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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Beaty and a Beast - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By lokietek - September 30 - 2:00 amAwesome looks and great interior. The most comfortable ride ever and its a VW.
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Great car! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By luka - September 30 - 2:00 amExcellent car, nothing to complain so far!
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Buy Something Else - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By marlok - September 23 - 4:00 amThis is by far the best looking SUV on the road and it stops there. VW went wrong or someone did not follow how an SUV is supposed to last. The brakes are a big problem. You will replace them every 5,000 miles and it will cost you $600 or more to have them repaired. An oil change can cost you upwards of a $150 due to the design of getting to the oil pan. Everything goes wrong with this SUV. Stay away from the Touareg.
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Luxury and High Tech Performance! - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
By Elizabeth - September 19 - 5:23 pmThis is an exceptionally high-quality vehicle! I am very pleased with its handling, the quality of the interior, the durability, and the features. VW has really stepped up and provided buyers with a luxury SUV that drives like a luxury car, but has a "Sport" mode which gives it a much sportier drive feel as well. The cargo space is very functional and taller than most other mid-size SUVs that I tested, which is ideal for a large dog! :) The features are almost unsurpassed and even the 2007 Benz doesnt offer several features that the 2006 VW Touareg provides (I know because my friend brought home a brochure). I had a Benz SUV before the Touareg and the Touareg outshines it. The Touareg is a very pleasant surprise!
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Touaregs a 10 !!! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By rfs - September 19 - 10:00 amI switched from a 1994 Supra TT into the Touareg and have no regrets. The milage is only 3 mpg less than the Supra TT, so Im used to low milage! This truck is very nimble around town, and solid on the highway. Ive been off- road in the Carolinas, light stuff (havent needed my ltd rear diff yet), but the Touareg is indifferent to what you throw at it. It does everything well.
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Loving my Toureag - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By tribe - September 19 - 10:00 amI found out what "Touareg" means or is, it is a North African tribe.
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Best SUV - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By ALONSO - September 14 - 11:50 pmNo problems at all for 8 months, just one oil change. Lots of power, very good handling and excellent off road delivery.
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Sometimes lemons are black - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Cyndi - September 10 - 1:03 pmThe lease on my 2004 Tourareg will expire in January, 2008. This is one vehicle I will have no qualms about turning in. Ive lost track of the number of times its required service and the hours lost from work. I should have done my homework before leasing it - I dont recall anything in the sales pitch about the astronomical cost of an oil change, the absurd price of wiper blades and I completely missed the part about it requiring premium gas. Live and learn. Unfortunately, I based this purchase on how much I have loved my 2000 Beetle which has been flawless in operation. Silly me. Perhaps if this car would have been yellow instead of black I would have spotted the lemon
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The German Sherman - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
By mikecnz - September 4 - 2:10 amWhat a fabulous vehicle! I have a 3.2L V6 fully loaded in Light Blue and Gray interior. Without question this is the best handling SUV on the road and one of the most comfortable to drive on or off. Ive thrown this new vehilce around all kinds of corners and it just keeps on sticking. The V6 engine is slightly underpowered during uphill acceleration at 240 HP but this will be upgraded for 07 to 280 HP. Its gas mileage is well... very SUV. It has an annoying wheel balance/alignment issue which the dealership says shouldnt be fixed under 6,000 miles to avoid future problems. Otherwise this truck is perfect.
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Never again! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By ERIK - August 30 - 2:56 amI like this car. Great features, good looks, good performance. What i hate is vw service. I do not think that vw was ready for the luxury level clientel. My car has been in the shop for more than a month in the 15 months ive owned it. Although there is full warranty but most items are not paid for. There have been numerous recalls. Going for a service is worse than going to a dentist. In conclusion although i like this car and enjoy driving it, the pains that i have been through with 4 different vw dealerships in los angeles area has made me vow to never again buy another vw, no matter how good the car might be.
