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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2005 Volkswagen Touareg V8 - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By MATT MCGLASHEN - April 3 - 11:06 pmThis vehicle has been trouble free for me, a concern with so many electronic/mechanical options, so that is good. Build quality is very good, seams are tight, everything fits well. The interior is very upscale and impresses everyone. The sound of the V8 is very sporty, many have made comments on that. The downside, the navigation system lacks detail, street names ect. I am hoping for an software update-please hear me VW! It works fine though in a basic way. The rear seat could use a little more footroom and headroom. My brother, who is a large guy, says its hard to get in and out of,either front or back. I love the sporty driving, towing ability, acceleration and looks.
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A less expensive Cayenne - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By iaswell - March 14 - 10:00 amThe Touareg rides like a dream, especially with the air suspension. Capable of going off-road, but built to comfortably navigate the concrete jungle of the real world. Adequate pick-up with smaller engine. Gas mileage is slightly better than advertised (still not great). The driving experience is fantastic! Fahrfenugen on and off road. The interior is extremely well designed. From the rear window shades to the driver and passenger visors - motoring concerns have been carefully examined and re-examined.
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My head turning TDI - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By dan gasparo - March 10 - 8:26 amI purchased the Touareg V10 TDI with the intention of using it as a tow vehicle for our travel trailer. While it performs exceptionally in that role I use it as my primary means of transportation as it is so much fun to drive. In all traffic and weather conditions, city, highway, rain, or snow, it is always responsive and sure footed. That plus the admiring glances and constant "hey mister what is that" make me feel about a car like I havent felt since I was a kid.
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VW should be selling more of these ... - 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
By early74b - March 9 - 8:31 amGetting this Touareg was a big step up from the 09 VW Routan SEL that I traded in for it as I no longer needed the 3rd row but wanted something a bit more luxurious, etc. and this SUV fits the bill! Very solid build quality, exceptional navi/voice controls, upscale digital info screens (both between the front gauges and main screen) and VWs leatherette feels and acts just like real leather although perforated to be cool during summer. Tons of room in rear seats (slide back 6" for more leg room) and ride, power, smooth 8-speed trans all excellent. Executive class cruiser! Test drive other mid-size SUVs and then drive one of these and youll see the difference --
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Best SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Polsky - March 1 - 2:00 am5500mi.and no complaints.Comfortable smooth ride. Great in snow.Plenty power for a V6.Fuel consumption as expected from a car that weight. Worth the money. Well recommended.
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German tank safety with GTI performance - 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
By Val - February 28 - 1:20 pmI was an Audi Q7 3.6 FSI owner. Even Audi was very elegant, the mileage was bad, averaging 16 mpg overall. I always wanted to buy the Touareg in first place, but only the TDI version, for its superior torque, fun to drive and stellar gas mileage. I bought the vehicle with almost all the possible options, air suspension, xenon, navigation, rear view camera, etc. The car is very safe and fun to drive, excellent acceleration and passing power for such heavy vehicle.
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Very Happy So Far - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By desrocb - February 26 - 10:00 amGood looking very nice ride -- good value
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Love It! - 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
By cgf - February 21 - 2:23 pmJust got my new 2010 Touareg. Shopped Mercedes ML350, Lexus 350, Volvo CX90 - best deal and standard features. This ride is very solid. I think this is my favorite car so far. Had VW in the past 79 Bug, 84 Golf.
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A Joy To Drive - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By maddog76 - February 19 - 10:00 amI was initially hesitant to purchase a first year model, but I am very, very happy with this vehicle. VW has done an outstanding job with their first SUV. It is very well-built -- solid -- very comfortable to drive, and handles expceptionally well for a rather heavy mid-size. Negatives: In (D)rive, the trans shifting is a bit ragged at low speeds and slow acceleration; I drive in TripTronic or sport mode most of the time with no problem. (VW has already addressed the shifting issue with a softare upgrade that Ill have installed soon.)
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Great Vehichle - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By Sandeep - February 15 - 7:26 pmTHis is our 2nd touareg. The 1st one was a buyback because of electrical problems that were never ending. However, we still loved the car and agreed to take a replacement Touareg. The 05 Touareg has met all our expectations is probaly the nicest SUV we saw while we were looking to make our purchase. We compared it to the BMX X5 and X3, Lexus, etc. However kept coming back to it. Even after our initial lemon Touareg, this is still our favourite vehicle and am glad we stuck with it. The 05 has been problem free since we have had it.
