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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Six Weeks with Hilda -Touareg TDI - 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
By talone - July 30 - 3:15 pmSix weeks ago I purchased a new black 2012 Touareg. I named the vehicle "Hilda" and I must say this girl is well built, fun to drive, has a great motor and impresses all who ride with her. Originally I planned to purchase a gas Tourareg, but after taking the diesel out for a drive I was hooked. I fell in love with Hilda and how smoothly and quickly she travels down the highway and navigates city streets. Hilda embraced my 6-6" frame as no other SUV I have ever driven. Hilda is a pricey vehicle, but fine cars like fine women dont come cheap. In the case of Hilda she has performed exceptionally well. I have noticed many a man look at Hilda with lust in their eyes. WHAT A GREAT CAR!!!
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Lots of Car for the Money - 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
By tx_reg - July 27 - 11:01 pmIm not gonna lie...$60,000 is not a cheap car by any means. However, when you stack it up against its competitors such as the BMW x5, Mercedes ML, Range Rover Sport, etc. it turns out that the Touareg has value on its side. Each of those can easily cost $10,000+ more that than the Touareg. I have owned several Acuras, BMWs and Lexus models over the years and this feels like a more solid car than any of them. Everyone that has ridden with me since I bought it comments on how heavy, solid and substantial that it feels. That said, it is still pretty nimble for an SUV of its size and weight. It is a little bumpy around town (but hey, its an SUV) but its like a dream on the highway.
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Beautiful - 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
By billyjack2 - July 17 - 4:05 pmThis is a must see/drive vehicle. When you can average over 29 mpg in about 90/10 highway/city driving, its pretty sweet.
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2005 Touareg V8 - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By rick - July 17 - 1:53 pmI bought my Volkswagen Touareg V8 brand new and I fell in love. It has great power, aceleration and excellent brakes. It handles as well on road as well as over water and on uneven pavement. I have not gone off road yet. I dislike the fact that oil changes are so expensive (synthetic) and any little part costs a fortune, ie. windhield wipers $50.00 a piece. Also, I do not like the fact that it gets only 14 miles per gallon in city. Yes, I was aware of this when bought it, but with gas prices and the fact that it uses only premium this is kinda ridiculous. Anyway for other than these little annoyances it runs well and I feel safe in it.
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The finest - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By gulla - July 17 - 10:00 amThe VW Touareg is the finest suv I have ever driven and I have had alot of luxury vehicles in my life.The Touareg gives you a feeling of safety and sureness you cannot experience in other luxury suv vehicles.Its power and nimbleness combine to give you a feeling like no other.I love my Touareg and plan on getting another one after this one.I would recommend it to anyone.The only thing I would improve is the gas mileage but for all the other great things this great machine does it is worth the trade-off.
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You bought a what? Toureg? - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By rsbandit - July 17 - 10:00 amNo one knows about this SUV, yet the people who do understand know what it is to drive a true touring SUV. I am an urban cowboy who loves his comforts and the Toureg provides all you need and more. A bit slow on start up until you put the car in S. Then away you go. The engineering could not be better. Sound system excellent. I just cam out of a Lexas 300RX and this is better built SUV. The SUV even can give you the tire pressure along with other information. The V8 is very fast but gas costly. I just spent the weekend on a long trip and never had to stop because of discomfort. A pure pleasure. Enjoy!
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V8 T-Reg, - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Erik - July 14 - 2:03 amGreat SUV, Most SUVs forget the "sport" and only remeber the U and the V. My T-Reg dosent disappoint in the pefomance dept, the only problem is that I am racing from gas station to gas station.
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Touareg Troubles - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By chris caranci - July 7 - 8:56 amIve been reading about all the Touareg troubles and hope that I dont encounter these problems in the future. I have only 10,000 miles on mine and have only expeirenced trouble with the tire pressure systems false readings and mis-aimed headlights which I had to fix myself. The excessive tire wear is a common problem with all T-regs and Cayennes due to their weight of 5,200+lbs. The same goes for the brakes on both vehicles. The electrical problems are hit and miss. Ill be curious to see if the new Q7 will have any of these same problems? Good luck!
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Best Value for Money - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By carnut - June 28 - 10:00 amI shopped them all FX35 and 45 ,ML500 too old a design, BMW 4.4 doesnt compare, the only one in the same league was the Land Rover Range Rover at 75 large. For 33k less Ive got an equally good on and off road car. Gas mileage is about as I expected am averaging 16 mpg. but I wanted the grunt of the big V8 and I loveit. By the way it runs well on regular. Its a great car and my hats oiff to VW for creating it. It fills a huge void in the SUV fdield, fit finish and build quality are as good as it gets. It drives and handles great as well, and off road its in a league of its own. Cant say enough good things about it.
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Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By nbdpete - June 22 - 10:00 amThe basic vehicle is well engineered, but the creature conforts and some controls are not user freindly. Auto door locks are not reliable. Chime for seat belt annoying. Comes on as soon as you start car. Chimes when car is in park. Rear hatch will not unlock with door locks, then after you unlock it and the reclose it, it locks again.
