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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Touareg Life - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Joel - September 21 - 3:26 amWhat a brilliant design concept. Positively wonderful engine. Execution, however, and reliability of outsourced components is quite questionable. The transmission (Japan) and its programs are horrid -- herky-jerky. The transfer case is noisy. The rest of the driveline is noisy. The stepper motors have failed, and my dealer refuses to recognize this. Cheap Conti tires are almost worn out. Radio has intermittent connection problems. This past winter, the marginal battery caused computer faults that disabled the differential locking. Outside (heated) mirrors do not demist. Brakes are now marginal, with grinding and scraping sounds at lower speeds. Worst car ever owned (of 18). Never again.
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Best Real!!! SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Israeli Touareg - September 20 - 2:00 amThe best SUV for the price. Real off road capability, with good on road ability. Fit and finish is first class. Needs a bit more power, but V-6 is enough for every day use. Great looks, much better looking then a x5. Look no further!!!
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Electrical and computer malfunctions - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By R D - September 17 - 7:20 pmI owned the V-8 Touareg for 13 months and recently sold it due to unreliability. Had it in for service ten times. Twice the first week I owned it. Numerous electrical malfunctions. Two complete electrical failures when the vehicle would not start. It was necessary to have it towed into dealership on these two occasions. Had problems with all-wheel drive system especially transfer case. Had electrical problems with all-wheel drive system. Experienced electrical problems with doors not locking or unlocking. Before anyone considers buying a Touareg, check Technical Service Bulletins at NHTSA web site. My Touareg experienced almost all of them. BIG depreciation "hit" when I sold it.
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awesome - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By robert volkman - September 15 - 10:00 amthe best sport ute ever owned
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Its my turn to drive!!!! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Bostonian VW - September 15 - 10:00 amWe now fight over who gets to drive the best car weve purchased so far. Considered other cars at first and after test driving and considering cost/value, this one wins hands down! This is also our first VW and we love the casual style and attentive service of our dealership.
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FABULOUS! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By artee419 - September 15 - 10:00 amThe Touareg is a great SUV overall! From all the standard features to the smooth driving and sweet price compared to the Cayenne.
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toureg v6 - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By suzanne - September 14 - 2:00 amThis car is great for the money but after driving it for about 6,000 miles we began to notice a vibration we asked vw what it was and they couldnt fix the problem finally after so many people complained about the problem with the v6 they figured out what the problem was it was the drive shaft was off balance and had to be replaced with a v8 drive shaft instead. outher than that we love the car.
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what a great vehicle - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By rahau - September 12 - 8:36 amthis is an awesome vehicle... it has a smooth ride and plenty of space in the front seat.. the back seat needs a bit more space but not bad.... great for toting grandkids.....
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Bad Purchase - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By First & last VW - September 8 - 10:00 amI should have known better when I forked out $45k for a Volkswagen. Attracted by the design and stylish interior I dismissed the Golden Rule: Never buy a complete new car model within the first year of the official market release. I have only 3300 miles on the clock and had to bring it into the shop five times already. Yes, five times. Besides the weekly recalls VW issues (kind of a game now for me to guess what theyll find next week)the car has let me down various times. Engine troubles, electronics mailfunctioning, airbag errors, tire- pressure alerts every other day - it just doesnt stop.
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Touring with the "T" - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By DDavis - September 8 - 10:00 amTest drove several vehicles, including Volvo XC90, BMW and Lexus, before choosing the Toureg--this is the one for comfort, driving response in the city and power. Recently took my family of four on a 11 day cross- country trip, and with the exception of not having convenient drink holders for my two small kids (7 & 9) in the back seat, everyone liked the features and comfort of the car. The Toureg performed equally well off- road (Colorado Rockies) as it has in the city. Having owned a Toyota Land Cruiser previously, I was very impressed with the Toureg.
