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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Dont Buy a Touareg! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Natalie - June 15 - 10:13 pmThis car has been nothing but trouble. It is entirely too sensitive and there is a red or yellow warning light on constantly whether it be for the tires, temperature gauge, EPS system, etc... For the money you should expect and get a lot better quality than VW offers in the Touareg. I feel like I own a Hyundai! The Touareg is the WORST vehicle that Ive ever owned. Im on my way to the dealer again. Im there about every other month getting something fixed. What an inconvenience! I cant wait for this lease to be over!
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Love this VW! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Coco - June 13 - 3:56 amI really love this VW and I was used to driving sports cars. It handles well and it took me little time to get used to the size. I have had some problems with the tire pressure monitoring system - it goes off now and then, but have learned to reset it. Also, I had a problem with the battery dying and being stuck in my garage and tow truck drivers not knowing how to start the car and having to drag it out of my garage. VW paid for the tows and the new battery. I now know how to "hot wire" it, so it shouldnt be a problem in the future. Even my dog likes the car!
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Perfection - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By DeltaC - June 11 - 10:00 amPerfection on and offroad, very sophisticated technology and attention in every small detail, excellent comfort (air suspension) and safety standards, impressive ride and beautiful design, easily the best high- end 4X4 till today. Makers tried their very best here... Range Rovers and MLs beware.
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Great SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Bill - June 7 - 3:13 pmThis is the best auto that I have owned. It is a great for people need something a bigger than a car with enough room for road trips. I will either purchase this one or buy a new in August 07. Great for empty nesters looking to hit the road and feel very safe.
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Exceeds Expectations - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Sabotino - June 7 - 7:53 amOur Touareg is four months old with nearly 4000 miles. Driven daily in traffic and on two long trips. Vehicle has performed nearly flawless and continues to impress. Only mechanical issue was a faulty battery which dealership replaced under warranty. We shopped SUVs for nearly a year and narrowed our choice down to the Touareg and SRX. Touareg is a better value and has a balance of features for on and off road. Ride is impressive with adjustable air suspension. V8 with six- speed automatic is nimble and smooth. Fit and finish is impressive, especially the teak/antracite interior. Navigation and sound systems are logical and easy to use with practice. We are happy with our choice!
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Excellent SUV - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
By Susan Curtis - June 5 - 9:16 pmI have owned other mid-sized premium SUVs and this one is my favorite. It handles so well and I feel very safe in it. It has surpassed my expectations and continues to do so.
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my 2004 VW Touareg 3200cc - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By evelyn10 - June 3 - 8:42 amI bought this great car 6 month ago with 67000 miles and I am so happy, no problems, this is the best SUV I ever had, I made a check at VW to controll everything and I had nothing to pay, this is a real great and reliable car and sooo luxury inside
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Tires/Suspension - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
By vman - June 2 - 4:40 pmFun to drive and excellent winter driving vehicle. Problem: Tire cupping and road noise after 5-6000 miles. Have had tires replaced on two occasions, two alignments and at 32,000 miles VW now says they wont fully warranty the tire issue. Issues not fully resolved yet!!
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ITS OK! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By CJ 1 - May 29 - 2:00 amCD player skips, even on brand new CDs. Heat does not work consistently.
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its the small stuff ... - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By EgSalad - May 24 - 10:00 amThoughts after 4500 miles: great initial impression, but as I drove the vehicle daily I found it was the small stuff that bugged me. Wipers chatter & wont effectively interval; in-dash CD occassionally wont eject disk; stereo sounds very poor; always "beeping" to alert you of something; rear entry requires remote electronic release; harsh acceleration; etc ... Traded in a Land Cruiser for this vehicle & it was a mistake.
