Audi Q8 vs. Volkswagen Touareg: Complete comparison 2026

The Audi Q8 is a sportily styled luxury SUV that serves as the brand's flagship, attracting buyers with its dynamic design, premium craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology. The Volkswagen Touareg, its direct technical sibling built on the same chassis platform, instead bets on more conservative elegance, maximum travel comfort, and versatile everyday practicality. The following comparison will detail the strengths and weaknesses of both these popular models and help you determine which one will better suit your driving needs.

Although both the Audi Q8 and the Volkswagen Touareg share the same MLB Evo chassis platform, their external dimensions and overall proportions clearly define the different characters of the two vehicles. The Audi Q8 arrives with a more dynamic, wide-stanced posture and a gently sloping roofline evoking the style of an SUV-coupe. In contrast, the third-generation Volkswagen Touareg relies on the more traditional and conservative shapes of a classic luxury SUV. These distinct differences in proportions play a key role in deciding whether you prefer a sportier look or stick to a proven classic.

Looking at specific figures for relevant used cars on the market, the Audi Q8, with a length of 4,986 mm, is a noticeable 108 mm longer than the base version of the Touareg (4,878 mm). Furthermore, the Ingolstadt representative boasts a significantly longer wheelbase. The Audi's 2,995 mm wheelbase exceeds the Touareg's (2,904 mm) by 91 mm. In practice, this means the Q8 provides rear-seat passengers with more generous legroom and slightly superior directional stability at highway speeds. However, the price for these generous dimensions and majestic width (1,995 mm compared to 1,984 mm for the VW) is paid when maneuvering in narrow city streets or underground garages, where the Touareg simply feels more agile thanks to its overall more compact footprint.

The difference in height between the two models is also interesting. At up to 1,717 mm, the Volkswagen Touareg is slightly taller than the Audi Q8, whose roof peaks at 1,705 mm. The Touareg's taller build brings a slightly better sense of airiness to the cabin and more generous headroom, which will be especially appreciated by taller rear passengers. Audi, on the other hand, sacrificed a few millimeters of absolute height in favor of a more aggressive stance and a lower center of gravity. This move underscores the Q8's sportier ambitions and appeals to drivers who want dynamic driving characteristics but do not intend to give up the format of a large premium SUV.

Luggage capacity is often one of the main decision criteria when choosing a premium family car on the used market. Although both the Audi Q8 (4M generation) and the Volkswagen Touareg (3rd generation) are technically based on the same chassis platform and both fall into the large SUV category, their approach to utilizing interior space differs fundamentally. This difference is primarily due to the body shape – while the Touareg relies on a more traditional, boxier rear end to maximize utility, the Audi Q8 sacrifices some liters in favor of an elegant, dynamically sloping roof. For families who travel often and need to reliably load a stroller, sports equipment, or luggage for a week-long vacation, this structural difference plays an immensely important role.

Looking at the specific numbers, it is clear that the Volkswagen Touareg plays in the league of absolute family haulers. In its basic configuration, the standard version with an internal combustion engine offers a staggering 810 liters, which is a striking difference compared to the Audi Q8, which has a still very respectable 605 liters. This 205-liter lead translates in practice into a huge advantage – the Touareg provides exactly that extra space for several more suitcases that you will appreciate when packing for longer trips. After completely folding the rear seats, the maximum capacity of the Volkswagen climbs to a cavernous 1,800 liters. For the Audi Q8, the space after folding the seats increases to a solid 1,755 liters, showing that in a two-seat configuration, the differences between the two models narrow, and both vehicles can easily transport even larger cargo.

However, it is also necessary to consider specific engine versions, where the luggage capacity values differ. We are talking about the popular plug-in hybrid versions from 2020–2022, where the traction batteries hidden under the trunk floor take away valuable liters. For the hybrid Volkswagen Touareg eHybrid / R, the basic volume is reduced to approximately 655 liters (and the maximum to 1,675 liters), while for the more eco-friendly Audi Q8 TFSI e, the capacity drops to 505 liters (or 1,625 liters after folding). From a user perspective, the trunks of both vehicles are sufficient for weekend shopping and longer vacations, but the final assessment is clear. If uncompromising spaciousness and family practicality are your priorities, the Volkswagen Touareg will be the more rational choice. The Audi Q8, on the other hand, perfectly serves drivers looking for a bolder design and for whom a slight concession in trunk volume is a perfectly acceptable price for a sportier style.

The ability to tow heavy trailers is a key parameter for drivers who plan to hitch up large caravans, boats, or horse trailers. Although both of these premium SUVs share a similar technical foundation, their approach to maximum towing capacity differs quite significantly and can play a crucial role in the final vehicle selection.

• Volkswagen Touareg (3rd generation): The Touareg is an absolute master in this discipline. Regardless of whether you choose the 3.0 V6 TDI diesel, the powerful TFSI petrol engine, or even the plug-in hybrid versions (eHybrid and the top-of-the-line R model), this vehicle always offers a maximum braked trailer weight of 3,500 kg. This is the legislative maximum for standard passenger cars, making it the ultimate towing vehicle.
• Audi Q8 (4M generation): Audi pays a price for its more sportily styled body. The vast majority of internal combustion engines, including the popular 45 TDI and 50 TDI diesel versions as well as the 55 TFSI petrol, have a capacity of 2,800 kg. This is not a bad figure, but it falls significantly short of its Volkswagen sibling. The exception is the powerful 60 TFSI e plug-in hybrid (offered between 2020–2022), which surprisingly manages the full 3,500 kg.
• Electric alternatives: If you are considering the fully electric Audi Q8 e-tron (GE generation, formerly sold as the e-tron), you must expect a radical reduction in towing capacity to 1,800 kg, which is a typical limit for heavier electric vehicles.

In practice, these differences mean that the 2,800 kg limit of a standard Audi Q8 is easily sufficient for a spacious family caravan or reliable transport of building materials for a weekend home renovation. However, if you need to transport heavy sailboats or large horse trailers for two animals, the 700 kg difference in favor of the Volkswagen is absolutely fundamental and allows for substantially heavier and larger loads. The electric 1,800 kg is more suitable for smaller trailers or lighter boats.

If towing heavy trailers is a regular routine for you, the Volkswagen Touareg is a safe bet where you don't have to scrutinize the specification tables for a particular engine. With the Audi Q8, you get a more stylish design, but to maximize towing power, you will have to specifically search for the older 60 TFSI e plug-in hybrid versions.

Both models, the Audi Q8 and Volkswagen Touareg, share the premium MLB Evo group platform, which means their engine range is largely identical and relies exclusively on reliable and prestigious V6 engines. For those interested in an approximately four-year-old used car, this brings a clear advantage: whichever of these two variants you choose, you will always get a powerful three-liter unit paired with a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system (quattro for Audi, 4MOTION for Volkswagen) and a smooth-shifting eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The biggest differences are thus limited mainly to minor variations in torque tuning, specific plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants, and the earlier availability of certain engines. While the economical diesel versions will please drivers with high motorway-style annual mileage, fans of quiet dynamics can opt for petrol engines or powerful hybrids, where operating costs can be significantly reduced thanks to home charging.

Audi Q8

The range of engines for the 4M generation is logically structured and includes advanced units, most of which use at least mild-hybrid technology to slightly reduce fuel consumption. The gold standard for long journeys are the very popular 45 TDI (170 kW) and 50 TDI (210 kW) diesel V6s, which offer massive pull from low revs. Those interested in a petrol engine will appreciate the refined 55 TFSI model with 250 kW, which offers slightly higher torque (500 Nm) compared to its Volkswagen counterpart. For modern-thinking drivers, the plug-in hybrid version makes huge sense on the used car market. These can be found under the designations 55 TFSI e (280 kW) and the top-tier sporty 60 TFSI e (340 kW) version. Both hybrid powertrains combine a petrol V6 with an electric motor, ensuring smooth emission-free movement around town and dazzling dynamics on country roads. Later fully electric e-tron versions (offered from 2023) are still rare on the typical four-year-old used car market.

Volkswagen Touareg

The engine range for the third-generation Volkswagen Touareg perfectly reflects the car's luxurious character. The backbone of used car sales is once again the extremely popular three-liter V6 diesel engines, the 3.0 V6 TDI, also tuned to 170 kW or 210 kW, which are the ideal and most sought-after compromise for a heavy SUV. Petrol lovers can then choose the 3.0 V6 TFSI engine with an output of 250 kW (with a slightly reduced torque of 450 Nm compared to the Q8). An ecological and dynamic alternative is the plug-in hybrid labeled 3.0 V6 eHybrid (280 kW), while the absolute top of the standard range is the exclusive sporty Touareg R version with a combined system output of 340 kW. A complete historical rarity, however, is the gigantic 4.0 V8 TDI diesel V8. This engineering gem with an incredible torque of 900 Nm was produced only in 2019 and 2020. So if you are targeting a car around four years old, you will no longer find this legendary engine in the lineup, and on the used car market, it is now an extremely valued collector's rarity.

*The 4.0 V8 TDI engine was only offered in 2019 and 2020; it is therefore no longer available for newer used cars.

Choosing the right engine is absolutely crucial for long-term satisfaction with a luxury SUV, and our recommendations for roughly four-year-old used cars are based on real performance, consumption, mechanical durability, and feedback from owners. Although both the Audi Q8 and Volkswagen Touareg stand on the identical MLB Evo platform and share the basic blocks of the three-liter V6s, an interesting fact from the history of these generations is their different technological approach. While Audi equipped its engines across the board with a more complex 48V mild-hybrid system (MHEV) for smoother coasting and reduced emissions, Volkswagen stuck with a classic, simpler arrangement without this network for conventional diesel engines for the Touareg, which makes it a potentially cheaper car for any post-warranty electronics service in the long run.

For the Audi Q8 we recommend: 50 TDI (3.0 V6, 210 kW)

The 210 kW (286 hp) diesel V6 with a massive torque of 600 Nm is the ideal choice for a heavy, more than two-ton coupe-SUV. This engine represents a perfect balance between above-standard dynamics and acceptable operating costs, with real consumption ranging around 8 to 9 liters per 100 kilometers. In combination with the 48V mild-hybrid network, the engine's operation is exceptionally refined and restarting during coasting is almost imperceptible. Known characteristics include a slight delay (so-called "lag") of the Tiptronic transmission when flooring the gas from a standstill, which is a result of strict emission mapping – a behavior that takes some getting used to during more dynamic driving. When choosing a used car, pay close attention to the condition of the diesel particulate filter (DPF). Focus on how the car was used; if it was driven primarily in the city, the filter may be clogged. You can tell easily: if, during a test drive after normal warming up and subsequent engine shutdown, the radiator fans hum noticeably and for a long time, the car is likely trying in vain to complete interrupted regenerations. This engine is best used for long-distance travelers who swallow hundreds of highway kilometers a week.

For the Volkswagen Touareg we recommend: 3.0 V6 TDI SCR (210 kW)

Although the third-generation Volkswagen Touareg offered a fascinating and exotic diesel V8 (4.0 V8 TDI) until 2020, in terms of operating costs, reliability, and availability on the 4-year-old used car market, the clear king is the more powerful version of the 210 kW V6 diesel. This engine resonates perfectly with the more comfortable and practical character of the Touareg. The 600 Nm of power comes on very smoothly and will pull a braked trailer weighing 3,5 tons with unwavering certainty. Furthermore, mechanics without the complex 48V mild-hybrid superstructure mean one less expensive electrical circuit in used cars, which reduces the risk of expensive service interventions. The biggest enemy of this reliable unit is delayed maintenance. Therefore, carefully examine the service history when inspecting a used unit. Find out if the previous owner blindly followed the prescribed "long-life" oil change intervals (up to 30 000 km). To save the more delicate turbocharger and delay timing chain wear, we always recommend looking for units where the oil was changed after a reasonable 15 000 kilometers. You can recognize neglected oil, among other things, by a slight metallic rattling of the timing chain during a cold start, which should not last longer than a fraction of a second. This engine is an excellent workhorse and cruiser, perfectly tailored for active families, cottage owners, and towing caravans or boats.

While official tables for large premium SUVs often promise very optimistic values, real-world practice tends to be different. To get the most accurate picture of the actual operating costs of roughly four-year-old used cars, we rely on long-term data from hundreds of drivers from the independent portal Spritmonitor.de. It turns out that despite the massive onset of electrification, traditional diesel V6s remain the unsurpassed benchmark of efficiency for these heavy vehicles weighing over two tons, while the paper values of plug-in hybrids can be somewhat misleading in normal operation.

Looking at real-world data, the interpretation of trends is quite clear. The most economical and reliable choice across both models remains the three-litre six-cylinder diesel (TDI), which can move these massive giants with an average consumption between 8.5 and 9 litres per hundred kilometres. Petrol units (TFSI), on the other hand, are downright thirsty, and their real-world consumption rarely drops below the 11-litre mark. The biggest surprise is often the plug-in hybrids (eHybrid, Touareg R, and Q8 TFSI e). Although the manufacturer declares a theoretical consumption of around 2 to 3 l/100 km, in real-world driving with a depleted battery, they function like standard petrol cars, albeit hundreds of kilograms heavier. The overall user average for both brands has settled more in the range of 7.5 to 8 litres.

For the typical user, this brings a clear conclusion. If you are looking for a vehicle for long motorway journeys and family holidays, the diesel engine is absolutely superior and the most economically sensible choice. A petrol unit will please with maximum refinement, but at the cost of significantly higher expenses at the filling station. Plug-in hybrids then make sense exclusively for drivers who commute shorter distances in the city daily and have the opportunity to charge diligently both at home and at work. Without regular access to an electrical socket, their main operational advantage completely disappears.

In conclusion, fuel consumption will certainly not be the main deciding factor when choosing between the Audi Q8 and the Volkswagen Touareg. Both cars share the exact same MLB Evo chassis platform and the same range of power units. Slight decimal differences to the disadvantage of the Audi are primarily due to wider tyres and slightly different aerodynamics of the wider body. Whether you choose the Wolfsburg SUV or Ingolstadt's aggression, with the same engine choice, running costs will be identical to the cent.

When looking at the used car market for vehicles around four years old (corresponding to production years 2021–2022), we are comparing sister models built on the same MLB Evo corporate platform: the third generation of the Volkswagen Touareg and the first generation of the Audi Q8. Although they share the technical foundation and engine range, the more premium character and dynamic SUV-coupe body of the Audi are clearly reflected in used car prices.

Volkswagen Touareg (3rd generation)

The Volkswagen Touareg represents a more rational choice on the used car market with an excellent price-to-value ratio. Most of the cars offered hide the popular 3.0 TDI diesel six-cylinder under the bonnet.

• Entry-level price range: The cheapest four-year-old units, often with higher mileage approaching the 150,000 km mark, start at amounts around €33,000 to €35,000.
• The sweet spot: Well-equipped models with average mileage, very often in the desirable R-Line styling package, currently range between €39,000 and €47,000.
• Top-tier versions: If you are looking for a plug-in hybrid Touareg R or vehicles with absolutely minimal mileage and maximum optional equipment, expect amounts from €49,000 to €57,000.

Audi Q8 (1st generation)

The Audi Q8, by contrast, holds its residual value significantly better. This is due to its stronger image, more luxurious interior finish, and consistently high demand for stylish models. Here too, the market is clearly dominated by the engine designated 50 TDI (which is the same 3.0 V6 TDI engine as in the Touareg).

• Entry-level price range: Four-year-old cars with higher mileage rarely fall below the million-mark threshold; a realistic start is around €43,000.
• The sweet spot: Well-maintained 50 TDI models equipped with the S line sport package and a clear service history can most often be purchased between €53,000 and €65,000.
• Top-tier and performance versions: If you are aiming for powerful eight-cylinder engines such as the SQ8 or even the extreme RS Q8, you need to budget in a wide range of €73,000 to €102,000 and often even more.

Quick Comparison of the Used Car Market (approx. 4 years old)

Conclusion on prices: The Touareg is significantly more affordable for those interested in a large luxury SUV. For a used car approximately four years old, it can save roughly €8,000 to €16,000 compared to a similarly aged and equipped Audi Q8 with the same engine. Audi, on the other hand, requires a significant premium from buyers for its more attractive silhouette and more prestigious badge on the bonnet.

Both of these premium models traditionally received the maximum five-star rating in independent Euro NCAP crash tests, which is the expected standard for luxury SUVs of this size and price category. When comparing them, however, it is essential to consider the context and the specific year of testing. The Euro NCAP methodology is constantly becoming stricter over time, requiring increasingly advanced active safety systems, such as improved frontal impact simulations or early detection of cyclists and pedestrians. For this reason, percentage results from different years cannot always be directly and unconditionally compared. However, with their results and technological equipment, both cars represent generations that currently form a highly attractive offer on the market for nearly-new used cars around four years old.

The Volkswagen Touareg underwent Euro NCAP testing in 2018. Under the methodology of the time, it delivered an excellent performance, achieving 89% for adult occupant protection and 86% for child occupant protection. Furthermore, it scored significantly in the safety assist systems category, where it earned an excellent 81% thanks to its very generous standard equipment. For vehicles tested during this period, it is important to note that the official safety certificate administratively expired at the beginning of 2025. However, this is a completely standard practice of the organization after approximately seven years have passed since the test and changes absolutely nothing regarding the actual passive and active safety of the vehicle itself in everyday traffic.

The Audi Q8 underwent homologation testing a year later, in 2019. With slightly updated and again somewhat stricter criteria, it managed to achieve an outstanding 93% for adult protection and 87% for child protection, clearly confirming the exceptional structural rigidity of its body. The rating for vulnerable road user protection reached 71%, and active safety assist systems earned a solid 73%. This result reflects the very precise and reliable operation of autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and advanced lane-keeping systems.

In conclusion, both models offer a top-tier and almost uncompromising level of safety and, in terms of overall occupant protection, are among the best used SUVs you can buy on the market. While the Audi Q8 offers a slightly higher percentage score in terms of raw passive body protection, the Volkswagen Touareg impressed at the time of its testing with an overall very well-rated standard package of electronic assistants. For families and demanding travelers alike, both cars represent a highly modern and safe choice that far exceeds the requirements of today's heavy traffic.

Beyond standard equipment, each model offers more than just a basic package of features, with both cars approaching technological innovation and added value in their own distinctive ways.

Audi Q8: Sporty style and haptic elegance

• Infotainment and controls: The interior is dominated by the MMI touch response system with two touchscreens (10.1 inches on top, 8.6 inches on the bottom). Compared to standard displays, they stand out with haptic and acoustic feedback, giving the driver physical confirmation when clicking. This system practically eliminates traditional mechanical buttons.
• Design and everyday practicality: The Audi Q8 profiles itself as an SUV-coupe, highlighted by stylish frameless door windows, which are a rarity in this class. Despite the sloping roof, it offers clever solutions such as a longitudinally sliding rear bench with adjustable backrest angles, allowing for flexible management of luggage space.
• Chassis and steering: In terms of driving characteristics, the Q8 excels thanks to optional all-wheel steering (rear-axle steering). At low speeds, the rear wheels turn opposite to the front wheels, reducing the turning circle to the level of much smaller cars, while at higher speeds, they turn in the same direction for maximum highway stability.
• Lighting as a signature: Typical for the Audi brand, the HD Matrix LED headlights (often available in higher trims) not only precisely mask out oncoming vehicles but also offer characteristic and highly sophisticated dynamic light animations when unlocking and locking the car.
• Sporty variants: For demanding drivers, the SQ8 (with powerful V8 engines) and the extreme RS Q8 are available. These specifications bring not only immense power but also aggressive aerodynamic elements, carbon fiber accents, and specific instrument displays in the Audi virtual cockpit, radically setting the Q8 apart from more conservative SUVs.

Volkswagen Touareg: Technological peak and long-distance comfort

• Infotainment and digitalization: The Touareg's biggest technological draw is the so-called Innovision Cockpit. This system combines a 12-inch digital instrument cluster with a massive 15-inch center screen of the Discover Premium system into one seamless unit. This makes navigation and media displays exceptionally clear.
• Comfort and seats for long journeys: A significant benefit for everyday use and vacations are the optional ergoComfort front seats with AGR certification. They offer adjustable side bolsters, ventilation, and, above all, advanced massage programs with eight different modes, significantly reducing driver fatigue.
• Advanced assistance systems: The Touareg excels in safety thanks to Night Vision. A thermal camera can detect pedestrians and animals at night before the headlights reach them, and the IQ.Light system can specifically flash at them. Another great helper is Trailer Assist, which allows for almost automatic reversing with a trailer by simply using the mirror adjustment joystick.
• Chassis and electronics: Comfortable driving is enhanced by electromechanical active roll stabilization. These use the 48V onboard network to actively suppress body roll in corners. When driving straight on a rough road, the stabilizers decouple, allowing the air suspension to filter out bumps to the maximum extent.
• Atmosphere and equipment lines: While it may appear more understated from the outside, the Touareg offers a choice of unique interior lines. While the Elegance line focuses on a cooler technical design (aluminum, glass), the Atmosphere version uses warm tones with open-pore wood veneers. Sporty ambitions and modern propulsion are represented by the R-Line version and the top-of-the-line plug-in hybrid Touareg R.

Audi Q8

Advantages:

• Attractive and dynamic SUV-coupe body design supported by elegant frameless windows.
• Top-tier interior build quality and the use of premium materials even in the details.
• Excellent driving characteristics, which can be enhanced by optional rear-axle steering and active roll stabilization.
• High prestige of the model and a strong image of a premium carmaker.
• Advanced MMI infotainment system with two touchscreens, offering excellent haptic and acoustic feedback.

Disadvantages:

• Smaller base luggage capacity (605 liters) and poorer rear visibility due to the sloping roofline.
• Significantly higher purchase price for used cars and noticeably more expensive service operations and spare parts.
• Stiffer suspension tuning and reduced comfort on broken roads if the car is fitted with giant 21- or 22-inch wheels.
• Almost complete absence of physical buttons for climate control and driving functions requires more attention when operating while driving.

Volkswagen Touareg

Advantages:

• Unbeatable price-to-value ratio – shares the same premium platform (MLB Evo) and engines with Audi, but at a significantly lower price.
• Huge and exceptionally practical luggage compartment with a base volume of 810 liters (when the rear seats are moved forward).
• Extremely comfortable ride and excellent filtration of bumps, especially in the version with optional air suspension.
• Impressive Innovision Cockpit dashboard with a massive 15-inch center display that dominates the interior.
• Conservative and understated design for drivers who demand luxury and top technology but do not want to provoke their surroundings.

Disadvantages:

• In the eyes of many buyers, it suffers from lower brand prestige, given that the price tag of used units still reaches into premium waters.
• Despite its luxury focus, harder and cheaper-looking plastics can be found in the lower parts of the interior.
• The driving experience is significantly more detached and focused more on calmly swallowing highway miles than on sporty driving on backroads.
• Similar to Audi, an excessive reliance on touch controls, including adjusting ventilation via the central screen.

Based on our own CarAudit inspections, failure statistics, and expert articles, we have compiled an overview of the most common problems that used car buyers should watch out for. We recommend not skipping a thorough used car inspection before purchase, as any neglect of maintenance can mean astronomical service costs for such premium SUVs.

Audi Q8 (2018–present)

Audi Q8 models around four years old (2020 and 2021 model years) have already had some "teething troubles" from the start of production resolved, yet they still experience very specific and financially costly faults that require great caution.

Electronics and Mild-Hybrid System (MHEV)

The biggest and by far the most frequently discussed problem with the Audi Q8 is the fatal failure of the 48V starter-generator (alternator). This fault affects models with V6 engines (both 3.0 TDI and 3.0 TFSI). When the generator overheats and is damaged, charging stops, which the onboard system indicates with a yellow and then a red battery warning light. The car then very quickly "dies" completely and becomes undrivable. When choosing a used car, it is absolutely crucial to find out from the service history whether a more reliable modified part has already been installed on the vehicle under warranty.

Engines and Mechanics

The 3.0 TDI diesel V6 engines (labeled 50 TDI and 45 TDI) are generally mechanically reliable. Problems mainly occur in cars operated on short city routes, where the diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogs quickly and the EGR valve becomes blocked. In the 3.0 TFSI gasoline engine (55 TFSI), increased oil consumption occasionally appears under higher loads. Rarely, coolant leaks around the water pump occur in both V6 engines.

Chassis and Body

The optional air suspension provides top-tier driving comfort, but after crossing the 100,000 km mark, it is necessary to account for the risk of air spring leaks and compressor wear. With frameless door windows, higher aerodynamic noise can occur at highway speeds due to compressed seals. Pay special attention to the sunroof as well – if its drainage channels become clogged, water can easily leak into the interior and irreversibly damage expensive control electronics.

Summary: The Audi Q8 is a luxurious and very robust SUV, but its purchase can become extremely expensive due to the failing 48V system. If this problem has been professionally resolved in the chosen unit, it is a very reliable companion that suffers only from normal wear and tear proportional to its high weight.

Volkswagen Touareg (CR generation, 2018–present)

The third generation of the Touareg shares the premium MLB Evo platform with the Audi Q8. Models roughly four years old (2020–2022) do not suffer from major mechanical defects and are troubled more by a different spectrum of problems, primarily stemming from the area of modern software.

Electronics and Infotainment

The Touareg amazes the crew with its huge curved Innovision Cockpit display. However, this is the source of many complaints. The system frequently freezes, the screen remains completely black after starting, or the system loads disproportionately slowly. Occasionally, there are also failures of assistance features or Bluetooth connectivity. In most cases, this problem is permanently resolved by a software update at an authorized service center; nevertheless, during the test drive, make sure that all functions are running and not crashing.

Engines and Gearboxes

The vast majority of used models have the popular 3.0 TDI engine under the hood. Compared to Audi, it has a huge advantage in that standard combustion versions use a conventional 12V system, which eliminates the catastrophic problem with the failing 48V starter-generator. However, even here, the diesel V6 suffers from a clogged diesel particulate filter (DPF) on short trips. Owners often complain about the eight-speed automatic transmission – it occasionally jerks unpleasantly when shifting while cold and also suffers from a noticeable delay during sharp acceleration at intersections. In some cases, a software reset of adaptive values helps.

Chassis and brakes

Due to a curb weight exceeding two tons, the brakes are subject to enormous thermal and physical stress. Quickly worn brake pads and warped or worn brake discs are completely standard on four-year-old cars. On models equipped with air suspension from the early production phases, the front shock absorbers occasionally failed prematurely; however, on newer models from 2020 to 2022, this weakness was largely resolved by the manufacturer.

Summary: Volkswagen Touareg is a mechanically stable safe bet, especially because it successfully avoided the problematic 48V circuit from its Audi relative. It is a rational choice for buyers who can forgive its occasional infotainment software glitches and get used to the transmission's more sluggish behavior.

Overview of the most common faults

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is key. Both large and technologically advanced SUVs have their specifics and potential weak points. Here are several specific points to focus on for these two models, where a professional physical inspection of a used car can save a lot of money.

When choosing an Audi Q8:

• 48V mild-hybrid system (starter-generator): On V6 TDI and TFSI engines around four years old, faults in the belt-driven starter-generator appear more frequently. Failure can lead to the car losing all power while driving. During the test drive, watch for any warning messages regarding the electrical system on the dashboard and check the car's service history to see if the alternator has already been replaced.
• Frameless windows and aerodynamic noise: Audi Q8 features elegant frameless windows, which are, however, prone to precise adjustment. If the doors are not perfectly aligned or the seal is worn, significant noise enters the cabin. During the test drive, go on the highway and listen carefully for sounds around the A-pillar and the upper edge of the windows at speeds over 100 km/h.
• Tiptronic transmission response (so-called "turbo lag"): Some versions of the Q8 (especially the 50 TDI) suffer from a noticeable delay when starting, where the car does not react for a second after stepping on the gas and then lunges forward. Try a smooth start from zero as well as a quick merge into a lane at an intersection to see if the engine and transmission coordination is comfortable enough for you.
• MMI dual displays: The infotainment with two touchscreens can occasionally freeze or lose haptic feedback. Right after starting, try quickly navigating the menu, switching driving modes, and changing climate settings. The system must run smoothly without restarts or black screens.
• Air suspension condition: Due to the high weight of the car, the air suspension takes a heavy beating. During the inspection, try raising the car to the highest off-road position and lowering it to the lowest dynamic position. Watch if the car rises evenly and listen for any excessively loud compressor operation from below. To rule out bellows leaks, a thorough comprehensive inspection of the car on a lift is essential.

When choosing a Volkswagen Touareg:

• Innovision Cockpit and its stability: The Touareg with the optional giant 15-inch display suffered from software teething troubles in early production. The system can randomly restart or load maps very slowly. During the inspection, turn the car off and on several times, test navigation scrolling and phone pairing to verify that the infotainment has updated software and runs without freezes.
• Brake and chassis component wear: The Touareg is a heavy SUV, which takes its toll on consumables. On used cars around four years old, brake discs and pads are often ready for replacement. Check the edge of the brake disc by touch and sight, and during the test drive, watch if the car vibrates through the steering wheel during sharp braking.
• Panoramic roof creaking and leaks: The large sunroof can creak when driving over bumps as the long body twists with increasing mileage. Clogged drainage channels are also a risk. During the test drive, intentionally drive over a speed bump at a slight angle and listen for sounds from the roof. At the same time, check the headliner for visible water stains from leaks.
• V6 TDI engine behavior during cold start: The three-liter diesel V6 is robust, but higher mileage or neglected oil change intervals can manifest as wear on the timing chain tensioners. Insist on a completely cold start with the seller – the engine should start smoothly and without any metallic rattling in the first seconds of operation.
• Assistance systems behavior: The Touareg relies on a wealth of sensors. If the car has been even slightly crashed in the past and the radars or cameras were not correctly recalibrated after the repair, the assistance systems (e.g., Lane Assist or Front Assist) will randomly switch off or throw errors during driving. Before you buy the car, an in-depth technical inspection combined with professional diagnostics should check the fault memory of all assistance units.

Sources: ADAC, e15.cz, auto.cz, emobility.cz, elektromobil.cz, automotorsport.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.