Volkswagen Touran Review 2026
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Volkswagen Touran Verdict
Hugely practical with large boot. Seven-seater versions are well-suited for family life. Flexible seating system is easy to use. Five star Euro NCAP rating.
Expensive. Bland exterior styling.
Find out more about the Volkswagen Touran
Insurance Groups are between 10–19
On average it achieves 82% of the official MPG figure
The family car market has changed a lot since the first Touran rolled off the production line in 2003, but Volkswagen’s boxy MPV has remained a popular choice with those wanting practical and versatile family transport.
The Touran majors on space and usability and buyers get the choice of five or seven-seats, with the latter being the most versatile. The third-generation Touran is built around the Volkswagen Golf platform, which means it is bigger and more spacious inside. Standard equipment and safety equipment have been bolstered with improved infotainment and a new post-collision braking system.
Inside, the Touran gets a flexible system that lets you slide forward and fold each seat individually. This means the storage can be tailored to fit around your passengers. All of the seats fold into the floor to offer a flat 1857-litre load space, which means the Touran is bigger overall than both the Ford C-MAX and the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer.
Under the bonnet the Touran is offered with four engines – two petrols and two diesels – with outputs varying from 110PS to 190PS. As you might expect, the diesels offers the best economy, with the standout model being the 1.6 TDI that will return up to 67.3mpg with 111g/km of CO2.
When it comes to driving, the Touran is more functional than fun, with uninspiring handling. That said, the boxy Volkswagen is by no means a bad car to drive as it rides softly and corners with minimal fuss; however the interior also struggles to match the refinement of a C-MAX or 2 Series Gran Tourer, with both feeling more enjoyable to drive and ride in.
Yet, when it comes to ferrying the family around in a sensible and practical manner, the Touran is hard to fault. It has acres of space, a versatile seating system and the range of economical engines means it's cheap to run.
Looking for a second opinion? Read heycar's Volkswagen Touran review
Reviews for Volkswagen Touran's top 3 rivals
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Volkswagen Touran handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.0 TSI 115 to 2.0 TDI 190 DSG
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 34–64 mpg
The engine range starts with the 110PS 1.2 TSI, mated to a six-speed manual transmission, offering 175Nm of torque and up to 52.3mpg and 126g/km of CO2.
A larger 150PS 1.4 TSI is also available, with the choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG , but this represents the least efficient engine in the range, with the manual version returning 50.4mpg. Emissions are higher too, 132g/km of CO2, although the DSG option improves things slightly, with 52.2mpg and 126g/km.
Those covering lots of miles on a daily basis will be better suited with one of the diesels, with the entry-level 110PS 1.6 TDI returning up to 67.3mpg and 111g/km of CO2. The 2.0 TDI is available in two outputs – 150PS and 190PS – and will return up to 64.2mpg and 116g/km. However, the DSG choice is restricted to six-speed - mandatory for the 190PS - although a six-speed manual is available for those choosing 150Ps.
Both the 1.2 TSI and and 1.6 TDI work well with the Touran's considerable dimensions, but need to be worked hard to gain momentum when joining a motorway or pulling away from a quickly from a junction. As a result they can be quite vocal as you work through the gears. The 2.0 TDIs are much more refined and the 150PS option provides a good balance between performance and economy.
For the most part, the Touran is quiet and comfortable, but somewhat pedestrian and dull when compared to the fun Ford C-MAX and refined BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer. There's nothing particularly wrong with the way the Touran drives, but it doesn't corner with the same vigour as the Ford or dampen road and wind noise in the same manner as the BMW.
In its favour, the Touran is a extremely comfortable and both the manual and automatic transmissions are slick. The soft and compliant ride is also bolstered by nicely weighted steering, which means you can waft around corners with minimal of fuss or bodyroll.
Safety kit is well catered for, automatic post-collision braking and seven airbags are fitted as standard, while SE models add automatic front assist, which warns the driver if they're travelling too close to the car in front. The system will also apply the brakes at lower speeds to prevent a collision.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 TSI 115 | - | - | 128 g/km |
| 1.2 TSI | 51 mpg | 11.3 s | 126 g/km |
| 1.4 TSI | 50–51 mpg | 8.9 s | 127–133 g/km |
| 1.5 TSI 150 | 47 mpg | 9.3 s | 132 g/km |
| 1.5 TSI 150 DSG | 51 mpg | 8.9 s | 130 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI 110 | 61 mpg | 11.9 s | 116 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI 110 DSG | 66 mpg | - | 111 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI 115 | 61 mpg | 11.9 s | 116 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI 115 DSG | 66 mpg | 11.9 s | 111 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI 115 DSG | - | - | 127–129 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI 150 | 61 mpg | 9.3 s | 116–117 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI 150 DSG | 60–63 mpg | 9.3 s | 125–130 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI 190 DSG | 59 mpg | - | 123 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Volkswagen Touran
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
82%
Real MPG
34–64 mpg
MPGs submitted
53
Volkswagen Touran interior
- Boot space is 137–1857 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4527 mm |
| Width | 1814–2087 mm |
| Height | 1628–1659 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2791 mm |
The Touran is an MPV that majors on practicality. As a result it is large, durable and simple to use. The Touran is available as a five or seven-seater, with the latter being perfect for families who need a spacious car that will convert in to a minibus for the school run.
The interior is solid, with a no-nonsense feel and plenty of hardwearing plastics, durable fabrics and accessories. Admittedly, the rear tray tables, which are built into the back of the front seats, feel a little flimsy, but we'd wager that the Touran would stand-up well to boisterous children and heavy handed adults.
As a five-seater, the Touran is extremely comfortable and there's no shortage of head and leg room. Seven-seat models add more flexibility, but the third row of seats is not designed for adults as head and knee space is limited. Children under 12 years of age on the other hand will find them to be a perfect fit.
Unlike its predecessor, with its uneven floor and fiddly seating system, the latest Touran has been given a complete overhaul. The old fold, tilt and remove seating system has been replaced with a fold down mechanism that gives you a flat floor with the minimum of fuss. Simply tug the cloth handle, push the seat and it will compress into the floor to provide a van rivalling 1857 litres of storage.
Even with the middle row raised, the Touran offers a useful 917 litres of bootspace, which means it will have little trouble carrying large bulky items. However, as a seven-seater, storage is somewhat limited, with just 137 litres.
All of the middle seats have Isofix points and can slide forwards and backwards. They can also be folded individually, which means you're abke customise the seating to fit around the items you're carrying. The third row are also easily folds away into the boot floor and includes two more anchorage points for Isofix childseats.
Up front the driver gets a clear view of the road, with the large windscreen and side windows providing plenty of all-round visibility. The soft-touch dashboard has plenty of storage with two cup holders, a closable compartment on the top of the dash and a large cubby box in the centre stack.
The interior lacks the classy ingenuity of the iDrive system, found in the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer. It is also no match for the workmanlike simplicity of the Ford C-MAX, but the Volkswagen is easy enough to master and boasts some useful features, with a five-inch monochrome touchscreen, DAB radio and Bluetooth all fitted as standard.
Colour touchscreen, iPod connectivity and three-zone climate control are standard on higher trim models and the options list has some interesting features, with the most notable being the voice amplification system, which lets the driver to speak to those in the back without raising their voice.
Volkswagen Touran models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4527 mm |
| Width | 1814–2087 mm |
| Height | 1628–1659 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2791 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1436–1660 kg |
| Boot Space | 137–1857 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 18000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £27,810–£32,125 |
| Insurance Groups | 10–19 |
| Road Tax Bands | C–E |
| Official MPG | 47.1–65.7 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
Currently on sale
| Medium MPV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.5 TSI Evo 150 SE Family 5dr | £28,975 | 47.1 mpg | 9.3 s |
| 1.5 TSI Evo 150PS R-Line 5dr | - | - | - |
| 1.5 TSI Evo 150PS R-Line DSG7 5dr | - | - | - |
| 1.5 TSI Evo 150PS SE 5dr | £27,810 | 47.1 mpg | 9.3 s |
| 1.5 TSI Evo 150PS SE DSG7 5dr | £29,070 | 51.4 mpg | 8.9 s |
| 1.5 TSI Evo 150PS SEL 5dr | - | - | - |
| 1.5 TSI Evo 150PS SEL DSG7 5dr | - | - | - |
| 1.5TSI Evo 150 SE Family DSG7 5dr | £30,235 | 51.4 mpg | 8.9 s |
| 2.0 TDI 115PS R-Line DSG7 5dr | - | - | - |
| 2.0 TDI 115PS S DSG7 5dr | - | - | - |
| 2.0 TDI 115PS SE DSG7 5dr | - | - | - |
| 2.0 TDI 115PS SE Family DSG7 5dr | - | - | - |
| 2.0 TDI 115PS SEL DSG7 5dr | - | - | - |
| 2.0 TDI 150 SE Family 5dr | - | 61.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
| 2.0 TDI 150 SE Family DSG7 5dr | £32,125 | 61.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
| 2.0 TDI 150PS R-Line 5dr | - | 61.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
| 2.0 TDI 150PS R-Line DSG7 5dr | - | 61.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
| 2.0 TDI 150PS SE 5dr | - | 61.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
| 2.0 TDI 150PS SE DSG7 5dr | £29,660 | 61.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
| 2.0 TDI 150PS SEL 5dr | - | 61.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
| 2.0 TDI 150PS SEL DSG7 5dr | - | 62.8 mpg | 9.3 s |
On sale until March 2020
| Medium MPV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.0 TSI 115ps S 5dr | - | - | - |
| 1.6 TDI 115 SE Family Bmt 5dr | £27,475 | 61.4 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 1.6 TDI 115ps S Bmt 5dr | £24,600 | 61.4 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 1.6 TDI 115ps S Bmt DSG7 5dr | £25,900 | 65.7 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 1.6 TDI 115ps SE Bmt 5dr | £25,990 | 61.4 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 1.6 TDI 115ps SE Bmt DSG7 5dr | £27,290 | 65.7 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 1.6 TDI SE Family Bmt DSG7 5dr | £28,775 | 65.7 mpg | 11.9 s |
On sale until August 2019
| Medium MPV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.2 TSI 110 SE Family Edition BlueMotion Technology 5dr | £26,405 | 51.4 mpg | 11.3 s |
| 1.2 TSI 110ps S BlueMotion Technology 5dr | £23,565 | 51.4 mpg | 11.3 s |
| 1.2 TSI 110ps SE BlueMotion Technology 5dr | £25,240 | 51.4 mpg | 11.3 s |
| 2.0 TDI 190ps R-Line BlueMotion Technology DSG6 5dr | £33,275 | 58.9 mpg | - |
| 2.0 TDI 190ps SEL BlueMotion Technology DSG6 5dr | £32,280 | 58.9 mpg | - |
On sale until April 2019
Model History
- February 2015: Touran R-Line launched
- February 2015: New Volkswagen Touran launched
- September 2015
- October 2019: Updates for 2020 Volkswagen Touran
February 2015
Touran R-Line launched
The range-topping new Touran R-Line is available with a selection of potent yet frugal turbocharged petrol or diesel engines ranging in capacity from 1.4-litre TSI to 2.0-litre TDI, and with outputs of between 150PS and 190PS. These are mated to a similarly broad selection of transmissions which, depending on engine choice, comprise either six-speed manual or six- or seven-speed DSG.
Instantly recognisable outside, the new Touran R-Line benefits from a selection of exterior design enhancements including unique front and rear bumpers, radiator grille, and side skirts; plus chrome mouldings for the rear bumper, and 18-inch ‘Marseille’ alloy wheels. Unique R-Line badging completes the external additions.
Inside, the sporty new Touran adds ‘Black Lead Grey’ decorative inserts in the dash, centre console and front doors; a black roof lining and grey stitching on the leather-trimmed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, which also includes aluminium inserts and R-Line logo.
The seating, meanwhile, includes contrasting microfibre side bolsters and front seats with R-Line logo on the rear backrests. Completing the stylish upgrades are stainless steel pedals, and unique R-Line sill protectors.
The new Touran R-Line is available to order from Volkswagen Retailers now, with prices starting at £27,740 RRP for the Touran R-Line 1.4-litre TSI six-speed manual.
February 2015
New Volkswagen Touran launched
The five-seater Touran has the biggest luggage compartment (1,040 litres) in its class (when loaded roof-high up to 2nd seat row). Despite significant gain in overall length, weight has been reduced by 62kg and drag coefficient to 0,296 and this results in a drop in fuel consumption of up to 19%.
4,527mm long x 1,814mm wide x 1,628mm high on 2,791mm wheelbase.110PS 1.2 TSI, 50PS 1.4 TSI, 180PS 1.8 TSI, 110PS 1.6 TDI, 150PS 2.0 TDI, 190PS 2.0 TDI engines.
The most economical petrol model is the Touran 1.4 TSI, which delivers 150PS with an ECDC combined avarage of 52.3mpg.
All models feature Stop/Start and battery regeneration (brake energy recuperation) systems as standard.
The second row seats are now much lighter that the previous Tourans and can be folded down to merge flat with the luggage compartment floor. Even with five people on board, the 2015 Touran has 1,040 litres of luggage space when loaded up to roof height. With two people abourt luggage volume is 1,857 litres loaded to the roof.
There is a total of up to 47 storage compartments distributed throughout the interior of the 2015 Touran; these include a large removable container in the Jumbo Box under the front centre armrest and the luggage compartment light which can easily be snapped out for use as a torch. All aspects of the air-conditioning system have also been carefully thought-through.
The Touran's dash panel has been redesigned with a more driver-oriented layout. The upper area of the panel is made of a slush-moulded soft-touch material and contains a closable storage compartment. The chrome-trimmed air vents (above the centre console) and the switch for the hazard warning lights occupy a central position.
The longer wheelbase of the new Touran also benefits passengers in the frequently used second seat row, who will appreciate the added 40 mm of play available when adjusting the three individual seats. The second row seats can be adjusted lengthwise with a total travel of 200 mm. The backrest inclination can also be adjusted, with a choice of three positions. If the seats in the second row are being used, a seat belt indicator lets the driver know whether the passengers have fastened their seat belts.
For the first time in the Touran there are heated rear seats and also three-zone automatic air conditioner in the rear (Pure Air Climatronic as an option). Another new feature is the armrest built into the centre seat, for the use of passengers in the outer seats. There is the option of sun protection in the form of roller blinds integrated in the doors - an important detail when young children are aboard. Meanwhile, the newly designed fold-flat seats improve seating ergonomics and add 6 mm to the headroom.
The third seat row offers another two seats. The legroom here has also been improved (by an extra 54 mm). Entry and exit have also been optimised, with the second seat row being equipped with an easy entry function allowing the seats to slide forward. There is also more headroom (an extra 13 mm).
September 2015
Prices for the Volkswagen Touran start at £22,240 for the 1.2 TSI 110 S, and rise to £30,510 for the 2.0 TDI 190 SEL.
October 2019
Updates for 2020 Volkswagen Touran
The Touran gets two new alloy wheel designs – 16” Karlstad replaces Trondheim wheels on SE and SE Family trims, while the 17” Stockholm alloy wheel design is replaced with Alexandria wheels for SEL specification. Both of these new wheel designs are available optionally on the lower specifications. SE and SE Family Tourans now gain a VW Connect Dongle as standard, while a DSG-equipped 2.0-litre, 115PS TDI engine is now available.
What to watch out for
City Stop system of new Touran found not to be working. When the dealer checked, Front Assist, along with City Stop and ACC were not working. Diagnostics showed there were parts missing from the system.
25-07-2018:Report of high pitched metallic rattling, noise from engine of 2018 VW Touran 1.4TSI 150. Dealer says noise is coming from high pressure fuel pump and within acceptable limits. Owner is worried.
27-11-2018:Report of prospective purchaser ordering a new VW Touran on 13th July 2018. It finally arrived at the dealership on 14th November. They can't register it with the DVLA as they claim there are issues between the DVLA and VW over the new engine emission certificates. We received a similar srory the same day concerning a VW Golf estate. We guess VW must be producing and delivering cars on spec that they can get them through WLTP testing. This is what I told the other reader: "WLTP certification is causing a catastrophe for German manufacturers. It's not just the straight certification. It's because WLTP tests show a much more honest level of CO2 compared to the old NEDC tests, and where a manufacturer's corporate average CO2 is above the level set for the manufacturer it has to pay an EC fine of 95 Euros for every gram over the limit for every car. So, unless the manufacturer can increase its prices to cover that, it starts to lose money and that's why the Germans are testing and re-testing and testing again to try to get their cars through WLTP at lower levels of CO2. If you are not prepared to put up with this nonsense, cancel the deal and try to find a car that can actually be registered."
22-12-2018:Rattling from offside rear of 2018 Volkswagen Touran 1.4 TSi 150 BlueMotion Start/Stop SEL 5dr manual resolved by dealer who says he "removed the O/S/R wheel & arch + under trays, hoovered, fuel tank and fitted damper rings to block, fuel line. Rebuilt & tested no noise heard." But rattling noise is still emanating from the dash on the drivers side.
15-07-2019:Ongoing issues with the 1.5 TSI engine with no resolution from Volkswagen.
04-08-2019:Problem reported of battery of 2015 VW Touran 1.6TDI Bluemotion (bought from an independent dealer) constantly discharging, even while driving. On owner's third RAC call out he was told there was a drain of 1.9 amps but by the time he had returned the car to the dealer it had cured itself. Dealer has now had the car for 2 weeks. Probably needs an expensive new stop/start battery.
03-09-2019:Report of 'kangarooing' when pulling away since new by April 2019 by VW Touran 1.5 TSI EVO DSG. Also "dreadfully sluggish going up hills, frequently requiring changing down into first gear. It sometimes stalls on hills and struggles to get going again without a huge number of revs. The straw that broke the camel’s back was a week or so ago, when it stalled as I was driving round a sharp bend on a steep country lane and wouldn’t start again. After several attempts... I ended up having to reverse down the hill about 50 metres, reverse into someone’s drive and go back the way I came."
