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:
Showing 581 through 590 of 979.00-
Tourag - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Jack Port - December 1 - 2:00 amThe car is solid, quiet, and has a great sense of confort and protection.
-
The SUV to buy - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By BMW NO MORE - December 1 - 2:00 amI traded in my BWM X5 after almost 3 years of pure nightmares when the warranty was going to expire and I was about to have to pay for continual problems. The Touareg is a dream in handling and comfort. Go for the premium package and suspension system. Loaded, this SUV is bargain. The V6 didnt have enough power and acceleration but the V8 has a rapid response and great handling.
-
sucks - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By unreliable - December 1 - 2:00 amengine light on after 1300 miles, took 8 days to get back. door locks only work sometimes, worst gas mileage ever, not fun to drive, buzzer for lights being on after ignition turned off still beeps sometimes even though lights are off, and little orange light in front still remains on for some stupid reason
-
VWs Secret - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By Ric - November 21 - 11:33 amThis is not your fathers VW. It accelerates like a sports car with the luxury of any top European sedan. It also has the convenience of having the road view of an SUV enabling the driver to see far down the highway. Like many SUVs you may take it off road. My off road experience has been limited to date but I do know that mud and snow are easily accessible. This is my fifth SUV and I do not think of it as an SUV at all. I think many men will buy this as a family car and end up wanting it to be their very own.
-
vw did again - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By sblsux - November 21 - 10:00 amI wanted a safe SUV. I test drove a lot of the others, but the quality, safety & styling of the Touareg won me over. I would do it again. I wish they could better mpg, but 16 mpg in city that I get isnt so bad.
-
Touar-iffic!! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Megarita - November 21 - 10:00 amThis is the most awesome vehicle ever! I have never had so much fun with a car!
-
Beautiful Car - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By Eric - November 18 - 8:33 amI extensively researched this car before purchase. Its exterior design is unique and the interior is luxurious and comfortable. The car (related to the Porsche Cayenne) appears to be worth more than what I paid for it. Also some great deals on 2005 models. Fit and finish are excellent - I poured over every square inch of it and didn’t find any defects. Nada! No excess carpeting, paint overspray, etc. One complaint is the back seat leg room is a little tight - the middle “hump” doesn’t help. Also steering wheel and air conditioning controls are complicated - will have to take some time learning. I look forward to 36 months and/or 36,000 miles of pure enjoyment! LOL
-
Amazing truck - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By tocoron - November 13 - 9:03 amThis is truly an amazing vehicle. Rides like a car, pulls more than all full size SUVs and the design is nice.
-
where is my TDi? - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By wobisobi - November 7 - 10:00 amRally nice SUV with far more to it that one would expect. Most people will not ever be able to fully use this SUV. Here at Edmunds it is labled as an AWD when in fact it is a 4WD. AWD doesnt have a high-low transfer case.
-
Great replacement for my van - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By NCLL - November 7 - 10:00 amWanted to get away from my van but didnt want to go to a hugh SUV. Touareg was the perfect niche. Got the Air suspension system and Naviational set up. Extremly solid in hard turns (no roll or slop)and lots of pickup and go. Very quiet and smooth shifting. Comfort is very good Plenty roomy and no confined feeling Also my "Homelink" system would not work with my garage door opener. My previous van had the "Homelink" also and it worked perfectly.
