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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Piece of Garbage - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By David Perruzza - September 14 - 2:36 pmDont let the great ride and fancy features fool you, if you get a 2004 it is a lemon. The Thing was in the shop more then I drove it. Lots of interior issues with falling apart, apparently there are 27 recalls and when I went to trade it in I lost about 12,000 in 6 months. No dealer would even take it, I had to bring it to carmax.
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very poor insides - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By unsatisfiedcustomer - August 27 - 10:00 amyou have 2 very poor dealersip repair shop in denver and do not keep there word.the one on colfax also does not tell the truth . does not carry about the customer. there is more!!!!!!!!!!!
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First year bugs - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Lars050 - July 26 - 2:00 amThe car is great looking - inside and out, fun to drive, luxurious, and I got it for a fair price. Sales and service at dealership were great. Didnt really need the V8 but wanted some of the options that werent available on the V6. For a mid-size SUV, handles really great, much better than my mid-size Lincoln LS.
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Looks Good, but Always in the Shop - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Debbie - June 23 - 3:50 amWe bought the Volkswagen Touareg because it was a nice looking, comfortable, and easy driving SUV - without being HUGE in size. From DAY 1, this car has been nothing but trouble! Nothing that has caused it to stop running, but stupid annoyances that cause it to always be in the shop. In 2 years the car still isnt 100% corrected. If they find the problem, they cant get the parts. There is one item Ive been waiting 2 years for (yes, since I picked up the car). My advice: Look at something else until they get all the bugs out. Even now, in 2006, VW can not tell me they have all the bugs worked out of the new Touaregs.
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Touareg tweety - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Mike D. - April 27 - 10:00 amWe purchased this vehicle new as a luxury SUV. Problems have been of the annoying variety. An on again/off again warbling noise when the air is on which the dealer says they cannot fix. System monitoring sensors that are faulty and a moonroof which vibrates noisily at speeds of up to 45 mph. There is a marked pause on hard acceleration, even to the point of the car revving up but the trans not engaging.I could live with the level of annoyance if this had been an entry level vehicle, say a KIA maybe,unfortunately for me this was a 50,000 vehicle and I expected more than I received.
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Steering wheel shake - 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
By shakes1 - March 27 - 7:57 amI purchased a slightly used 2013 VW Touareg VR6 LUX approx. 4 weeks ago. Upon driving home from the dealer I noticed that between the speeds of 60 and 75 mph the steering wheel would shake back and forth. This was confirmed over many miles and all types of road surfaces. The car would also pull to the right as well as exhibit a vibration in the seat. The car has now spent 3 weeks at the dealer and after approx. 20 tires and countless road force balancing the issue still exists. VW, in an apparent attempt to limit their liability, is blaming the tires. They now refuse to attempt any more repairs and have told me to pick the car up. They acknowledge the issue to still to be present.
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2004 Volkswagen Touareg is $ out-of-control - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By rollinfickensc - February 5 - 4:04 pmPurchased thinking I bought a $60000 car with 60000 miles. It should hold up till 100000 miles. Not even close. I had $4580.60 of repairs in 10 months. Plus the gas milage was about 10 mpg in town and about 15 mpg on the highway. I would never recommend a VW to anyone and would do my best to discourage anyone from buying one. Absolutely the worst car I have ever owned in my 55 years of driving. Replacing anything costs a fortune.
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taureg reliability very poor - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By andy hyman - January 20 - 10:00 amWe purchased this vehicle because we wanted an excellent SUV for the hilly terrain of Southern Vermont. While it handles well in the flats, it is underpowered for steep hills and has had many many electrical problems. It is very complex and VW has not handled these issues well and the dealers do not have trained technicians to support the complex systems onboard. The tires were shot at 20,000 miles, the car spent many many days in the shop working out electrical problems. I reccomend that if you must have the Taureg, then buy the V8 as it has sufficient power and seems to have had less issues thn the six. I would not buy it again. The GPS does not perform well in back roads or off road.
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An other week without my Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Looking to Sell Toua - December 27 - 8:36 amI would not take this vehicle further than 10 miles from home because of reliability problems. Number of ignition coils, air bag, tire pressure, faulty gas cap, door locking problems, just to name a few. Last VW I will ever own!!
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Think twice about the Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By LDH - December 7 - 10:00 amWe bought the VW T, 8c, primarily looking for an SUV with the weight benefit for tax purposes (greater than 6k lbs.) The Touareg is great fun to drive, but the problems we have had with it, to date (9 months) have been RIDICULOUS. Started from day 1, when things were broken after getting back from the dealership. 3 different recall issues having to visit the service dealership. Dozens of little things, that are annoying and need to be fixed with service visits. Id advise against the Touareg at least until the 2005 model year... too many things wrong with the first model year here in the US. memo to VW.. work on service if you want to compete
