Volkswagen will start production of a new mid-size SUV with third-row seats in 2016 at its plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, but the automaker won’t be discontinuing the two-row Touareg anytime soon. For the coming 2016 model year, VW is enticing Touareg buyers with a price reduction amounting to roughly $2,000 across the lineup. With the new pricing, the entry-level Touareg starts at $43,615, including a $910 destination charge.
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There’s also no longer a Touareg Hybrid, which means powertrain options are now limited to either a 3.6-liter V-6 with 280 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque; or a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 diesel with 240 hp and 406 lb-ft. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard across the range.
Other changes for the 2016 model year include the addition of 14-way power adjustable ventilated seats on Lux and Executive trim levels, and also for the Executive trim level a power adjustable steering column and a suite of extra electronic driver aids. These include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), and Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist).
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It should be noted that many of these electronic driver aids are being offered on most VW models from the 2016 model year. The new model year also sees the Tiguan receive a price cut of around $1,400 (the final figure is yet to be announced). The 2015 Tiguan currently starts at $27,120, including an $865 destination charge, so the 2016 Tiguan potentially could start at just $25,720 with shipping. Finally, VW has confirmed that its Passat manufactured in the United States will undergo a major update for 2016. Expect the vehicle to receive some of the style and technology of its global sibling.
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