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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Love the Touareg - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
By automatic - May 21 - 3:20 amI am amazed with the car like ride and Lexus like build quality. I love the design and confident stance.
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Worth way more than the price tag. - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Cossa - May 14 - 2:00 amI just got my V8 Touareg home. Ive opted for the Nav/SSII, conv. pkg, and bi-xenons as well. Im looking at a price tag of about $42,000 (for a list of about $45,500). Ive driven the recently released BMW X3, the Land Rover Discovery and the Acura MDX. I owned a Tahoe and have been the passenger in a friends RX330. None of these vehicles even compare to the Touareg. I had so much fun driving this thing. Its a smooth, tight, powerful ride and the interior is as beautiful as the exterior. Ive never been more sure about a car purchase before in my life.
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Lives up to the hype - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By eclou - May 14 - 2:00 amDid extensive shopping to replace my 01 MDX. Shopped the XC90, Range Rover, X5 4.4, Cayenne S, FX series, ML500. The Touareg made the most sense to me, was the best value, and was the best looking of the bunch
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More fun then my a6 2.7t - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By JimBresee - May 14 - 2:00 amPowerful, handles great.. awesome in the snow. Solid build quality. Overall a great car! Best Ive ever owned.
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Love the quality - 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
By zenberg1 - May 13 - 9:00 pmPicked this car up a week ago trading in my BMW 5 series and already have over 1000 miles. Am pretty shocked to be getting over 28 mpg average with my driving split 70/30 hwy to city driving. Beautiful inside with well thought out controls and very comfortable seats. The ride is so smooth its like gliding. I really like how nav, phone, stereo and trip computer interface show up in center of console, right in front of the driver. A couple of minor complaints: for this price (almost 50k with tax) this car should have memory seats and remote key fob. I mean even mid tier cars give u this today.
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Buy new or used, its awesome! - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By boomervandal - May 9 - 5:06 amBought this SUV 10/05 after looking at MB500. VW is so much quieter. No problems in 18k miles! I love this vehicle and its durability, wear and tear. Everyone who has sat in it wants to borrow it when additional space is needed - theyd buy but cant afford it. Great family car - whether you have kids or just a dog like me! So much fun in the winter and summer! Definitely will buy another after this hits higher miles.
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Love my VW - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By katie - May 7 - 5:50 pmThe bug was fun, but the SUV is luxury. All the bells and whistles, plus towing at 7,500 lbs! Great on the highway and in town. Fuel cost is the ONLY drawback. The rain sensitive wipers are really nice. Buy one.
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Pleased so far, but remains to be seen... - 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
By sabotva - April 27 - 3:25 amLove this SUV. Purchased at 38k miles and have driven to 41k. Have NOT towed much, and that is a large part of why i purchased this car. 7700lb capacity is impressive. My list of praises is nearly endless. Im focusing on gripes to inform the consumer. Consider everything else perfect.
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V10 at 6000 miles - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By cctdi - April 21 - 2:00 amThe car went back to dealer two times; one time was the oil change, the other was to ask the question of the restrictor in the fuel tank neck. I havent experienced any scary stuff that have been post on this review. Except the clock gain one minute a day and the dealer doesnt know how to fix it.
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Good Ride. Interior Quality is So So - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By emc2 - April 14 - 4:00 pmIve enjoyed my Touareg for 2.5 years. So far it will give you a good ride, it has a good engine with German performance. I like the modern design which remains good looking today compared to other SUVs that I see on the street. Cons: some small details like the A/C buttons and mirror controller have worn off. Yet, they were replaced at no cost. The gas consumption is huge. I spend around $140 per month with an annual mileage of a bit less than 10,000 miles.
