Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg
Our scoring places the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg at 6.9/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.5/10, while Value at 6.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.6/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.5/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.1/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Technology scores 6.9/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $40,286–$53,989, 15 MPG, seating 5, the Volkswagen Touareg sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.4/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in technology and reliability and value hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg ranks #2137 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 13% of the segment. Its 6.9/10 overall score is 0.5 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $40,286 starting price is about 12% above the segment's median of $36,079.
$0 — 1 campaign on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Touareg Year Should You Buy?
Across the Touareg model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Value-for-money is a weak point; comparable alternatives offer more for the price
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Fuel economy at 15 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2017 Volkswagen Touareg (1 on record)
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Unknown or other 05/05/2021 · 21V321000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2017 Volkswagen Touareg that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2017 Volkswagen Touareg
Is the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?
We rate the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg's reliability 6.6/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg worth buying?
It scores 6.9/10 overall, ranking #2137 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 13% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg cost?
The 2017 Volkswagen Touareg starts at $40,286 and ranges up to $53,989 across trims (MSRP when new). At 15 MPG, expect roughly $3,500/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Touareg years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 3 Touareg model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (6.9/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg have?
The documented issues for the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Unknown or other (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Volkswagen Touareg
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More Volkswagen Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Volkswagen models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year