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 241 through 250 of 979.00-
the best vehicle ever - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By ni - June 4 - 10:00 amWonderful car is all i have to say
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WOW - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By WOW - June 4 - 10:00 amI have had my Touareg for about a week; V6, Premium Pkg., and Xenon Lights, and am totaly amazed. I had a deposit on an Infinity FX35, and pulled it after driving the Touareg. The inerior is extermely high quality and comfortable. The detail that VW put in this monster is to be commended. After you get past the $38,000. for a WV, and decide to take one for a test ride, you will love it. Despite some other comments that I have read, as long as reliability does not become an issue (I cant rate reliability yet, since Ive only had it a week), VW will definitly be a contender with this one.
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Excellent - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
By ehd - June 2 - 1:10 amThe Touareg has excellent build-quality, power, handling, comfort; and it is fun to drive on and off-road. Despite some of the complaints, the FSI V8s fuel economy is on par with any comparable performance AWD vehicle with 350 hp.
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DO NOT BUY THIS CAR - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By jj - May 30 - 6:30 pmThe Touareg on paper looks like the ultimate SUV: excellent perfomance on pavement and unbelievable off road ablility. The problem: it will be in the shop so often you will not be able to experience this theoretical performance very often. Over the first year of owning this car I have had multiple problems: stepper motor malfunction, poor remote range, door handle fell off, bizarre deafening fan noise that I was told is "normal", persistent wind noise from side mirrors, and others. And going to a VW dealer for repairs is no joy. They have no clue about customer service. The attitude of the service dept. is accusatory at best- like i caused all of the quality control problems. STAY AWAY TOUAREG.
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VW Touareg 2008 V6 TDI - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
By E55 - May 22 - 10:20 amI got mine since may 2008. I have v6 tdi version. Fuel consumption around 26 mpg in city- 36-40 mpg at highway. Not bad for diesel. If compare to 16/21 for us v6 version, I have done test drive with VW staff. Its amazing what they do with touareg! We were at Nice off road and on airport take off lane. Definitely will take my to us next time.
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WOW! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By M. Martz - May 22 - 2:00 amAfter 6 months in my V8 Touareg, Im happy I bought it instead of leasing it, it is AMAZING!!!! It looks and feels gret inside and out, has great performance on-road and off (unlike most SUVs in this category AND out), its has better than Mercedes comfort and performance, with Hummer-like off- road capabilities. I LOVE THIS THING!!
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Awesome VW - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By OhioBuckeye - May 22 - 2:00 amAbsolutely the best vehicle we test drove in our search. The build quality and fit-and-finish was stellar.
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PERFECT AUTO - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By pbrsbnsr - May 22 - 2:00 amRarely have I been compelled to express my satisification with a product, but not to recognize this vehicle as being perfect in every regard - would be a sin!
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DO consider the TDI Touareg! - 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
By aokvw - May 12 - 4:01 pmOverabundant torque completely satisfies all overtaking needs. Having owned a 2004 V8 Touareg previously (18 mpg tops), I hardly miss its full throttle induction roar, instead embracing the low-revving oomph of the turbo-diesel, while averaging 27+ mpg.
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Worst car I ever had - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By MADF - May 11 - 12:30 pmToo many electronic problems. Problems with the aor pressure system. The cars main computer went out. VW in Detriot does not stand behind the car. I will never have another VW product.
