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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From an A6 to a Touareg - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By hunegnaw - February 16 - 4:30 amI have to admit, the wife and I stuggled with the idea of going from an A6 to a Touareg. To me, an SUV has always been the equivalent to owning a mini-van, but with a house and a dog (who destroyed the backseat of our A6 - - he didnt know any better), we decided to give an SUV a try. After looking at all of the options we decided to give the Touareg a try and aside from the HORRIBLE fuel economy, weve been quite impressed. Great looking, comfortable, head-turning, and a spot for Mickey (the dog) to hang out without worry.
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Awesome Vehicle - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By FISHORCUTBAIT - January 6 - 2:00 amSpent the last week driving my folks new Touareg V8 and couldnt say enough to really do it justice. I ordered my own today with the V10 TDI scheduled for production early November and delivery for January. Went with the V10 TDI for better fuel economy (24 mpg on the HWY) and increased torque for pulling my boat. Besides, the V10 TDI has won several international awards for its engineering.
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Impressed - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By adam - November 28 - 8:23 amExceptional safety feeling, did not have a single problem during 8 days family trip to west coast last winter. Perfect cruiser. I like the folding mirrors in narrow parking spots. Great great car.
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04 V8 Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Bob McMahon - November 19 - 2:00 amThe doors on the car do not always close when shut and remain ajar about 50% of the time, unless slammed really hard. Some of the door handles are also remaining in the open position (or out) when released. This also causes the doors to not shut properly. The automatic shifting doesnt always shift into the 6th gear under all circumstances. It will shift into 6th gear if the shifter is moved ( to the right) into the shiftable transmission mode. Overall if the longterm relaibility is excellent Id buy another Touareg. Bob Mc Vermont
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My - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Biffer - November 19 - 2:00 amSaw several last year in Europe just as the model was being launched--love at first sight. I couldnt wait for it to hit these shores. Handsome exterior, flawless interior, outstanding build quality, superb handling, reasonable performance from the V6...this car is brilliantly executed in every way. I enjoy the looks I get from other drivers!
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Best SUV for the $$$ - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By subzero - November 13 - 2:00 amIf you want a quality, power, quietness this car is for you...Do not get the V6, spend the money and get the V8...overall better return when you sell the car, and one of the fastest SUVs on the road...Considered LexusRX330, what a dog, if you are over 50 get a LEXUS, if you want great fun, power and luxury get a V8 Toureg..Also considered InfinitiFX45, what a bumpy ride, and a cheap build interior..finally, looked at CAYENNE V6 (base model), Toureg V8 has double the option and 15K cheaper...if you have the money and must get a CAYENNE than get the Turbo...best car I have ever owned and drived..job well done for VW.
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Navi kills the CD Player - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Yipper - November 7 - 10:00 amI love the car, but VW swung and missed in regard to the CD player. No indash changer, no option to purchase XM or MP3 player, and if you use the Navi system, you can only listen to CDs via the cargo-area mounted 6-disk changer.
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My toureg 2004 V6 - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By myvolkswagen2004 - November 6 - 3:00 pmThe only issue is xenon lights are very expensive. I had changed one recently and it was more than $230 . The car is wonderful to drive and comfortable, also safe.Gas mileage is good.
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ss - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Shibamcancan - October 20 - 10:00 amThis car is amazing. I cant say anything further I guess you have to test drive it your self to appreciate the technology and safety feature that is touareg posses .. oh and wait a V10 twin turbo diesel version will come to the us as well ... all I can say is Watch out BMW,Merc,GMC,Ford, and any- other far distant competitor out there which I have not mentioned. Ciao ciao.
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Outstanding Value - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Eddie Z - October 7 - 2:00 amExcellent aceleration, great interior. Adjustable suspension is great. Better value than Porsche.
