2016-2017 Volkswagen Touareg 3.6L

Overview

The 2016-2017 Volkswagen Touareg represents the final years of the second generation (Type 7P) of the brand’s flagship mid-size luxury SUV. Developed on the PL72 platform, which it shared with the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7, the Touareg was engineered to bridge the gap between mainstream family transport and premium off-road capability. By the 2016 model year, Volkswagen had refined the vehicle to focus on high-speed stability, towing prowess, and interior build quality, positioning it as a sophisticated alternative to more common luxury crossovers.

Under the hood, the North American market received the 3.6-liter VR6 engine as the primary gasoline option. This narrow-angle V6 configuration provided a balance of smoothness and power, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that prioritized efficiency and cruising comfort. Despite its shared architecture with high-performance European SUVs, the Touareg was marketed in the United States as a premium, understated choice for buyers who valued mechanical robustness and a conservative aesthetic over flashy design elements.

Manufacturing for the global market took place at the Volkswagen plant in Bratislava, Slovakia. Throughout its lifecycle, the Touareg earned a reputation for its heavy-duty construction and impressive towing capacity, often exceeding the capabilities of its direct competitors. While the model was eventually succeeded by the Atlas in the North American lineup—a vehicle designed specifically for American space requirements—the Touareg remains recognized by enthusiasts for its engineering depth and its status as a high-water mark for Volkswagen’s luxury SUV ambitions.

Vehicle Overview
Brand	Volkswagen
Model	Touareg
Model Year	2016-2017
Generation	2nd (Type 7P)
Trim	Sport, Wolfsburg, Executive
Body Style	5-door 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	2018
VIN Identifier	WVG
Base MSRP	$49,495
Destination Charge	$910
Total MSRP	$50,405
Powertrain
Powertrain Type	Internal Combustion
Engine Family	Volkswagen VR6
Engine Name	3.6L FSI
Engine Code	CDVA
Engine Configuration	V6 (15-degree VR 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	Regular Gasoline
Recommended Octane	87
EPA City MPG	17
EPA Highway MPG	23
EPA Combined MPG	19
Fuel Economy (L/100 km)	12.4 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)	26.4
Estimated Driving Range	500 miles
Annual Fuel Cost	$2,450
CO₂ Emissions	468 g/mile
Greenhouse Gas Score	3
Smog Rating	5
Performance
0-30 mph	2.8 seconds
0-60 mph	7.7 seconds
0-100 mph	20.5 seconds
Quarter Mile	15.8 seconds
Top Speed	130 mph
Braking Distance (60-0 mph)	128 ft
Lateral Acceleration	0.78g
Power-to-Weight Ratio	17.2 lb/hp
Dimensions & Capacities
Length (in)	188.8
Width (Without Mirrors) (in)	76.4
Width (With Mirrors) (in)	86.5
Height (in)	68.2
Wheelbase (in)	113.9
Front Track (in)	65.2
Rear Track (in)	65.7
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 degrees
Departure Angle	26.0 degrees
Breakover Angle	20.0 degrees
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating	–
NHTSA Frontal Crash	–
NHTSA Side Crash	–
NHTSA Rollover	–
IIHS Award	Top Safety Pick
Small Overlap Front	Good
Moderate Overlap Front	Good
Side Impact	Good
Headlights Rating	Marginal
Front Crash Prevention	Advanced
Technology & Connectivity
Infotainment Display	8.0-inch touchscreen
Instrument Cluster	Analog with color MID
Apple CarPlay	Yes
Android Auto	Yes
Navigation System	Standard
Audio System	Dynaudio Premium
Speaker Count	10
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 / 120,000 miles
Roadside Assistance	3 years / 36,000 miles
Complimentary Maintenance	1 year / 10,000 miles
Specs.Autos Exclusive Data
Engine Assembly Plant	Salzgitter, Germany
Transmission Supplier	Aisin
Gear Ratios	1st: 4.92, 2nd: 2.84, 3rd: 1.92, 4th: 1.53, 5th: 1.21, 6th: 1.00, 7th: 0.83, 8th: 0.67
Differential Type	Torsen Center Differential
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 2016-2017 Touareg is widely regarded as a robust, over-engineered SUV that offers a premium driving experience often compared to its more expensive platform siblings. Reliability is generally solid for the 3.6L VR6 engine, which lacks the complex high-pressure fuel system issues found in the diesel variants, though owners should monitor the cooling system and electrical sensors as the vehicle ages. In the used market, the Touareg appeals to buyers seeking high towing capacity and a composed highway ride without the badge premium of a Porsche or Audi. While maintenance costs are higher than those of a standard mass-market SUV, the build quality and interior materials provide a level of comfort that remains competitive even by modern standards.