gentle acceleration, the 2011 Touareg can be prodded up over 20 m.p.h. without starting the gas engine.

Passengers are never aware that the vehicle is doing all of this work. Unlike in smaller vehicles, plenty of sound deadening keeps the engine changes silent. Even at highway speeds, you can barely notice whether the gas engine is operating. That is, until serious power is needed when the full anger of the force-fed V6 and electric motor roar to life. Otherwise, the 2011 Touareg is every bit the luxury vehicle Volkswagen intended it to be.

Today, there's a choice of hybrid vehicles ranging from just under $20,000 to well over $100,000. Given that range, the Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid sits in the middle of the pack. It's still expensive, but it's definitely not a Ford Escape or even a Lexus RX400h. With the German carmaker's new push into the mainstream, this luxury Volkswagen hybrid may be an orphan in the lineup--but it is well worth the experience.

Sidebar: Road-Trip Ready?

From the front seat of the Touareg, it is an excellent vehicle for a couple's trip. Front seats have ample space with good access to storage. Adding a couple of kids (or even adults) in the back works well, but when you start filling in the seat belts, that's when you realize that the cargo capacity of the Touareg could be improved; just make sure your destination has access to laundry facilities if you're going to be there a while.

Otherwise, the Touareg will keep everyone comfortable with a smooth ride and quiet surroundings even on the open road. As odd as it seems, the Touareg's development team targeted the Lincoln Navigator with this SUV. While smaller, the Touareg is every bit the luxury hauler that the Navigator was in the late 1990s, only adapted for today's travel-happy family.

VITAL STATISTICS

Wheelbase: 113.9 inches
Length: 188.8 inches
Width: 76.4 inches
Height: 68.2 inches
Curb weight: 5,135 pounds
Engine: V6, 2,995 c.c. DOHC 24-valve supercharged with electric motor
Horsepower: 380 horsepower @ 5,500-6,500 r.p.m.
Torque: 425 lb.-ft. @ 3,000-5,250 r.p.m.
EPA estimated m.p.g. city/highway: 20/24
Base price: $60,565
As-tested price: $61,885, including $820 destination
Also consider: Lexus RX400h, GMC Yukon Hybrid, Cadillac Escalade Hybrid