Second-Generation Volkswagen Touareg and Viable Alternatives in North American Markets
The second generation of the Volkswagen Touareg remains a strong claim in the crossover segment, maintaining leadership within the 4.8 to 4.9 meter class. It stands tall among rivals in size and price, yet competition persists. A seasoned driving expert, Sergei Zinoviev, identifies several credible options at once and explains in practical terms what buyers should scrutinize when purchasing, especially for North American buyers.
In many markets, the typical price window for these large crossovers sits between 1.4 and 1.8 million rubles, which is modest by today’s standards for this category. Even with this budget, a brand-new crossover is rarely realistic. A compelling secondary-market option that quietly gained traction is the first-generation Kia Mohave. It presents a strong value proposition for those seeking size and utility without paying the premium for a new model.
What do you get?
The Mohave is 19 millimeters longer than the Touareg, rides on a body-on-frame platform, and can be configured with three rows of seating in its standard setup. It offers substantial cargo space, delivering at least 1045 liters of luggage capacity when the third row is folded, while ground clearance sits around 217 millimeters. Buyers can choose between permanent four-wheel drive or a selectable four-wheel-drive system with a plug-in option. For the stated price, customers should expect a vehicle that is roughly ten to twelve years old with around 200,000 kilometers on the odometer, and in some cases it may be pricier than a similarly aged Touareg.
That said, the Mohave isn’t presented here as a clear reliability or equipment benchmark. It may, however, offer air suspension in some trims. A notable advantage is the cheaper availability of spare parts and lower repair costs. The suspension generally remains stable in everyday use. The paint finish can be prone to flaking, but body corrosion tends to be less aggressive than some competitors.
Possible Electronic Problems
- ABS sensors or their wiring
- rear-view camera
- standard audio system
In practice, the more significant trouble spots for the Mohave tend to revolve around electronic systems rather than major mechanical failures. A common recommendation is to target diesel power, specifically the 3.0-liter diesel engine delivering about 250 horsepower, represented by the D6EA variant up to 2011 and the D6EB version afterward, paired with a six-speed transmission through 2011 and an eight-speed automatic thereafter.
Diesel: what should you pay attention to?
Older diesel engines carry familiar subtleties. Expect sensitive fuel systems with piezo injectors, occasionally problematic glow plugs and their heating circuits, and the need to clean the crankcase ventilation system. The timing chain drive may require attention around the 150,000-kilometer mark, but with normal usage it can endure up to roughly 200,000 kilometers. The engine itself remains capable and reliable up to about 350,000 kilometers when properly maintained.
And if a ten-year-old Touareg remains appealing, explore that option and other competitors in the secondary market to compare value and condition more comprehensively.
Authoritative guidance suggests comparing multiple options in the secondary market to gauge overall value, condition, and long-term ownership costs. A balanced approach considers maintenance history, repair costs, and the availability of qualified technicians, particularly for European models that may require specialized service.