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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X5 and ML beater - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By 32teeth - June 20 - 10:00 amAfter 1000 miles, the Treg is just awesome. Quick, quiet, comfortable, and much better overall than the X5 we had for 3 years. Am thrilled with the v8s power. No need for the air suspension. Xenons are bright. Was going to get a Landcruiser for 60 large, but for 42 Gs, this has all we need. Look out BMW and Benz. You must test drive it to understand how good this ride is!
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2006 Volkswagen Touareg V6 - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
By Marbella E. De Jesus - June 15 - 1:43 pmWhen Im driving in my Touareg I feel safe because of its heavy frame and excellent handling abilities. The interior is plush, the exterior is slick and the ride is smooth. What more can you ask for? Volkswagen has definitely set the standard for what an SUV should really be like.
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The jury is still out - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Albert Christian - June 15 - 10:00 amThe rear hatch does not always register closed when closed. I have not figured out the interior lights, either they stay on or there is no light at all. The floor lamps seem to be on continually. The instruction manual is hard to folowand is very long and repetative. It handles well and seems to be a very civilized SUV. All in all Im pleased. I traded in a BMW X-5 for the VW. I am holding this beast to aq high standard.
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BlueReg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By BLUEREG - June 15 - 10:00 amI just recently bought my Touareg after a long process of looking and determining what my needs were...It is by the far, the most luxurious, smoothest, most enjoyable ride i have ever had.The interior is set out fantastically with all controls within easy reach. The console is bright at night.The Headlights have a self leveling feature that automatically adjusts to the bumps in the road.The drive is like butter and exceleration so smooth that you dont even realize that you are over the speed limit. As for offroad, its one of the best midsized suvs for its price. The gadgets are to numerous to name.But if this is Volkswagens norm, then im a buyer for life.
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awsome ride - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By superman34 - June 15 - 10:00 ambest luxury suv on the market.period
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great SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By drew22204 - June 9 - 2:00 amnothing comes close to this SUV for the price.
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Almost Perfect - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By dezyne - June 2 - 2:00 amLots of high tech features and computer systems. A few minor glitches here and there but not enough to tarnish the overall impression. Makes me feel sorry for Cayenne drivers. Why pay more? I love this car!
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I Do Have A Gripe! - 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
By claudestouareg - May 27 - 3:59 amOkay, we love this car. We researched the whole field of candidates and in the end there was no other choice to deliver this level of overall satisfaction: TDI=check, 8 speed tranny=check, full time all wheel drive=check, good value for money=check, excellent build quality=check, and so on. But as a tech geek I have an unrequited curiosity about the technical details of this car, particularly the drive train components. Such details are hard to come by from the manufacturer and that is just not right given the the level of sophistication and do-not-touch obscurity of traditionally accessible owner service points. It is disquieting to have your mechanic say "you cant change a light bulb"
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The T-Reg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By TheBDR - May 23 - 6:50 pmWe love our Touareg! After 10 months of ownership it has been a pleasure. It never slips a tire in snow, (Even where we live!), carries tons of landscaping and looks like a million bucks for a night on the town!
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SUVW - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By King BN - May 23 - 10:00 amThe Touareg is the finest SUV on the market! It shows up Land Rovers on their own off-road tracks. It runs as if it is on its tippy toes. Capable of pulling 7700lbs and wading into water that causes a bow wave. Interior features are comfortable, practical and solid. Exterior and Interior both have smooth lines and are made of the aviation grade materials. The Touareg has a combination of simplicity and sophistication that you just cant help but to marvel over. Driving the Touareg falls into one of those categories of: "Its just one of those things you have to try to understand!"
