2009 VW Touareg V-6 TDI clean diesel

Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times /

2009 VW Touareg V-6 TDI clean diesel

Overview: This is the biggest SUV made by VW. And now it has a 50-state-legal diesel engine. Looking at the horsepower rating, 221 doesnt seem like much from three liters, but the 406 pound-feet of torque more than make up for it, making the engine flexible and fruity. Fuel consumption should be around 18/25 mpg, city/highway. It goes on sale in January, starting at $43,490.

Our take: The Touareg is a good machine and the 3.0 TDI a good engine. If anyone is still thinking of buying an SUV, put this one on the list.

-- Colin Ryan

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