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 131 through 140 of 979.00-
Great SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Don Evans - June 22 - 10:00 amThe v8 has all the power you could want in a suv. The navigation system is really nice to have and works very well. I have never owned anything that gets so much attention on the road.
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NOT A TRUCK ... RIDES LIKE A DREAM/CAR - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By cap - June 22 - 10:00 amI WAS AMAZED AT THE EASE AND COMFORT OF WHAT IS EXPECTED TO BE BIG AND AWKWARD. THIS LUXURY SUV RIDES LIKE A CAR AND IS EASY TO MANEUVER. STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOCUSES ON SAFETY AND PAMPERING. OPTIONS ALLOW FOR PERSONALIZATION OF USE. A GREAT VEHICLE...I MADE A GREAT CHOICE AND AM HAPPY THAT I DID.
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Not too happy - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Deanne - June 18 - 5:10 pmWe have had this car in and out of the shop several times. Tires are ridiculous on our model. They keep going bald with not even 18,000 miles on them. Weve had countless sensors go bad, seatbelts recalled. The middle back seatbelt keeps locking up anytime we put the seat down. I have two small children that it makes me nervous to be in the back seat with the amount of stress and tension thats on the seat itself. VW customer service is an absolute joke to work with! If you have a problem you can forget any speediness in resolving the issue. We are on our third seatbelt, second set of tires and on our third call to an attorney!
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We Love Our VW Touareg - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By Nick N - June 16 - 7:50 amWe traded in a brand new Mercedes-Benz ML 320 for our Touareg. We had nothing but problems with the Mercedes. We cannot believe what a great vehicle the Touareg is. It is fun and stylish.
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A Touareg is like a Fine Wine - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By NYTouareg - June 16 - 2:00 amThe Touareg - is a gr8 SUV - you will enjoy all of its features - VW thought out a lot of thinks for the driver - this is a drivers SUV/Sports car 4wd - tight handling - great tires/brakes - you really feel the road - I had it in the snow , just eats it up . If you want to enjoy you ride to work - this is the car - everyone at work wants a ride - people think you paid a lot more fro the Treg than you really did - tons of buttons and knobs - you will have fun learning all the new features - very happy - it is a whole new level of Mid price SUV.
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Sorry I bought a Toureag - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Lauren8148 - June 11 - 10:00 amThis vehicle has caused numerous problems for me. The technology is constantly misinforming me of things. For instance, the tire pressure monitoring system tells me my front driver side tire is flat. A big exclamation point is constanly on my screen. The tire has been checked and is perfectly normal. My advice is....give Volkswagen a few more years to perfect the gliches in this vehicle before you buy one.
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Lemony Fresh - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By Brain Police - June 6 - 10:06 pmI purchased my Touareg in Jan 2004, and by November had had it in the shop for more than one month. AC repeatedly loses freon, they cant find the leak. Ive had the wiring harness replaced, battery replaced due to repeated shorts in the electrical system. Compass sensor and compressor replaced.I have to carry jumper cables in the car, never knowing when it will fail to start. When the electrical is dying, numerous faults will come on and auxiliary systems will begin to be shut down. This is still unresolved. I contacted VW of America and requested a replacement vehicle, they offered to, and did, reimburse me for two months car payment. Im still working thru my states lemon law.
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VW Touareg V8 - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Roger - June 6 - 6:40 amI love the exterior design of the Volkswagen Touareg V8. Its build quality is excellent, but the fuel economy is bad, bad, bad. I love to drive it. Its fun, fun, fun to drive. It needs more interior room and a better navigation system though.
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Happy in Mpls - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By Happy in Mpls - June 1 - 10:23 amTouareg with V8 is fun to drive, zippy in traffic, handles well in snow, a solid well built car with a good smooth ride for all time 4WD I do miss the the larger cargo space from trading from larger SUV- Tahoe. Minor problems with dash warning lights Fuel economy average at 14.7 mpg and it requires Premium gas. Lead foot with the V8 might be the problem!
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four runner to touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By cytovirus - May 30 - 10:00 amGreat car . excellent build. you musttry it. downfall is the poor gas mileage. other than that the only thing the comes close is the range rover.
