Volkswagen to Retire Touareg After 24 Years on Sale
Volkswagen has announced the retirement of the Touareg, marking the end of an era for one of its oldest SUVs. Learn about the factors leading to this decision and what it means for the brand's future.
Volkswagen to Retire Touareg After 24 Years on Sale
Volkswagen is set to officially retire the Touareg, one of its longest-standing and most prestigious SUV models, after 24 years on the market. Production is scheduled to cease in 2026, with the recently introduced Tayron taking over as the brand's largest SUV offering in the UK.
A Legacy of Excellence
Introduced in 2002, the Touareg was developed in tandem with the Porsche Cayenne, sharing a platform that allowed both brands to explore the luxury SUV market. The Touareg played a significant role in Volkswagen's strategy to enhance its brand perception, alongside high-end models like the Phaeton.
Changing Market Dynamics
This decision to phase out the Touareg comes as Volkswagen shifts its focus towards models that cater to broader consumer needs. The Tayron has been positioned as a more affordable option with mass appeal, effectively replacing much of the Touareg's functionality. This model comes with flexible configurations (two- or three-row seating) and offers a substantial towing capacity of up to 2500kg.
Without a direct successor for the Touareg, this transition signifies the conclusion of Volkswagen's 23-year venture into the premium SUV segment.
The End of an Era for ID Models
In addition to retiring the Touareg, Volkswagen has also decided to discontinue the ID 5, which was launched in 2021 as a sportier counterpart to the ID 4. Aimed primarily at the Chinese market, the ID 5 struggled to attain significant sales, overshadowed by the more practical ID 4. This model was never available in the U.S. market and is expected to be phased out by 2027 as Volkswagen streamlines its lineup to focus on higher-volume sales.
Future Outlook
Internally, Volkswagen has discussed the possibility of a