Volkswagen Touran Review 2024

With everybody seeming to want an SUV, the popularity of MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles, also called people carriers) such as the Volkswagen Touran has dropped like a stone. However, for those who need genuine practicality, it has a lot of potential. It immediately outdoes the rival BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and Mercedes-Benz B-Class by virtue of coming with seven seats.

When the original Volkswagen Touran was launched in 2003, the MPV was still a popular choice for families. Fast-forward two decades and the rise of the SUV has left MPVs as a niche choice in the new car market.

From the outside, the Volkswagen Touran is not likely to get any pulses racing. It adopts Volkswagen’s typically muted design language, looking like a boxier version of the previous-generation Volkswagen Golf hatchback. Unlike some MPVs, the Volkswagen Touran uses conventional rear doors, rather than sliding ones.

The fuss-free theme continues inside the Volkswagen Touran, with a focus on maximising practicality. With a dashboard that is lifted almost directly from the last Volkswagen Golf, you can be certain that everything will be logically laid-out and easy to use.

Each of the five rear seats in the Volkswagen Touran can be folded down separately, making the interior very flexible. Having three seats in the second row means there should be no arguments about who gets the middle seat, too. Those in the third row are less well catered for – try not to cram any six-foot adults back there.

Folding down all the rear seats flat creates a gigantic cargo capacity, allowing the Volkswagen Touran to double as a very refined van.

In line with the Volkswagen Touran’s sensible exterior styling and interior design, VW has also blessed its MPV with a no-nonsense driving experience. Being unkind, you could describe driving the Volkswagen Touran as dull – but ‘uneventful’ is perhaps more accurate and fair.

There is a decent amount of body control for a tall vehicle, meaning corners are taken calmly. By the same token, there is very little engagement between the Volkswagen Touran and its driver. The ride is also refined, with even R-Line models on larger 18-inch alloy wheels remaining comfortable.

When first released, the Volkswagen Touran came with a host of engine options. Volkswagen has now condensed this down to solely the 1.5-litre TSI petrol. This offers a respectable blend of pace and fuel economy, along with a choice between manual or automatic gearboxes. The only downside will be if your high annual mileage favours a diesel engine, or if your fleet manager requires you to have a company car. If so, cut the Volkswagen Touran from your shortlist.

There are very few real rivals left to the Volkswagen Touran. The Ford S-Max offers seven seats, but is now hybrid-only and substantially more expensive. At the other end of the scale, the bargain-priced Dacia Jogger can seat seven, but cannot compete with the Volkswagen for interior quality or brand cachet.

This all means that, should you need a seven-seat MPV, but still want an upmarket image and a degree of affordability, the Volkswagen Touran is really your only choice. A very sensible option, it shows there is still an alternative to buying an SUV.

The Volkswagen Touran shares many of its mechanical parts with the previous-generation Volkswagen Golf, meaning it drives much like the famous hatchback. As a result, the experience on the road is one of refinement and comfort, rather than being an MPV that you will enjoy on a twisty road.

Some might describe driving the Volkswagen Touran as boring. In reality, it just delivers on exactly what most owners will need. Having a soft and compliant ride matters more when all the rear seats are occupied with children, and there should be no complaints from those on board.

If you want a family car that’s a bit more engaging, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer fits the bill – but it does so without seven seats.

Since being launched back in 2015, the Volkswagen Touran has been offered with a wide selection of engines. Over time, as market and regulatory demands have changed, Volkswagen has condensed the options down to just one engine.

If you buy a brand-new Volkswagen Touran today, the 1.5-litre TSI four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine is your only option. That is not necessarily a bad thing, though. This is a smooth engine that balances performance and refinement in equal measure.

With 150PS, it has just enough ability to prevent the Volkswagen Touran feeling overwhelmed when fully loaded. Buyers can at least choose between a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG dual-clutch auto transmission. Both result in the same 0-62mph time of 8.9 seconds, although the DSG transmission can feel hesitant when pulling out of junctions.

Volkswagen previously sold the Touran with a range of diesel options, including the 2.0-litre TDI with 150PS. This was the most recent diesel engine offered, so is likely to be easiest to find on the used market. Its strong torque was a boon when all of the Volkswagen Touran’s seats were in use.

When the current second-generation Volkswagen Touran was first launched, it received a full five-star rating from the Euro NCAP safety organisation. Testing has become more stringent since that initial evaluation, however, and when the Volkswagen Touran was re-tested in 2022, it only scored four stars.

It means that although the Volkswagen Touran is still a safe option, it’s not quite on par with the most modern cars. Nonetheless, its interior is packed with airbags, all the rear seats come equipped with Isofix child seat mounts, and there is a standard post-collision braking system.

With Volkswagen now offering the Touran with the 1.5 TSI petrol engine only, towing capability is more limited. An official tow bar can be found on the options list, but the Volkswagen Touran 1.5 TSI is only capable of hauling braked trailers up to 1500kg in weight.

The old 2.0 TDI 150PS version of the Volkswagen Touran was more capable at towing, being able to pull braked trailers of up to 1800kg. For those serious about towing, the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace SUV might be a better choice. It still boasts seven seats, but can pull up to 2500kg.

What makes the Volkswagen Touran so compelling is the fact that all versions now come with seven seats as standard. There are already very few MPVs left on sale, and even fewer capable of accommodating seven people onboard. It leaves the Volkswagen Touran as something of a winner by default.

The inside of the Volkswagen Touran is truly Tardis-like, fitting seven seats onto a platform not much larger than a Volkswagen Golf. Space for those in the front is particularly generous, with plenty of headroom and legroom.

Moving further back, the middle row of seats is the Volkswagen Touran’s big selling point. There are three individual chairs, rather than a single bench, aided by a flat floor to make it more comfortable. The two seats in the third row are a little tighter on space, and need a squeeze to clamber into. They will be fine for children, but any adults back there may complain.

Utilising all seven seats does reduce the Volkswagen Touran’s boot space to only 187 litres. Drop the third row down and this improves to 927 litres, while flattening the second row leads to a van-like 1,857 litres. There are also plenty of other clever storage cubbies throughout the Volkswagen Touran’s interior.

Helping justify the Volkswagen Touran’s semi-premium price tag is an interior that feels genuinely high in quality. Most of the touchpoints feature plush, soft-touch materials, and there’s an overall feeling of solidity throughout the front of the cabin.

Moving into the rear of the Volkswagen Touran, the materials used become a little less upmarket. Some items, like the rear tray tables, don’t exactly exude granite-like quality, but they should still resist the effects of unruly children.

All Volkswagen Tourans come equipped with an 8.0-inch Discover Media Navigation multimedia touchscreen. Mounted in the centre of the dashboard, it makes use of physical buttons for adjusting the volume and zooming in the map on the standard sat-nav system. DAB radio and a subscription to Volkswagen’s Car-Net interactive service are also included.

The touchscreen works well, being quick to respond and more user-friendly than some of Volkswagen’s more recent efforts. It’s good to have normal buttons and dials for the climate control, too.

SEL and R-Line versions offer wireless smartphone connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto devices. Those with the SE Family version will have to make use of the Touran’s USB-C port instead.

Like many new Volkswagens, the Touran now comes equipped with a digital instrument panel in place of traditional dials. The SE Family model has an 8.0-inch display, while SEL and R-Line versions gain a more substantial 10.25-inch screen. This offers plenty of customisable views, and helps make the cabin look more modern.

Prices for the Volkswagen Touran now start at around £36,000: quite a lot of money for an entry-level MPV. However, Volkswagen has dropped the SE trim level, meaning the more generously appointed SE Family is now the starting point.

For comparison, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer starts from around £33,500. While the BMW is only a five-seater, it is newer and comes with the added appeal of a BMW badge on the bonnet. For seven seats without any fuss, the Dacia Jogger costs from £18,000.

Of course, there is always the option to search for a Volkswagen Touran on the used market. This can lead to discounts on nearly-new and pre-registered models, along with avoiding any waiting lists.

With the Volkswagen Touran now sold with just one choice of engine, it means there is limited flexibility when it comes to running costs.

Fortunately, the 1.5 TSI 150 engine is relatively economical for a turbocharged petrol, so fuel bills should not be too extortionate. The Volkswagen Touran’s laid-back nature may also discourage drivers from using its performance more than necessary, and promote a more frugal approach. To discover how efficient the 1.5 TSI engine can be in the real world, check out our Real MPG reports.

The 1.5 TSI 150 is officially capable of averaging up to 43.5mpg, with the choice of a manual or automatic transmission having no impact on fuel economy. Opting for the sportier R-Line version does reduce potential economy slightly, though.

Previously, the most efficient Volkswagen Touran had a 2.0 TDI 150 diesel engine. This model was capable of delivering up to 53.3mpg, aided by a standard DSG automatic transmission.

VED (vehicle excise duty, better known as road tax) for the Volkswagen Touran isn’t hugely expensive. With only the 1.5 TSI engine on offer, CO2 emissions range between 147g/km and 155g/km.

The 151g/km benchmark is important, as owners of Volkswagen Tourans above this point will pay £645 in the first year, versus only £255 for those below. A standard rate of £180 will be due each year thereafter.

Volkswagen sells the Touran with a three-year or 60,000-mile warranty as standard. Compared with other car manufacturers, this cover is starting to look a little ungenerous.

Volkswagen has made the Touran particularly well equipped, with even the entry-level SE Family absolutely packed with features. These start with 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome front grille inserts, silver anodised roof rails and rear privacy glass.

On the inside, all seven seats are finished in ‘Lasano’ cloth upholstery, with ‘New Brushed Design’ interior trim inserts and three-zone climate control. The front seats are of a ‘comfort’ design, with the steering wheel being wrapped in leather. There is also a height-adjustable multifunction centre console, an overhead storage compartment in the roof, and tray tables for the rear passengers. A panoramic sunroof brings extra light, while manual sunblinds are fitted in the rear.

Adaptive cruise control, a hill-hold function, front and rear parking sensors and an electronic parking brake are fitted. Along with the 8.0-inch colour multimedia touchscreen, there is an 8.0-inch digital instrument panel with satellite navigation as well. DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity and a USB-C socket are also included.

The SEL model brings more kit, with 17-inch alloy wheels, extra trim for the front bumper, chrome window-surround trim and a chrome exhaust tailpipe. Front fog lights and electrically folding side mirrors are other notable features.

Velour and microfibre upholstery brings extra luxury to the interior, along with front and rear carpet mats, chrome instrument surrounds and Piano Black trim. There is also ambient lighting, a colour multifunction display and wireless smartphone connectivity. The digital instrument panel increases in size to 10.25 inches.

Topping the Volkswagen Touran range is the R-Line version. Whether an MPV needs to look sporty is perhaps a moot point, but the Touran R-Line gains 18-inch alloy wheels, a bespoke bodykit and special R-Line exterior badges.

On the inside, the R-Line boasts seats finished in a combination of cloth and microfibre upholstery. The front seats feature R-Line logos, just in case you forget which model you had picked. There is also a racy black headlining, Black Lead Gray interior trim and stainless steel pedals.

A special R-Line steering wheel is wrapped in leather, with grey stitching, and has paddle shifters for DSG-equipped models. A set of stainless steel R-Line sill protectors are the finishing touch.