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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Terrible Never Buy Again!!! - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By Amy - January 17 - 11:56 amThis is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. I would never buy a VW again. The electrical issues are overwhelming. With 3,218 miles I traded it on a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I lost a lot of money on the deal because of all the issues with the VW Touareg.
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Love our Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By BGinDC - January 14 - 2:00 amLove the Touareg before we went to buy it. There are so many features even the salesperson didnt know them all. We have even watched the video twice and are still learning new things. Charlene at Alexandria VW is the best - go see her!
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VW TOUAREG V8 - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By ronan - January 14 - 2:00 amThe Touareg is beautifully finished;moderately quick and very comfortable. Styling draws favorable comments everywhere.The V8 has plenty of power and is very quiet.Ride quality is superb. Seats are a little short on the squab.The air suspension is a must have.
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First Impressions - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By SueVal - January 13 - 7:16 pmPurchased VW Touareg after much study and comparison shopping. Considered MB ML, Accura MDX, Cadillac SRX, Lexus RX 330, Porsche Cayenne. Immediately put 3000 interstate miles on it; mileage now 8000 as car was like new demonstrator at time of purchase, due to limited availability. Never owned an SUV before; did this with much trepidation but so far no buyers remorse as Touareg appears to deliver on its promises. Reliability yet to be determined.
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Love It - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Strap - January 7 - 2:00 amThis vehicle is a blast to drive, great interior and exterior. VW thinks of so many little features that nobody else thinks of, even their manual writers, hence the more I drive my T- REG the more little secrets I find out about (all good). The gas mileage isnt that good but the V8 is so much fun who cares about gas mileage. Everybody that rides in it seems to love to. The quality is first rate.
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Touareg..an incredible car! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Pelicanu - January 7 - 2:00 amWhen I changed from our family Honda Odyssey to the Touareg, I suddenly realized how much I was missing in driving pleasure and security on the road. No longer I had to be afraid on tight, winding roads that the car is out of balance. The Touareg carves through those roads very precise and confortable...no more tight grips of the steering wheel!
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T - Reg by Bob - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Bob - December 31 - 4:23 amI have owned my V8 Toureg for over a year (14,000 miles) and still enjoy the looks, features, and mechanical abilities of this car. It has been a good family car around town and for our vacations. Unfortunately, this is a luxury car without luxury service. The tire pressure system is too sensitive and will indicate a flat tire when the weather goes from hot to cold; you have to reset the memory of the tire pressure. My truck has had Issues with the airbag indicators as well (initial problem fixed by a recall) and had a defective battery replaced. There is a reserve battery to start the car by turning the key in the opposite direction (of course, no one could inform my wife of that when she called the service dept).
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das tier - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By qtqsqt - December 28 - 10:00 amthe styling is great. Comfortable. The instrumentation is great, especially at night-the interior lights exceptional.
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Poor Volkswagen Service - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By futbolclub - December 28 - 10:00 amDublin Volkswagen in Dublin California provides the worst possible point of service in a vehicle with a factory defect and damaged the replacement equipment. The Volkswagen National Customer Service while stating they were empowered to satisfy our complaint has still not returned a call. I would suggest never buying a volkswagen product if you are considering their product line simply POOR POOR Serivce.
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Missed the mark - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By stevehu - December 8 - 10:00 amNice fit and finish. Porsche is going to hold value WAY better. VW is better looking. 1: No passenger airbag shutoff 2: No reclining rear seats. That was dumb.
