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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Still a great SUV choice for those who tow. - 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
By toolmanjohn - April 22 - 1:00 amJust around 8300 miles on my Touareg TDI, and I havent had any real problems with the vehicle. It handles like a sedan, plenty of power, and the brakes are fantastic. Mileage is better than I was hoping. THe 20mpg city would have been great, but I get 22-23 mpg consistently with a 20 mile round trip commute each day. Its VERY quiet, and this may be because the transmission shifts around 2250rpm, so the diesel nevers really works hard. This past Summer it towed my small travel trailer like it wasnt there. Easily pulls on the highway and back roads.
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Great SUV Great Value - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By T-regDent - April 21 - 2:00 amIve had my T-reg for a month and have had zero problems. Premium Plus Pkg. is the way to go. Remote key range is OK 20-30ft, but I dont need it with keyless entry. Handles well for a big (2 1/2 ton) SUV and the V-8 has plenty of power. Ext & Int fit and finish is excellent. More standard features than MDX, LX 470 or Cayenne, for less money. Air Suspension has three different ride settings and three different ride heights. This is an outstanding SUV with a huge bang for the buck.
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2nd Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By jlturpin - March 8 - 2:00 amMy first VW Touareg was a VWOA buy back. Purchased a BMW 3.0 X5, did not like it and ordred another Touareg. Love the Touareg, just wish the first one would not have been a lemon.
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Touareg Tore me away from BMW - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By C. Carden - March 8 - 2:00 amI was a diehard Bmw fan, I have had for. I was currently driving a 97 740il when I went to the show room to look at at what VW had and there it was the new VW What, how do you you say its name ? I fell in love who cares if it has a strange name its a conversation breaker. There I was I went from the 740il BMW to the Touareg and never looked back I dont even look for my old car in fact I dont miss it all. I love my new car. I feel safe confident and stylish, what more could a girl ask for.
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Touareg, free folk - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By bigspence - March 8 - 2:00 amMy experience with the car has been fantastic. I look forward to driving it every day. Its been below zero here lately with a lot of 5" snowfalls. The slippery conditions are never felt, the Touareg goes around icy corners like its on rails. It starts quickly and warms up rapidly at any temperature, and the bun warmers in the seats are great since they extend up into the lumbar region where many other models dont.
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best suv for me - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By brbones - March 8 - 2:00 amI traded my bmw X5 for this suv. I love the handling, comfort, heating and overall style of this vehicle. My main complaint is the gas mileage. One final thought, these vehicles are in such demand you may have trouble getting the exact vehicle you want.
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Touareg - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By Samuel Bekkers - January 14 - 3:56 amLove the way it looks
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Tourag for people who diidnt buy this - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By baskridgenj - January 9 - 10:00 amThis is by far the best suv we have ever had (6 to date). It is elegant and the v8 delivers more than enough power. highly recommended. complaint is teh navigation system is not on par w/ bmw or lexus and the roof racks cause wind noise at high speeds (we removed teh racks, teh car looks better without them). But the car is awesome, great ride and teh interior can not be beat
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Best Diesel SUV for the money - 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
By pops24 - December 22 - 10:54 pmI bought the 2013 VW Tuareg TDI. I am a car adjuster and I know the automotive field very well. The TDI is by far the best diesel SUV for the money. Has probably one of the best overall quality interiors and the driving performance is out of this world for a 6 cylinder and has a very quiet diesel engine. zzzzz The 2013 VW Tuareg is the best kept secret... till my review.
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Worth the Price! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By nbhsssd - December 20 - 2:00 amA Volkswagon for this price???? Yup..., and worth every penny. Theres nothing "economy" about this vehicle (certainly not price or fuel economy). But it handles like a sports car, and rides like a luxury car.
