option, effectively dropping the price by $10,970.
New ‘Coventry’ 19-inch alloy wheels, open pore wood trim, black 'Vienna' leather upholstery, power-adjust seats with three-stage heating, dual-zone climate control and wireless charging pad round out the spec.
The Touareg is never going to compete at the low end on price with a Kia Sorento, Nissan Pathfinder or Hyundai Palisade but they're not its true rivals.
With MLB underpinnings befitting luxury nameplates (including the Audi Q7 and Bentley Bentayga), the Touareg's a match for the Volvo XC90 and Lexus RX as well as BMW's X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
The $99,990 210TDI Elegance introduces 20-inch ‘Braga’ alloy wheels, air suspension with adaptive dampers, heated and ventilated seats with massage function and an extra 40kW/100Nm of grunt.
For $10,000 more again, the sporty R-Line gets 21-inch alloys, R-Line body kit, R-Line steering wheel with perforated leather upholstery, black headliner, alarm rear privacy glass, aluminium cabin inserts and upmarket ‘Puglia’ leather upholstery.
The Sound and Comfort pack brings rear seat heating, a Dynaudio premium sound system, quad-zone climate, memory front seats and power-adjust steering column, head-up display, tyre pressure monitoring, soft-close doors, head-up display, and alarm. The cost is $8500 for 170TDI and $8000 for the 210TDI. A panoramic sunroof is $3300 extra.
The R gets everything above paired with 22-inch 'Estoril' alloy wheels, night vision, blue brake calipers, an exterior black pack and R-exclusive steering wheel.
Any colour other than Pure White is gonna set you back a chunk of cash. Four Metallics, Chili red and three monochrome shades each cost $2200 while the blues (Meloe on non-R and Lapiz for R) are $2700 extras.
Rear-wheel steer and active roll stabilisation are exclusive to the R-Line diesel due to the R's battery-related packaging constraints.
The GT SP diesel AWD is one of the premium models, sitting third from the top and will cost you $65,560, before on road costs.
However, its price tag positions it as the most expensive compared to its rivals. With the closest rival being the Kluger at $65,310 and the most affordable being the Santa Fe at $60,000.
You do get a stylish-looking package with lots of features for your cash, like heated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, a tilt and slide sunroof, and premium leather interior trim.
There's some great tech scattered throughout, too, like the 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia system, wireless charging pad, USB-A ports in the third row, Bose Premium sound system with 10 speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.