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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Hot...But Sometimes Too Hot! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By GrayBatts - August 24 - 10:00 amVolkswagon has really designed a winner. I compared with the Volvo XC90, Lexus RX 330, MB ML430 and the VW knocked them out. Great on-road manners and a demon in the sand and mud. Excellent fit and finish. One major complain...the air conditioner went out twice. First time within the first 100 miles and again two weeks later, both times on road trips. VERY HOT AND VERY FRUSTRATING!
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Wow! I didnt expect this - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By siDeswiper - August 24 - 10:00 amI was one of the first buyers of this Touareg and I love this car. The drive has a totally smooth feel to it. This includes smooth suspension and smooth acceleration. This car has power! (310 horse to be exact) You can take this car up an almost vertical hill with loose dirt easily and then drive on a smooth road...SMOOTHLY. probably the only car that is this all around. The inside is totally comfortable and spacious.
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Has It Changed for the Better - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
By bob - August 24 - 5:26 amI only have had my Touareg for four weeks now. It has no brake noise at all. I cant feel the transmission shift at all. There is a major difference in the power of this engine vs. the the past one tested last year. It it totally stable on the turnpike at higher speeds and it puts my Acura MDX to shame in all respects, except for the rear cargo room which I didnt need it anyway. It has a real "Euro" ride. I hope it stays this way.
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Poor Quality - 2015 Volkswagen Touareg
By Ron - August 21 - 7:09 amMy 2015 Touareg has transmission issues, and issues with the Infotainment Center. I actually backed into a car because the backup camera shut off as I was backing up. Bluetooth quality is poor. Transmission does not shift well at lower speeds. My car has developed rattling noises that I cannot track down. I dont know what happened but VW seems to be cutting corners in the wrong areas. Quality Control is suffering. Dealership told me too bad. :(
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Best of SUVs - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By DougT - August 18 - 2:00 amThe craftmanship and quality of superior engeneering placed on a conservative but savage SUV like the TReg.
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Snow bound Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Chod - August 18 - 2:00 amIm loving my 2004 Touareg. It handles great up here in the Northlands snow and ice. I have no complaints with the V-6 and would recommend it over the V-8 unless youre a speed demon. I traded in my old BMW 525 and Yukon Denali to consolidate into one car--this is the perfect comprimise. I can get around in the snow, do some light to moderate off-roading and still feel the road behind the wheel of a German sedan. Its the best of all the "luxury SUVs" Ive driven. Didnt get the nav package. Undertand a better one is coming out in 05. Would have liked the XM Satellite Radio option if it were available.
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Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Phil Margera - August 18 - 2:00 amThis is an excellent vehicle. I enjoy driving this ar where ever I go. It has awesome off road capabilities and is yet so comfortable.
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Best Car Ever - 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 amI have been driving for 50 years and have driven most makes and models from GM, Ford, MB, RR, Audi, BMW, Low budget to > $70k and this is the best vehicle I have ever driven! Solid, quiet and fuel efficient. The safety features are great, and the looks speak for themselves, understated elegance.
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my touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By kbmiller - August 12 - 2:00 amcompared to the volvo xc-90 this is a rocket ship. exceeds my expectatios
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No words - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By shmuck - August 12 - 2:00 amThis vehicle drove like a dream. The on road handling is fantastic and the immediate response of the power plant, ecceptional. The interior design is perfect, not over whelming with useless gadgets. Perfectly engineered to give you the all the comforts while adding award winning safety and fun the package. Awesome, dont you think?
