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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Great V8 - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By doompatrol - November 7 - 10:00 amI cant wait to play with this in the winter.
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Keeps on Amazing - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Ss28 - November 7 - 10:00 amThis is one great SUV. Great on road feel with the air suspension, tons of adjustability and versatility and nice pick up from the v8. the interior is very elegant with nicely appointed leather. Wood trim is not bad and the guages are beautiful. ONly complaint is the stock sound system. I have no problem with the gas mileage as I anticipated it to be bad before I bought. Back seat space isnt great but I mainly keep the seats folded for hauling my dogs.
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this beast is really something - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By ossme - November 7 - 10:00 amsimply the best midsize luxury SUV in the market
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I love it! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By hartmanT-reg - November 7 - 10:00 amThis thing is great! I love the interior lay-out as much as the exterior! The engine is strong yet silky smooth. The black leather IS smooth and very comfortable and supportive. No problems so far and i dont expect anything to go wrong! I LOVE IT!
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Worth Every Penny - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By Worth the Wait - November 5 - 8:36 pmI purchased my Touareg new in October of 2005. I traded in my leased loaded up 03 GTI VR6 for the creme de le creme of VWs. I havent had really any problems with it. I just wish I wouldve opted for the V8 to get some more ump once I press the accelerator. I would recommend this vehicle to any and everyone that likes to own vehicles that are not everywhere you look, i.e Grand Cherokees, Explorers, X5s, RXs, etc.
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Solid A- for Touareg - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By Rugsmart - November 1 - 8:30 pmTheres no question that the biggest problem with this vehicle is feul economy. Otherwise, its a perfect blend of power, luxury and utility with the V8. I did have to get the trunk mounted CD changer, due to the lack of an in-dash changer (which is a sin considering that 15K cars have in-dash changers now), but considering that I now have 7 discs to choose from (including the single disc in-dash player) its not such a bad situation. The in-dash player does sometimes have trouble reading burned CDs. Ride quality is excellent in this vehicle, as is noise suppression. One fault is the transmission gearing. 6th gear turns at over 2500 rpm at highway speeds, decreasing fuel economy.
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BEST TRUCK IVE EVER OWNED - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By MMMMM - October 31 - 10:00 amTHIS TRUCKS FIT AND FINISH IS THE FINEST IVE SEEN. THE HANDLING AND RELIABILITY IS THE BEST IVE EVER EXPERIENCED IN ANY VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED
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BEST VEHICLE EVER - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By VWPIMP - October 31 - 10:00 amI love this truck....Nothing better...Revolution in vehicle design
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Excellent SUV! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By knoel - October 31 - 10:00 amWeve had our V6 Touareg for about a month now and absolutely love it! Its our first VW vehicle and selected after carefully looking at the Lexus GX470. For $10K less and a better rating by Car and Driver it was an easy decision. Actually like the exterior better than the sister car the Cayenne. Excellent experience with the Sales and Service Team at Duke Golds Speedway VW in Indy!
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My Year with VW - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
By louis novak - October 19 - 1:53 amI love the Touareg. Its great on the highway, easy to manouver, has outstanding visability, and good pick-up. I hate the radio and reception though. It isabsolutely unacceptable and unable to be improved by the service department.
