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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VW Touareg V8 - Awesome - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By florha - October 29 - 11:03 pmI love my Touareg. It runs well my only complaint would be the periodic engine light coming on. The dealer is great. I really love this truck.
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Awesome! - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
By Keith Rigdon - October 22 - 6:26 pmI am very impressed with the VW Touareg V6. Having owned many American model cars the Touareg provides my family and I with a sense of security and reliability when compared to its counterparts. The Touareg is a wonderful vehicle to drive. In fact, I am considering purchasing another Touareg.
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A MUST SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By sgbst9 - October 21 - 10:00 amI must admit people look at this car on the road. It gets plenty of attention. Its unique looks and sleek style def. turns heads. This car does not dissapoint. If youre in the market for a quality SUV which is not common place on the road..you must consider this SUV!!I
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04 was a bad year - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Lars - October 21 - 8:10 amWe love the way our Touareg rides, drives and handles, but hate the reliability, and gremlins in the electrical system that we have experienced over the two years we have owned it.
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2014 Touareg TDI Exec. - 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
By tappedout1 - October 11 - 8:06 pm3000 miles in thirty days. Meets or exceeds expectations. Mixed highway and city driving nets 26mpg. Only trip of 1000 miles got 29 mph but highway speeds were 75mph plus. Compared to Porsche Cayenne diesel, no different except $25k less!
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Disappointed Owner - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By Tommy - September 30 - 6:50 pmMy wife owned a 2001 Jetta & we traded in and bought a new Toureg (V8). Radio didnt work & one problem after another. Toureg has been in & out of the shop for repairs & some repeats. We asked VW to replace the car with a new one. Even the Service Mgr asked. They said NO, they will fix the problems. So our hands are tied, if we sell we lose thousands of dollars on this piece of junk. I NEVER wanted to buy a VW and but my wife liked the it. Now my wife regrets buying this. Im sure other auto makers would have replaced this vehicle if it had so many issues.
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A Cayenne for $20K less - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By ScuzzyHash - September 26 - 10:00 amThe SUV is great: Performs well, looks great inside and out. Comfort could be better in the backseats. Front seats take a bit longer to get use to but are very comfortable. Fuel Economy is not good...but whatd you expect, this isnt your uncles Honda...This is still not as bad as a Range Rover or Hummer.
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100,000 Reasons to Buy the EGG - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Kegon - September 26 - 10:00 amSuper vehicle--without question! I drive a ton and if you want a vehicle to take you to your clients or friends this is for you. No worries about the weather either--w/ all wheel drive its a snap!
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SIMPLY AWESOME! BEST SUV EVER! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Dickwoo - September 26 - 10:00 amI get more compliments on this car than any other car I ever owned. Everyone who sees it says they hadnt realize it looked that good. I have never had this much fun driving a car! And I thought my Passat was awesome. BRAVO VW, BRAVO!
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follow up 30 days - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Tom in Germany - September 26 - 10:00 amThis SUV is amazing.... As it has broken in our mileage has increased unfortunately the fun factor keeps the pedal to the floor.... Excellent travel vehicle..... just glad I live where we can drive to the limit (Germany).... a very stable vehicle at 100+...... we love our Toe-rag.... VW is on the mark
