The Tiguan R is under the spotlight at the moment. However, its bigger brother, mid-size Touareg already upgraded the offer with this top-of-the-range version. The German company created a surprising setup with the plug-in system. On the other hand, the outputs won’t disappoint. Especially when the 2023 VW Touareg facelift introduces a fresh look. Not only that, but Volkswagen is going to update the interior and technology, despite being focused on the ID electric vehicles.
The German company overcame the big scandal with fake emission reports. Now, Volkswagen plans the expansion in different ways. The most popular classes are already occupied with compact crossover Tiguan and mid-size SUV Atlas (Touareg’s sibling for the US market). The next for the VW is the pickup truck, and electric vehicles. The 2023 VW Touareg is going to offer plug-in hybrid version with the R badge. Things are becoming better with the ID concept. Nevertheless, the completely electrified SUV is still not in foreseeable plans.
2023 VW Touareg Specs
The SUV is not available in the US anymore. At least not under the same name. Buyers in the largest market can now purchase the Atlas SUV, which is basically the same model. A 3.0-liter V6 engine is the only petrol choice for the 2023 VW Touareg. Its US sibling has different options. Plus, oil burners are not available in North America. In other parts of the world, where the Touareg is in sales, there are two configurations. Finally, there is the PHEV setup as well.
A 3.0-liter petrol mill is not the most popular one, although it creates 340 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. The new generation of the SUV dropped a 3.6-liter engine when it was cut from the US. Americans are not getting so much power. Besides the gasoline plant, there is a pair of diesel units. Outputs of the 3.0-liter TDI start from 225 hp and 380 lb-ft. A 4.0-liter V8 is taking the game to another level. The SUV with 422 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque is a real monster.
2023 VW Touareg R
And finally, there is the 2023 VW Touareg R. We got used to the performance-oriented version of the Golf hatchback. Even the Tiguan R is going to feature a 300-hp tuned 2.0-l engine in the foreseeable future. But, the mid-size Touareg is already available with the iconic badge. The heart of the engine room is a 3.0-liter petrol mill. With a help of electric batteries, the setup is good for 455 horsepower. An all-wheel drive is standard and wheels are getting the power through an eight-speed transmission. You can also ride this vehicle by using electric energy only. The range is 30 miles. Max speed of the 2023 Volkswagen Touareg R is 155 mph, and 0-60 acceleration takes 5 seconds.
2023 VW Touareg Redesign
One thing is certain about the 2023 VW Touareg – the update. The vehicle is out for four years now, with the only new thing since 2018 being the PHEV drivetrain, introduced in 2020. Now, it is time for cosmetic changes, both inside and out. Still, the company is not releasing details about the facelift. We can expect an update of the front fascia, including new headlights. Of course, the interior will be pretty much the same, but with the latest features and technologies. High-end versions are bringing some state-of-art solutions, and the Touareg R is the frontrunner here. Fresh colors and trim levels are definitely the best way to make things different.
Volkswagen Atlas
In the US, the 2023 VW Touareg is being out as the Atlas SUV. It is the largest vehicle in the lineup. Tiguan is the compact crossover, and there is another SUV called Atlas Sport between those two. Compared to Touareg, the US model is not going to offer diesel units. On the other hand, we expect a debut of the PHEV. The question is – will it be centered around a 3.0 or a 3.6 engine?
Either way, it will be a big step for the company that took a hit for its fake reports about emissions. The hybrid system will definitely cut down some gases. Also, one of the plans for the German company was to use the SUV as the base for the pickup truck. Now, there are a few other solutions, which seem to be more likely to happen.
Verdict
The 2023 VW Touareg will definitely remain the flagship model in the family. The redesign is going to cement that place for the foreseeable future. After a few years, we’ll see if the SUV is getting an all-electric version based on the ID concept. The PHEV serves well and it makes Touareg competitive against luxury models by BMW, Mercedes, and Range Rover.
