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 61 through 70 of 979.00-
Beautiful, but Ugly Gas Mileage - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
By snowboarder - October 28 - 7:56 pmOverall I love the truck...but I am finding some of the features difficult to use like the trip computer and even the a/c. The Volkswagen Touareg drives awesome though and makes up for the few shortcomings stated above. I havent taken it up to the mountains yet, but I intend to go up next weekend and I will write another review at that time. Oh, I almost forgot about the terrible gas mileage 13 mpg. VW needs to offer the Touared in front wheel drive to improve the gas mileage.
-
Just what I wanted - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By Yevgeniy - September 30 - 6:03 amWhen I saw Touareg first time on a car show, I knew that I would own it. I fell in love with it right away. Although I knew that I should wait a year or two before buying just to see that all the minor problems/defects and recalls will be fixed. So in 2005 finally got it. My choice was a V-6 with package 5, which includes all options, such as air suspension, navigation, etc. Exterior color is black, interior is beige. So after 1 1/2 years and 30K miles I still enjoy every minute I spend driving it. The only downside - fuel economy. Even for V-6 and a large gas tank, you will spend quite a bit of money on gas. Other then that it is perfect car. My wife has a VW as well and loves it too.
-
Do NOT buy this SUV if you live where the wind blows! - 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
By geophyz - September 3 - 3:04 amI have had my beautiful Touareg for a little over a year. The colour is lovely, I love the leather seats and the basic layout. The car gets good gas mileage and has loads of get up and go. BUT, if you live anywhere that the wind blows do not buy this car. It does not hold the road in the wind and is so light you feel like it is going to blow off the road. I am trading it in for a good old heavy SUV this weekend!
-
Great SUV - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By RVW - September 1 - 1:56 amI bought the 2004 model (V8) earlier this year and I love it. Excellent build quality, ride, and interior comfort. I live in Brooklyn and it is still turning heads when I drive it. Only two problem - the Radio/CD player and a quick hood latch issue. The Radio / CD had to be swapped out three times, but this does not surprise me as I had the same exact issue w/ my 2002 1.8T Jetta. I dont know where VW sources their radios/ CDs from, but they need to check build quality or installation. Hood latch was fixed in ten minutes & otherwise a non-issue. Clock also runs fast about 1 min. per week - I always have to reset it!
-
Big Satisfaction, small disappointments - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By spidaman - July 28 - 10:20 amThis is our first SUV, as the kids are older and we are downsizing from a minivan. The handling is excellent, even on snow and ice. We have not been able to take the T-reg offroad as yet. Power with the V6 is adequate; if I were towing a boat, I would probably want a larger engine, as the V-6 barely holds its own on merging on the highway. The NAV system is disappointing. Entering destinations is not intuitive. The NAV CD-ROM takes the only slot in the car. A 6 disc CD changer is in the back. This should be reversed. Although there is an AUX button labelled on the radio, there is no auxiliary input for an MP3 play, which is disappointing in a high-end car. Comfy!
-
Wonderful SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By markchurch - July 10 - 10:00 amAfter seeing the Toureg I tried to not to fall in love with it. But once I test drove it I was a gonner! I am still being amazed by some of the thoughtful features I continue to discover each time I drive it. This is the SUV Mercedes should have built.
-
Helluva Car - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By kcmwdc - July 10 - 10:00 amAfter 2,000 miles, car is just great. Have Audi A8 with similar engine. Both awsome. However, shifting from D3,D2,D1 or back up again, car goes into "no where land". Punch the gas, nothing. Also, nobody can figure out how to install XM Satellite Radio.
-
Stuck in the Sand - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Diana Zimmer - April 3 - 2:00 amTwo problems, one do not drive in soft sand, you may have to be towed out and two when folding the back seat down, be sure to move the front seat up. Oops, one more thing, dual air temperature controls should allow for dual air flow not just temperature. Overall,I am very pleased and comfy in my new Toureg.
-
Loving it! - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
By Muji - March 28 - 1:00 pmI purchased my Touareg three week ago, and I absolutely love it. Its fun to drive, and it feels great. The interior is second to none. I considered several other SUVs in its class, and the Touaregs interior was far superior. I do however, wish that it had slightly quicker acceleration, which I hear is obtainable with the V8. I also would have liked to have had an optional third row seat. The Toureg is more spacious than some of its competitors as a result of leaving the third row out. So, thats a toss up. Even with the three rows down in some of the other SUVS it felt congested. There is no congestion in the Toureg. The only downside to purchasing the Touareg is the frequent trips to refuel. GO FOR IT.
-
love it - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By love it - March 19 - 2:50 amI bought my VW with 24000 and know I have 60000. I dove it from Texas to Chicago with no problems. It is a very expensive SUV to fix, but if you change your own oil, or buy your own parts its way cheaper. Tires are the worst. I still cant find a place that to get them changed. They run from 700 to 2000 dollars.
