---
title: "Volkswagen Touareg Axed From U.S. Lineup, Report Says"
description: "Farewell to the German brute."
date: "2017-07-12"
modified: "2017-07-12"
authors:
  - name: "Caleb Jacobs"
    job_title: "Senior Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/caleb-jacobs"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/article/12394/volkswagen-touareg-axed-from-u-s-lineup-report-says"
categories:
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
  - "Volkswagen News"
tags:
  - "Discontinued"
  - "German Cars"
  - "SUV News"
  - "touareg"
  - "Volkswagen"
---

# Volkswagen Touareg Axed From U.S. Lineup, Report Says

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2017/07/vw-touareg-hero-image.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

Volkswagen will discontinue the Touareg SUV from its U.S. lineup as it sets its sights on [electrification](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/11842/volkswagen-is-bringing-2-new-electric-cars-to-us-report-says>), smaller crossover models, and the roll-out of the new Atlas SUV,[ according to *MotorTrend*.](<https://www.motortrend.com/news/volkswagen-touareg-discontinued-u-s-market/>)

The brand's premium utility offering has been dwindling in the sales department over the last few years, and as a result of [cutting costs](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/10249/vw-to-pay-1-2-billion-in-u-s-dieselgate-settlement-over-3-0-liter-engine-models>) and making room for products like the T-Roc small crossover, it's been decidedly ousted in favor of new projects. The Touareg will not reappear in showrooms for the 2018 model year, leaving the [upsized Tiguan](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/11751/2018-volkswagen-tiguan-review-7-things-to-know>) to take its place along with the freshly released [Atlas SUV.](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/9083/the-2018-volkswagen-atlas-finally-solves-vws-america-problem>)

Starting at a price point of $50,405, the Touareg competed in a segment with luxury brands like sister brand [Audi and its Q5](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/7825/audi-creates-virtual-reality-q5-sandbox-driving-experience>) as well as Lexus' RX model. Buyers of this demographic seemingly opted for the premium brands over the humble-but-good VW, which was surely a factor in the company's decision to leave it off the table in the American market.

The model ran for a steady 13 years with several major upgrades along the way, never staying stale for too long. It was greeted with a slew of awards when it was introduced in 2004 thanks to its off-road ability, four-wheel-drive capability, and ample storage room in the cabin.

Touareg sales were down 26 percent in the first half of 2017, signaling a wave of the flag to Volkswagen. The ute's little brother, the Tiguan, sold a solid 20,556 for comparison.

Expect the brand to invest heavily in the Atlas SUV in order to pick up the missing Touareg's slack.

## Author
Caleb Jacobs is The Drive’s senior editor. When he’s not searching for stories or poring over copy, he’s usually driving his dump truck or wishing it was running so he could drive it. He was born and raised in the Missouri Ozarks, and he lives there today with his family.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-jacobs-319323119>)  
[Instagram](<https://instagram.com/calebjwords>)  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/calebjacobs0611>)