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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New Used VW Owner - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
By lapink - March 7 - 4:30 amI made the switch from a BMW 328ci to a big (for me) SUV. I bought this car used and I havent owned it long, but Im already in love. I guess Ill have to write again when Ive put on more miles. It handles superb on the highway and in the snow. This car is smooth making it hard to keep it anywhere near speed limit. I looked at many other "high class" SUVs, but I had to go with the poor mans Cayenne. I felt spoiled by all the unbelievable extras in the V8 Touareg. Theres no way I could get this car new. It amazes me that a VW could go for so much, but used its a great deal. Plus, unlike other vehicles, its nice to have a car that few people have and get many compliments.
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A Best Kept Secret - 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
By rvb1 - February 27 - 2:00 amIve had my 2011 T-Reg Lux for several months now and I am blown away by this vehicle. It meets all the expectations of a luxury SUV. I traded in my 2004 T-Reg V8 for the V6 and had some concerns with the power and some of the previous glitches, however this is one amazing SUV. Well worth the high 40s one pays in comparison. The Nav/Media system is smart and easy to use; The comforts are endless.The back seating is far better than most comps. For those that take it off road and on the beach it eases through the sand beautifully. (Always air down to about 20lbs) A simply knob turn to off road. So much easier than the 2004.
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Touareg WOW - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By DavidJ7 - February 25 - 2:00 amAn inexpensive Porsche. Wow, even the 6 has plenty of power and lots of luxury.
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Good Egg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By tho16626 - February 25 - 2:00 amThe Touareg has been a wonder addition to our family. Given the competition this vehicle does most of everything you can ask for when compared to its peers. The interior is timeless, it rides better than most luxury cars on the highway, and has been thoughfully designed in almost every way. Weve not seen another SUV, foreign or domestic, that compares to the VW in terms of quality and design.
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Great machine - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By wes - February 21 - 11:03 amSuper suv - what performance - great air suspension - rides like a dream. on sport setting - holds road like a porsche - outstanding vehicle - great audio system - good navigation system - unbelivable offroad performance.
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Touareg Nightmare - 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
By Nightmare - February 17 - 9:03 amI drive a lot of miles each year, and I liked this car when it was under about 30,000 miles. Im guessing that most of the people who are writing these reviews dont have 54,000 miles on a car this new. This car was great when I first owned it, but once I put quite a few miles on it, it turned into a nightmare. First of all this car goes through head and taillights like crazy. Ive had 3 headlights and 1 taillight replaced, and every so often the check headlight warning goes on when there is no headlight out. Gas mileage could be much better. Brakes squeal constantly & theyve already been replaced once (Not covered under warranty). Back seats take forever to fold down. Continued Below.
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Electronic nightmare - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By Dissatisfied Owner - February 16 - 6:30 pmNot one of VWs best efforts. Has been in the shop for warranty work seven times in less than one year - all related to the vehicles electronic warning systems. Confusing and overly complicated instrumentation/cabin controls. Abysmal gas mileage, very limited tire life - 12-15000 miles, odd size tires that very few dealers stock. Cant wait to get rid of it but none of the local dealers will touch it on a trade- in. Was offered $10,000 trade in value on a new Accord.
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a car to own - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By underwood - February 15 - 10:00 amI have had GMC, Fords,and Dodge vehicles. Were we live we have to have a 4x4 to get home during the winter. This is with out a doubt the best car we have ever owned. The traction can not be beat.
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2004 Touareg V8 Air-Susp AWD w/ Nav - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By rod81-2 - February 8 - 10:00 amAfter 6 months of research and numerous test drives, I finally decided on the VW Touareg and I have never looked back. Ive had 04 Touareg for 6 months now & have apporoximately 3500 miles on it, & I am extremely satisfied. The drive is smooth and the interior is extremely comfortable. If there was anything negative that I would say about the Volkswagen Touareg, it would be the sometimes confusing stereo/navigation system. Also, the shifting of gears when accelerating could be a bit better. The MPG on the Touareg is another pretty bad area..but what do you expect, its an SUV. Overall, this is an AWESOME car and I would recommend it to anyone!
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James F. Paronto - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By James Paronto - January 26 - 1:50 amI have enjoyed the pleasure of driving this quality vehicle. Other than the Pirelli tires, the vehicle has been very reliable. However, if some problem does manifest itself, VW dealer has been most helpful in correcting the problem. I would think Volkswagon would take some responsibility for the lack of wear and realibility of these tires since it was VWs engineers that chose these tires for the production line. Stepping away from the tire issue is not a good way to resolve the issue.
