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 11 through 20 of 979.00-
100% love it - 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
By drivinitsoftly - November 21 - 12:36 pmthis car is a wonder to drive. it has tons of pickup for its size, and a luxurious feel. the brown leather is top notch. the sound system requires some updating, but the 25+mpg driving for me has been a savings vs my cross tour. I am happy every time I drive it.
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Love & Hate - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By Toureg 2004 - November 20 - 10:50 amWeve had our V8 for about a year and have found it incredibly unreliable. We love the engine performance, ride and design. However, we hate the numerous electrical problems weve had. In the year weve had the vehicle, its been to the shop at least 5 times. This does not include the recalls! The battery would just die and the dealer service department couldnt figure out whats wrong. The range on the remote is poor. The back seat is small, the storage/trunk area is nonexistent. Anything more than groceries and you have to fold the backseats down, which is no easy feat. Again, we love the look, design and performance, but for 43K and up, its not worth the hassle.
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Lovely to drive, Costly to repair - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By lilguma - November 19 - 9:30 amI bought this SUV used and love it so far. Its true what everyone says about the brakes, tires, fuel efficiency and service. My tires were $800 for all 4 and the shop rotates my tires for free anytime i want to. Same shop tells me the brakes arent cheap either $600 for ceramic pads up front. However, this truck is solid and safe you will bulldoze through snow and probably wont every hydroplane in the rain. You will love this truck until you get to the shop(try to stay away from the dealership, their labor is super expensive)
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Nightmare - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By frustratedownr - November 11 - 10:00 amVin # 2,8xx. put over 5,000 miles on loaner vehicles while waiting for parts/repair. VWoA doesnt seem to care about customer satisfaction. Takes 3 seperate visits to the service department for 10,000 mile service & 4 other "electrical" complaints. Service department must me more concerned about billable warranty hours that customer satisfaction.
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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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Junk!!! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Watson - October 31 - 9:43 amI wish I could rate this thing lower than a 1 on reliability. Tire PSI warning system, updates etc... It drinks gas and it is ALWAYS in the shop. I didnt even make it home the 1st day before I had to take it back for the Tire Warning System, and it has not gotten any better. Should you be on a first name basis with ALL of the service writers BEFORE THE FIRST OIL CHANGE!! Shame on you VW, shame on you for selling me this junk car and not even making a concerned effort to fix the monster you created! This will be my last VW ever.
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Cool Ride - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Mike Nelson - October 26 - 7:23 amMy wife drives the VW during the work week and I drive my Expedition. And when the weekend hits I drive the V8 Touareg as much as I can. It is an eXtreme machine and it really jams down the road. The interior is very comfortable and my kids love the stereo. My wife says she loves her V8 Touareg and likes to drive fast in it all the time. Thats why she gets poor gas milleage.
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Repairs - Often and Expensive - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By 1st_andlast_vw - October 22 - 5:10 amLike previous posts I would not recommed this car to anyone unless they like paying for rental cars and expensive repairs. Just had my drive shaft replaced at 76,000 miles for $1,300. (Tip: search the web for shops that sell re-manufactured shafts for $450 to $350). At 52,000 miles the internal speaker in the instrument cluster went out, the VW repair is to replace the instrument cluster, the part alone is $1,000. It does handle nice in the snow but its a gas guzzler and tires (expensive ones) seem to last only about 30,000...were due for our 3rd set at 76,000 miles. Also need a slew of special tools to repair if your a do it yourself person. Very noisy, due to wind, with the window open
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Best vehicle weve ever owned, way better then the new model PERIOD! if you want a real truck and not a car. - 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
By utadvrider - October 20 - 11:18 amBest vehicle weve ever owned, we are a large family and got rid of our 2007 LTZ LOADED Suburban. Gas milage savings alone has paid for the car payment, we save about $4-500 per month with the driving my wife does. Not to mention that the VW tows more then the Suburban, the Chevy only towed 7K and the smaller VW tows 8k! Besides the towing, it drives great, same as the Porsche for the most part, really the only differences are: Diesel, interior and wheel options, which the interior of the VW is way nicer then the Porsche. It fast (torque) and handles great, on & off road! Its a Real Truck, not a car thats lifted like most SUVs, body on frame like a PU, Land Cruiser of Land Rover.
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Fun to drive, if and when if ever works! - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By grvlguy - October 20 - 7:53 amI love this car...hate VW, hate the dealer..Nothing but bugs, problems, cracking wood trim, every week this car has another problem. VW failed on this, but to think the sorry dealership network they have can actually take care of a customer with a $50,000 car is the joke of the century. Run away from this vehicle, VW or America, and the dealerships as fast as you can.
