Overview & Reviews
As the popularity of SUVs has grown, it seems that much of the original rugged off-road personality these models were known for has been bred out of the segment in favor of on-pavement comfort and drivability. Among luxury SUVs, that shift seems even more evident. The original Volkswagen Touareg was one of the sport-utilities that clung to those off-road roots, but the next generation made the shift toward the everyday.
It's hard to argue with the results, though. The first-generation Touareg was a capable model known for its high-class interior, off-road ability and respectable towing capacity. But it was also very heavy and had subpar fuel economy. The newer Touareg lacks those more serious off-road chops but is otherwise a superior vehicle that's more in line with what consumers want from a modern and luxurious SUV.
Current Volkswagen Touareg
The Volkswagen Touareg is a five-passenger midsize SUV that's available in six main trim levels: Sport, Lux, X Special Edition, R-Line, Executive and Hybrid. All but the Hybrid and X Special Edition can be had with either gasoline V6 ("VR6") or turbodiesel ("TDI") V6 power.
The base engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 280 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, while the turbodiesel V6 TDI generates 240 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid variant features a supercharged, direct-injection 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine paired with an electric motor that combine to produce 380 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are standard on all models.
Even the base Sport trim comes with bi-xenon headlights, a power tailgate, dual-zone automatic climate control and heated power front seats. A navigation system package with keyless entry and ignition, a rearview camera and a hands-free power liftgate is optional. Stepping up to the Lux trim gets you all that, plus a panoramic sunroof and leather upholstery. Celebrating this model's 10th anniversary, the X Special Edition is essentially a Lux with the TDI engine, exclusive paint, unique wheels and upgraded leather upholstery. The R-Line loses the hands-free liftgate, but otherwise is a Lux with 20-inch wheels, a sport body kit and a sport-tuned suspension. In addition to the Lux features, the Executive features a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a top-view parking camera and a premium sound system. Opting for the Hybrid adds a power-adjustable steering column and additional front seat functions.
In our reviews, we've found that the Volkswagen Touareg is a well-designed crossover SUV that offers commendable driving dynamics. The Touareg's base V6 is a solid pick, but we've found the more fuel-efficient TDI diesel more to our liking and well worth the added premium. On the other hand, the Hybrid model boasts the type of power and performance of a V8 engine, but its less-than-frugal fuel economy may fall short of some expectations. In essence, it consumes about as much as a V6 engine would. A major highlight for any Touareg is the cabin, which scores points for its upscale design and high-quality materials.
Used Volkswagen Touareg Models
The Volkswagen Touareg was fully redesigned for 2011 with a new focus on on-road driving dynamics and fuel efficiency. In addition to its somewhat sleeker styling, this Touareg differs from the previous one by going without a dual-range transfer case. Although that change reduced its all-out off-road capabilities, VW realized that most upscale SUV drivers likely spend most, if not all, of their time on pavement and would benefit much more from a 400-pound weight reduction and the resulting increases in fuel efficiency and on-road handling dynamics. This second-generation Touareg also provides more comfort for those in back via added legroom and a reclining seatback.
For 2013, the TDI engine's horsepower was increased from 225 to 240. The celebratory X Special Edition and sporty R-Line trims didn't debut until 2014.
The first-generation VW Touareg debuted in 2004 and lasted through 2010. Initially, it came equipped with either a 220-hp 3.2-liter V6 or a 310-hp 4.2-liter V8. Many owners considered this V6 to be underpowered, so going with the V8, especially now that depreciation has set in, probably isn't a bad idea. VW also sold a few range-topping Touareg V10 TDI models that first year -- the TDI had a diesel-fueled turbocharged V10 displacing 5.0 liters. It was rated at 310 hp and a stout 553 lb-ft of torque. Every engine was connected to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The V10 was dropped for 2005, while the original V6 received 20 more hp. Changes for '06 included upgrading the optional CD-based navigation system to DVDs and adding an available rearview camera, an auxiliary multimedia MP3 connector and a 115-volt power outlet (in place of the previous 12-volt source) in the rear cargo area. The V10 engine also made its return to the U.S. market very late into the 2006 calendar year.
Some notable engine changes occurred for '07. For that year Volkswagen brought out a new 3.6-liter V6 engine that produced 276 hp, while the Touareg's 4.2-liter V8 was given a boost to 350 hp.
In 2008, the Touareg was renamed the Touareg 2 and received a slight refresh (not a full redesign), but VW dropped the "2" two years later to once again make it just the VW Touareg. Changes included updated styling and revised feature content. This was also the last year for the big V10; it was replaced for '09 with the V6 TDI, which made 221 hp and a still robust 407 lb-ft of torque). The V8 was also discontinued at the end of the 2009 model year.
Of the few demerits attributed to the first-generation Volkswagen Touareg, mediocre backseat and cargo space were the most prominent. The lack of a third-row seat and the standard suspension's stiff ride also managed to dull the Touareg's shine, though an optional (and pricey) air suspension fixed the ride quality issues. Overall, the Touareg proved to be an excellent road tripper, with a luxuriously quiet cabin on the highway and smooth-shifting transmission.
User Reviews:
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6 failures change tires @ 15k mi - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By Jack - December 8 - 12:00 amDash lights failed. Entire assembly needed to be replaced. Tires worn out at 15K. Dealer recommends alignment when tires changed. At slow speed turns it feels like the U joints are catching and releasing. Told it is caused by the tires that need to be replaced. Warning lights appear and need to be "recalibrated." Accelerator pauses occasionally. Told it was the brakes that dont allow the accelerator to function - not true. Very expensive car for this to happen in 6 months.
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Run, Dont Walk Away From This SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Leigh - November 2 - 2:33 pmWhere to begin? Everything you have read is true. Brakes seem to go out every two years and when they do, prepare to replace your rotors. Tires go out every two years also and I pay about $900 to have four new tires put on. Oil changes are upward of $100 and dealing with the dealership is a living HELL. Beautiful car, but insane to maintain. I am thankful I dont have car payments. I will NEVER own a VW again!
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Dont Buy it! - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By Unsatisfied - September 6 - 3:03 pmIve had many SUVs over the years, but this one is the worst. It has been in the shop 50 days in the last year and a half. They have just about totally replaced every part but the engine! Numerous, numerous electrical problems. I like the design but until VW works out all the bugs - buy something else. VWs Customer Servive line is also a joke. I cant remember the last time I had to call the Manufacturer to get a problem addressed - I thought that was what the dealership was for!
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DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Holly - July 23 - 2:13 am6 days after I purchased the vehicle 3 of the 6 ignition coils were shot and needed to be replaced, a few months later another ignition coil was shot. Since then the Emissions light has been repeatedly going off, was told it was the Catalytic Converter, $3000 to repair! I thought maybe there was something wrong with the sensor as it only seemed to go off when there was a drastic weather change, yet have not had a problem since reset. Power Relay went last week, $1300, then told the Electronic Break Control Modual Assembly was shot, $2400, yet replacement did not fix problem and they have no idea how to fix! DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE!
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Touareg V6 - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By Luigi - June 20 - 4:56 amI have enjoyed the handling and comfortable feel of this truck, especially on bumpy roads. It is firm and solidly built. The driveshaft gave up at 17,056 miles of smooth highway driving though.
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its the small stuff ... - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By EgSalad - May 24 - 10:00 amThoughts after 4500 miles: great initial impression, but as I drove the vehicle daily I found it was the small stuff that bugged me. Wipers chatter & wont effectively interval; in-dash CD occassionally wont eject disk; stereo sounds very poor; always "beeping" to alert you of something; rear entry requires remote electronic release; harsh acceleration; etc ... Traded in a Land Cruiser for this vehicle & it was a mistake.
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Wacthy out during and after warranty - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Trey - February 8 - 1:43 amI have bought new cars for years. Ive never had problems like this. We own two VWs so I feel I am quite experienced to tell you not to buy one. During warranty they will fix everything no problem. Of course you have to take it in tens times. I own a 2005 Passat and a 2004 Touareg each only gets around 14000 a year in milage. Now that it is out of warranty I am shelling out money left and right. Rear window hydraulics gone at 61k miles etc. - transmission has had three repairs and has broken down again today leaving me stranded in the woods with my family while camping with a 5 yo. I will never let the reliability of a volkswagon be the determining factor of my familys safety again.
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on first name basis with service dept - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By buttrfli - January 27 - 10:00 amI bought my touareg sept 2 and since then it has been in the shop five times.three for the rear window sensor not locking properly,two for the ESP not operating properly.My touareg has spent a cumulative week and a half in the shop and i havent even had it for a month yet.i wish i had ESP because if i did i would have never bought this truck...
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Over priced with all short falls - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By jarnold - January 5 - 10:00 amGood, not great overall. GPS is accurate but has very poor software, lacking information that most other software(DeLorme) offers at a very resonable price. Buy a palm and software from DeLorme for less than half VWs cost and get ten times the information. Problems with rear seat belt and tricky back seats to lay flat. GM is much easier. Go with V8 not V6, more money but much more satifaction. Both engines get poor mileage, under EPA rateings. Premium fuel. Been back to dealer several times, still needs work. Very poor trade in value. How did so many people mistankenly decide this was a supposed outstanding vehicle?
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My first and last VW - 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
By jmay1 - January 2 - 10:26 pmI traded in my 2007 Volvo XC90 for the 2012 Touareg TDI and, 7 months later, I am trading it in with only 8400 miles on it. Since I bought it in September of 2011, I have had it in for service 6 times (AdBlue pump issues, check engine light has come on many times and the brakes squeal when in reverse). I love the styling, comfort and gas mileage, but its just not worth the headache and trips to the service department. I would have thought for what I paid for it, it would have been better in its class. I chose this over the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3 (which cost less) and I couldnt be more disappointed.
