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Best AWD SUV $70,000-$125,000

Volkswagen's new Touareg dazzles.

By Samuel Smith
Last updated on: November 15, 2019 at 2:00 am

VW has filled the new Touareg with a class-leading level of standard features.

Winner: Volkswagen Touareg Launch Edition

Variant: Launch Edition 3.0 V6 TCDI
Engine: 3.0 litre turbo-diesel
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
ANCAP Safety Rating: 5 stars

Volkswagen has provided genuine competition in the premium SUV market.
Volkswagen has provided genuine competition in the premium SUV market.

Runners up

Second place went to the Range Rover Evoque SE and the Volvo XC90 D5 Inscription placed third.

What sets it apart from the rest

The new third-generation Touareg has a class-leading level of standard features, both in the cabin and under the bonnet. VW has upped the ante in the safety stakes with the inclusion of predictive pedestrian monitoring, adaptive lane guidance, park assist, traffic jam assist and front and rear cross traffic assist.

At this price point you expect the luxury treatment, and it starts with 18-way electrically adjustable front seats wrapped in Savona leather, which are heated and ventilated. To top it off, they also have a massage function that uses 10 pneumatic air pillows that inflate up to six centimetres to provide 8 different pre-set massage programs.

Rear passengers can have their legs stretched right out as the Touareg’s space is equal to the third-placed Volvo XC90 and almost the largest in the category with a cavernous cargo area.

Key features

  • Class-leading level of standard features, both in the cabin and under the bonnet
  • A powerful 190kW, 600Nm V6 turbo-diesel engine
  • Predictive pedestrian monitoring, adaptive lane guidance, park assist and traffic jam assist
  • 18-way electrically adjustable front seats wrapped in Savona leather
  • 9.2-inch Discover Pro navigation system with gesture control
  • Iconic Volkswagen 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system
20-inch wheels keep a sticky grip on the road.
The Touareg’s 20-inch wheels keep a sticky grip on the road.

What it’s like to drive

Where the Touareg increased its odds of winning was in the performance category both on and off the road. Even though it’s hauling two tonnes of metal, the 190kW/600Nm V6 turbo-diesel engine, 8-speed automatic gearbox and torque-sensing 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system deliver sedan-type acceleration and surprising nimbleness through corners.

It gains these handling benefits from sharing the same underpinnings with the sporty Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, which are also in the VW family.

The adaptive air suspension is a large part of the handling recipe, and although there are three suspension settings, in real-life cases it’s likely it will live in the ‘set and forget’ Comfort mode.

How the finalists compared (scores for each category from 1-10)

AWD SUVs $70,000 - $125,000Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 V6Range Rover Evoque SEVolvo XC90 D5 Inscription
Pricing473
Cost of depreciation493
Running & repair costs181
Fuel consumption698
Warranty & dealer access722
Insurance776
Standard features939
Safety91010
Environment577
Seating comfort888
Space858
Practicality767
Ergonomics988
Build & finish quality988
Performance856
Ride877
Handling887
Braking777
Smoothness & quietness888
Off road ability776
Overall average106210301002

Images: Mark Rogers, Magnum Photography Australia

Is your car one of Australia’s best?

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See the full lineup

Check out the full list of $70,000 – $125,000 AWD SUVs we put to the test in 2019.

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