2013-2015 Volkswagen Touareg 3.6L

Overview

The 2013-2015 Volkswagen Touareg represents the second generation of the brand’s premium mid-size SUV, internally designated as the 7P. Developed on the PL72 platform, which it shared with the Porsche Cayenne, the Touareg was engineered to bridge the gap between mainstream family transport and luxury off-road capability. By this stage in its lifecycle, Volkswagen had moved away from the heavy, complex air-suspension-heavy architecture of the original model in favor of a lighter, more agile chassis that prioritized on-road refinement and fuel efficiency without sacrificing its hallmark towing capacity.

Manufacturing for the global market took place at the Volkswagen plant in Bratislava, Slovakia. The 3.6-liter VR6 engine served as the entry-level powerplant for the North American market, offering a balance of reliability and performance. Unlike many of its competitors that utilized traditional V6 layouts, the VR6 design allowed for a compact engine footprint, which aided in packaging and weight distribution. The vehicle was positioned as a premium alternative to the domestic and Japanese SUVs of the era, targeting buyers who desired European driving dynamics, high-quality interior materials, and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system.

Throughout its production run from 2013 to 2015, the Touareg maintained a reputation for solid build quality and a conservative, understated design language. While it lacked the third-row seating found in many American-market SUVs, it compensated with a spacious two-row cabin and a high level of standard equipment. The 8-speed automatic transmission became a standard fixture during these years, providing smooth power delivery and improved highway fuel economy compared to earlier 6-speed units. Today, the model is recognized for its robust construction and its status as one of the last iterations of the Touareg sold in the United States before the brand shifted its focus toward the larger, US-built Atlas.

Vehicle Overview
Brand	Volkswagen
Model	Touareg
Model Year	2013-2015
Generation	2nd (7P)
Trim	Sport, Lux, Executive
Body Style	SUV
Vehicle Segment	Mid-size Luxury SUV
Vehicle Class	Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Market	USA
Platform	PL72
Assembly Plant	Bratislava, Slovakia
Country of Origin	Slovakia
Production Start	2010
Production End	2017
VIN Identifier	WVG
Base MSRP	$44,000 (approx)
Destination Charge	$910
Total MSRP	–
Powertrain
Powertrain Type	Internal Combustion Engine
Engine Family	VR6
Engine Name	3.6L FSI
Engine Code	CDVA
Engine Configuration	V6 (Narrow-angle)
Displacement	3.6 Liters
Bore x Stroke	89.0 mm x 96.4 mm
Compression Ratio	11.4:1
Aspiration	Naturally Aspirated
Fuel Delivery	Direct Injection
Valve Train	DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Engine Block Material	Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material	Aluminum Alloy
Oil Capacity	7.2 Quarts
Oil Specification / Viscosity	VW 502 00 / 5W-40
Horsepower	280 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Torque	266 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm
Redline	6,800 rpm
Drivetrain	All-Wheel Drive
Transmission	Automatic (S8)
Final Drive Ratio	3.70:1
Axle Ratio	–
Fuel Economy
Fuel Type	Premium Gasoline
Recommended Octane	91
EPA City MPG	16
EPA Highway MPG	23
EPA Combined MPG	19
Fuel Economy (L/100 km)	12.4
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)	26.4
Estimated Driving Range	500 miles
Annual Fuel Cost	$2,600
CO₂ Emissions	460 g/mi
Greenhouse Gas Score	3
Smog Rating	5
Performance
0-30 mph	2.8 s
0-60 mph	7.7 s
0-100 mph	21.5 s
Quarter Mile	15.9 s
Top Speed	140 mph
Braking Distance (60-0 mph)	125 ft
Lateral Acceleration	0.78g
Power-to-Weight Ratio	0.06 hp/lb
Dimensions & Capacities
Length (in)	188.8
Width (Without Mirrors) (in)	76.4
Width (With Mirrors) (in)	86.0
Height (in)	68.2
Wheelbase (in)	113.9
Front Track (in)	65.0
Rear Track (in)	65.8
Ground Clearance (in)	7.9
Curb Weight (lbs)	4,696
GVWR (lbs)	6,173
Towing Capacity (lbs)	7,716
Payload Capacity (lbs)	1,477
Passenger Volume (cu ft)	103.6
Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft)	32.1
Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft)	64.0
Turning Circle	39.7 ft
Approach Angle	26.0°
Departure Angle	26.0°
Breakover Angle	20.0°
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating	–
NHTSA Frontal Crash	–
NHTSA Side Crash	–
NHTSA Rollover	–
IIHS Award	Top Safety Pick
Small Overlap Front	–
Moderate Overlap Front	Good
Side Impact	Good
Headlights Rating	–
Front Crash Prevention	–
Technology & Connectivity
Infotainment Display	8-inch Touchscreen
Instrument Cluster	Analog with Multi-function Display
Apple CarPlay	No
Android Auto	No
Navigation System	Optional
Audio System	Dynaudio Premium
Speaker Count	12
Wireless Charging	No
Wi-Fi Hotspot	No
OTA Updates	No
Digital Key	No
Warranty & Ownership
Basic Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion Warranty	12 years / Unlimited miles
Roadside Assistance	3 years / 36,000 miles
Complimentary Maintenance	3 years / 36,000 miles
Specs.Autos Exclusive Data
Engine Assembly Plant	Salzgitter, Germany
Transmission Supplier	Aisin
Gear Ratios	–
Differential Type	Torsen Center
Cooling System Capacity	12.5 Quarts
Roof Load Capacity (lbs)	220
Safety Recall Count	–
Production Volume	–
Units Sold in USA	–

Consumer Insights & Market Appeal

The 2013-2015 Touareg 3.6L is widely regarded as a robust and comfortable choice for buyers seeking a premium SUV experience without the high maintenance costs associated with European luxury brands like Land Rover or BMW. The VR6 engine is generally reliable, though owners should monitor the cooling system and ensure regular oil changes to prevent carbon buildup on the intake valves, a common trait of direct-injection engines of this era. Potential buyers should also inspect the panoramic sunroof drains, as clogs can lead to interior water intrusion. In the used market, the Touareg remains appealing for its exceptional towing capacity and high-speed stability, offering a level of build integrity that feels more substantial than many contemporary crossovers. While it lacks modern smartphone integration like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, its mechanical refinement and interior comfort continue to hold value for those who prioritize driving dynamics and long-distance touring capability.