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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Nice, but doesnt pull 7,700 pds.!!!!!!! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By August Richter - March 23 - 2:00 amIt is truley a german made and crafted, you feel so safe. The ride is priceless and handles like a sports car. The price you cant beat with all you get. The porshe is based on the toureg and it is 14 grand more! It was awarded 2004 suv off the year my Motor Trend! I have wattage trouble with powering my trailor!
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Loaded V8 what a treat - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By jkellerfsu - March 6 - 10:00 amThis is my first SUV. I traded my 2002 Passat in for the 04 Touareg. I was looking for an SUV that "felt" like a car and I found it. I didnt want to write a review though until I returned from my camping trip. Even on the ORV trails, I couldnt believe how smooth it drove. It took steep hills and streams like nothing. I am very impressed and so are my SUV die-hard friends. I love this SUV and am so glad I made the switch. It gets a lot of looks too.
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I love this vehicle! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Koss - March 6 - 10:00 amI just love this thing. Shes an excellent peice of work, especially when you compare it against the others. this is my 30th vehicle, my only complaints, lots of technology to learn, and she loves her gas!! I find it too much of a pain to put the CDs in the rear, so I just use the dash.
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Beware of tire issues!!! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By kylekonkarne - February 15 - 3:23 pmThe tires on the air suspension vehicles are horrible. After only 15,000 miles the cords were showing. VWOA told me to take a hike, "thats how it is with these vehicles" they said. The dealer was as compassionate with worse customer service. When you pay $54,000 for a vehicle you would think they might want to take care of you.
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Super SUV - 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
By AP - February 14 - 3:50 pmIve been an Audi owner for years, but opted for the VW this go round because I didnt care for the Q7 exterior and I liked the air suspension option on the Touareg. It is by far my favorite automobile to date! Even though I got a fully loaded edition, there are a few luxury items noticeably absent (no memory feature on the drivers seat?!). And it is not without its electronic bugs: the alarm goes off sometimes when locking the vehicle with the key fob or exterior keyless button...it is a VW after all. But, honestly, it is one fine vehicle and if all goes well beyond these first 3K miles, I hope to have it for 300K + (this from someone who generally trades every 2 years with < 30K.
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Awsome - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Steve75219 - February 8 - 2:00 amThis is a FANTASTIC SUV!!!
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From Audi to VW? - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By nhttman - February 2 - 2:00 amOnce I drove this vehicle, all doubts of VWs commitment to style, luxury and power went away. The 310 HP V8 is a welcome difference from most "luxury SUV" V6 or high cost V8 option
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Get one. - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Wheat120 - January 26 - 12:16 pmI think this is a great truck. It is more then capable of doing Sunday drives to going down a mountain trail. The worst thing about it is the gas mileage. But can you expect more for a V8 powered 5500 pound SUV then 15 mpg city and 20 highway? I dont think so. Great truck. Just get the extended warrenty just in case something happenes, expensive parts to fix.
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Love the handling of this SUV - fun to drive - 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
By hhs2000 - January 19 - 2:55 pmThis is my first diesel car. Boy, I love the torque. Didnt realize the modern diesel engine is so clean and quiet until I drove one. Fell in love with the diesel car. Had 1100 miles on it. With 70/30 hwy/local driving. I got avg 28 mgp. I test drove Audi Q5, MB ML350, GLK and VW Touareg. love the Q5 and Touareg. Sold on Touareg on room and power train and big fuel tank. I dont have to visit gas station as often. A full tank give me 700+ mile. I had to fill my Honda Pilot every 350 miles. I still own a 2007 Honda Pilot. Great reliable SUV. But in terms of driving experience. Honda cant compare with VW Touareg. Touareg is a Luxury SUV under a none-luxury badge. I like it.
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TOUAREG! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Traintraxboy - January 16 - 2:00 amI love this car, I recently purchased it. Mine has every option, and there have been no problems! This is my favorite car yet!
