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:
Showing 61 through 70 of 979.00-
A bargain - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By davek104 - May 24 - 10:00 amThe base T-Reg is the one to get. If you are willing to forgo the pwr seats (one more thing to break), nav (ditto), and leather this is a bargain. I got mine with the upgrade stereo and HID for 36K. Actually, the "leatherette" looks great will hold up better than the real thing esp. with pets/kids/etc. In Europe, this seating is very common. The V6 has plenty of power & decent mpg. It also lacks the drivability probs of the V8. With std sunrf, trac, multi airbag, HID, heated seats, auto dual zone a/c & 4500 lbs of German steel, VW must be losing money on every one. This is truly a BMW X5 for the price of a Ford Explorer.
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Underpowered V-6 - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By hoot - May 24 - 2:00 amThe V-6 is underpowered when passing or accelerating on the highway. Gas mileage is horrific for a 6 cylinder SUV, undoubtedly due to the vehicles weight. The quality and workmanship is very good. While Im computer literate, the navigation system takes a programmer to operate with each geographic area of the US on a separate CD.
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I love my new car! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Happy! - May 24 - 2:00 amI absolutely love my new Touareg. Ive had it for almost a month, and now that my speaker problem is fixed, I am officially thrilled. (by the way, new speaker came in in 3 business days and they fixed it very quickly) I get so many admiring glances, compliments, and questions about the car. I think its fun to drive, great for dragging my kids around, and I feel very safe....its the perverbial bank vault.
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Good Solid SUV - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
By Bill M - May 22 - 10:33 amWe have 43,000 miles on the Touareg and still enjoy driving the car. We especially like the quiet solid ride. Handling is shape with good braking. Transmission shifts smoothly in drive drop down to the sport position and the performance gains are note worthy. The power is excellent with a average of 17.5 mpg in SoCal driving. We just replace the front brake at the VW dealer $600 the back brakes should be good for 60,000 miles. The tire were replace at 36,000 miles. The GPS lacks detail but the backup camera make the GPS a fair value. Much better car than the FX45 we traded in. The interior has shown no signs of wear, the heated seats can bake your backside in short order. GREAT SUV
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Touareg V8 - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
By Vermonter - May 11 - 1:56 pmAt first I was hesitant to buy this car because of poor ratings for the 04 model. Im glad I did. It gets better gas mileage (18 mpg) than the 02 Explorer, had every possible option, sounds outstanding when hitting the gas, and the stereo with navigation is close to what I have in my house. This car drives like the Porsche for about 15K less cash. Excellent capability this winter in the snow, excellent handling.
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Perfect blend - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By SUVW - May 11 - 1:33 pmI bought one of the first ever. I love the interior, the solidity, and aside from some minor problems, the ride.
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What have I gotten myself into - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By What have I done!! - May 3 - 8:50 pmI bought the 2004 Touareg in Aug. of 2005 and it has been nothing but trouble ever since. For all the problems I have had, I always had to take it back at least twice because it was not done right the first time. I have had problems with the amplifiers that had to be replaced two times. The tire indicator has always had a malfunction, but it was not until after the warranty that the dealer finally admitted that all 2004s Touaregs have this problem. And most recently the horn does not work at all, which will cost $438 to fix!! My advise it not to buy a 2004. And I hate that they do not have loaner car service. I am at the dealer so much they are programed in my cell phone as a personal contact.
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The Conundrum... - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Pete - April 29 - 8:13 pmabout our 04 Touareg is that we love using it. The brakes are fantastic, it handles well for a 5,200 pounder, and it really moves. The transmission is amazing. The tire pressure sensor system irritates my wife, but we have a compressor in the garage and its very easy to keep the tires correctly inflated. An electrical glitch has left my wife stranded twice - a "fuse breaker" under the drivers seat near the battery. The dealer has tried, but we have the feeling that the technicians assigned to the Touareg are not properly trained. It took eight days to get the car back the first time the breaker failed; the car is at the dealer now, for five days so far, for the same problem a year+ later.
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top thanks to the new Diese engine - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Rusty56 - April 29 - 10:00 amwith a V10 Diesel enginge this SUV is fantastic.
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2004 Volkswagen Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By J. MILLER - April 28 - 3:46 pmI special ordered my Volkswagen Touareg to get all options except navigation. I have towed 7,500 lbs. from Florida to Michigan no problem! I also have done some serious off roading in Michigans state preserves and found out that the Touareg will out Jeep a Jeep. It even feels good at high speeds. At 80 - 85 mph it returns 16mpg. Having to perform maintenance every 10,000 miles is salty but well done. the new tires that I put on it at 30,000 miles improved the ride and handling beyond belief. I am so happy with my total VW experience that we bought 2006 Jetta TDI from the same dealer.
