Volkswagen Touareg 2025 review: 210TDI Elegance

There are four variants in the updated Touareg line-up with the release of the new R plug-in hybrid performance variant, but the model on test is the mid-spec 210TDI Elegance, which is priced from $99,990 before on-road costs.

Volkswagen lowered prices across all Touareg grades with the 210TDI Elegance now about $8K cheaper than before. And it definitely more affordable than its rivals, with the nearest competitor being the mechanically related Audi Q7 45TDI at $117,284 MSRP, then the BMW X5 xDrive30d xDrive at $134,900 MSRP, and Mercedes-Benz GLE 400d sits at a hefty $141,670 MSRP.

The updated 210TDI Elegance sees a few changes to the standard equipment list, mainly related to the technology offering. It now features the new I.Q Light HD matrix LEDs across the front, with a light bar across the rear and an illuminated VW badge (rear).

2025 Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI Elegance (Image: Glen Sullivan)

The dashboard is headlined by a new 15-inch touchscreen multimedia system and 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, both of which feature updated graphics. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now also have wireless connectivity. 

Other equipment for the 210TDI Elegance includes 18-way powered front seats with lumbar and under-thigh supports, as well as side bolsters, three-position memory function, heat and ventilation functions. Oh and a massage function. Hello comfort!

Practicality is rounded out by keyless entry and start, a powered tailgate, collapsible spare tyre with inflator kit, adaptive air suspension (adjustable from boot), and dual-zone climate control.

2025 Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI Elegance (Image: Glen Sullivan)

The cabin inside reflects that the Touareg is a big car. Stacks of head- and legroom is on offer in each row. The seat comfort is also fantastic with even the rear row featuring plush padded comfort. This is the SUV you take on a road trip.

The individual storage is good with multiple cubbies up front for your bits and pieces, including a ventilated glove box, a drawer on the drivers side and a net on the side of the centre console that can fit a small handbag.

There is also a dedicated phone spot with a wireless charging pad, three USB-C ports and a 12-volt socket.

2025 Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI Elegance (Image: Glen Sullivan)

Amenities and storage options in the second row are great, with directional air vents, two USB-C ports, a 12-volt socket, reading lights and retractable sunblinds. The latter are particularly handy when travelling with kids and my son loves using his.

I also like that you get hardened kickplates because my kid loves to put his feet on everything and I find them easier to clean.

There's ample storage with two map pockets, storage bins and three cupholders in a fold-down armrest.

Families with lots of stuff will love the 810L boot capacity and you can bumped it up to 1800L if you fold the rear row. The back seat has a 40/20/40 split which also opens up your storage options and you get multiple luggage nets, a cargo cover and a 12-volt socket.

There is a collapsible spare tyre and a compressor underneath the floor and you can change the height of the boot with the adaptive air suspension. This also has a powered tailgate, which I always find handy.

In terms of the updated tech, you won’t be using the multimedia system on the go until you get used to this system as there is a lot going on with it, but the level of customisation available is fantastic and helps personalise the driving experience. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is wired and wireless and there is a built-in satellite navigation system.

The 210TDI Elegance is an AWD and has a powerful 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel engine which produces 210kW of power and 600Nm of torque.

That supports a 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity, which should entice camping or boating enthusiasts. Yep, you can have your cake and eat it too.

The Elegance can do a 0-100km/h sprint in a quick 6.0 seconds and features an eight-speed auto transmission which is ridiculously smooth.

2024 Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI Elegance (Image: Glen Sullivan)

The official combined fuel-cycle consumption figure is a low 7.4/100km and my real-world usage sits at 8.4L after mostly open-road driving this week.

Considering the power, size and fun that I've had with this model, I'm super happy with how efficient the 210TDI Elegance is.  

Based on the official combined fuel cycle and large 90L fuel tank, expect a hefty theoretical driving range of 1216km. Which means this is a perfect road-trip car.

2025 Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI Elegance (Image: Glen Sullivan)

The Touareg has a five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing done in 2018 and features a long list of safety features. It has eight airbags, including side chest airbags for the back row but it’s usual to only see these on the front.

Other standard safety equipment includes engine immobiliser, daytime running lights, intelligent seatbelt reminders, hill descent control, adaptive cruise control, driver fatigue detection, traffic sign recognition, pedestrian monitoring, lane keeping and departure aids, 360-degree camera system with front and rear parking sensors.

2025 Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI Elegance (Image: Glen Sullivan)

The 210TDI Elegance also has front and rear cross-traffic alert, window and door child safety locks and a park assist feature.

The auto emergency braking has forward collision warning, with pedestrian, car and cyclist detection which is operational from 5.0 - 85km/h (up to 180km/h for car detection).

The Touareg has two ISOFIX mounts and three top tethers. The rear row is wide enough to be able to fit three child seats comfortably.