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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DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Holly - July 23 - 2:13 am6 days after I purchased the vehicle 3 of the 6 ignition coils were shot and needed to be replaced, a few months later another ignition coil was shot. Since then the Emissions light has been repeatedly going off, was told it was the Catalytic Converter, $3000 to repair! I thought maybe there was something wrong with the sensor as it only seemed to go off when there was a drastic weather change, yet have not had a problem since reset. Power Relay went last week, $1300, then told the Electronic Break Control Modual Assembly was shot, $2400, yet replacement did not fix problem and they have no idea how to fix! DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE!
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LOVE IT!! - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By 4hatteras - July 21 - 4:20 amHave owned many Audi Quattros but too many neighbors have them now. This is an Audi in SUV clothing! Love this vehicle-drives almost as sporty as the Porsche with many more items standard and a much nicer interior trim level for $10,000 LESS. Hope nobody on my street finds out!
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Do Not Buy A Touareg - Ever - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By FedUp - July 17 - 2:56 amThis is the most poorly build cars I have ever bought. It spends most of its time in the VW repair shop where most of the mechanics know little about how to make the necessary repairs. Its been towed numerous times due to electrical issues and recently had its 4th battery installed. I had new front brakes put on at 50K which cost $1,000, replaced the original tires at 30K, have a back seat that locks, have a $700 issue with the tire pressure system, have another fault light on related to the air suspension, have a xenon headlight that is problematic. My list of issue is never ending. Please dont waste your money on a Touareg. Ill never buy another VW. The Touareg is a LEMON.
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Best Overall SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By JakeIllinois - July 6 - 10:00 amNo other SUV can touch the interior styling of the Touareg. The quality of parts and materials makes the Lexus RX 330 look cheap. The outside is stylish without looking like aftermarket parts - the RX 330 chrome tail lights - come on! SO HIGHSCHOOLISH. The Tourag is a bit touchy in low speeds and gets 15 mpg, but, those are the only lows. Beats Mercedes, BMW, Lexus and all others. VW is also cool - who needs those other stuckup brands? My Touareg gets looks from all ages. Get one!
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Great SUV...BUT - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By jrthomas6565 - July 2 - 8:43 pmI really love my Touareg, but have a few issues with it. One, the NAV system is cd based, and my salesman told me DVD based. It cannot locate a lot of places I want to go, and cannot go to a specific address, just in the general "block" of that address. The other thing...no XM or Sirrus radio options. I wanted that option too, and was told it can be done, but NOT. I would not have purchased the vehcile if know about those two items, they were important to me, because of traveling for business a lot! Fuel mil is good, 22 mpg avg, and power is great. Hopefully they will upgrade the NAV and stereo and offer that to previous owners!
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Get Ready to Spend More Money - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
By VWFan - June 27 - 10:33 amI love to drive my Touareg and drive about 20,000 miles annually. I enjoy the style, handling, and overall quality of the vehicle. That said BEWARE! The brakes last only about 30,000 miles and cost about $1,600 to replace! The tires are pricey and burn out at under 40,000 miles as well. A small front rattle is common, but minor/easily fixed with felt. Dont get me wrong - I love the ride, but for the money I expect more in services and extras that VW just wont deliver. Check out the Audi SUVs for a better deal.
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Love/Hate my Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By nathanoh - June 26 - 2:56 am3 years with my baby and sometimes I love this truck, and sometimes I hate it. Drives like a monster, raw power, comfortable, luxurious, has been a savior for 3 floods. Electronics are a nightmare, been through 4 sets of tires (almost a grand each time), tons of annyoing recalls. After reading other reviews, I do think it is a dealership issue, as mine has had a loaner car for me every time, and all things fixed have stayed fixed. I have never been without transportation, even when the part I needed took a week. I recommend the Touareg if you have a solid dealership to take care of you and the car, and a nice bit of cash for the expensive maintenance and tires.
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perfect - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By jorge l a - June 25 - 10:00 amthis is the best car i drive in my life very good power, very good suspencion,the triptronic transmission works perfect, the intirior is very nice and luxury, the air suspencion is the best
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Volkswagen vs. Ferrari - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By WOZ - June 24 - 11:26 amI had a truly amazing experience with the VW Touareg. I own two Ferrari 360 Spyders and I still love my Touaregs performance and comfort. I am a huge off-roader and the Touareg handles like a soft carpet throughout the toughest of terrains (e.g. Swiss Alps Ugust 2005). However, I also love to race on tracks and I raced a Toureg against its "cousin", the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, and I ended up winning topping out over 175 mph.
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Touareg V6 - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By Luigi - June 20 - 4:56 amI have enjoyed the handling and comfortable feel of this truck, especially on bumpy roads. It is firm and solidly built. The driveshaft gave up at 17,056 miles of smooth highway driving though.
