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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Best looking SUV on the road today - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By Clipper - March 29 - 9:23 pmWe have not had one single problem with this vehicle. We love it. its a great looking SUV.
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2004 VW Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Carrie Rios - March 26 - 10:03 amMy car has been in the shop for 64 days now. the 2nd field engineer is being sent out to evaluate the situation. I have been told on 3 separate occasions my car is repaired and ready to pick up and when I get there is does not start. AC has been an issue since day 1. Alignment has also. I am not a happy VW Touareg owner!
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Electrical Junk - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By Dave - March 24 - 11:13 pmI wish VW would buy this junk car back. I should not be on a first name basis with the dealer service staff with only 6500 miles on the car. The vehicle has more electrical problems than I can stand, rewire the drivers seat, numerous tire PSI computers, and R/C key antenna issues (I could stand next to the vehicle and it refused to lock). Heck, I didnt even make it home from the dealer on the day we bought it before I had to turn around and bring it back for a problem! This is not what I expect from a high end SUV. Shame on you VW!
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2004 Volkswagen Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Dan Gonzalez - March 22 - 3:53 pmI experienced two problems immediately I after purchased my Touareg, the alternator blew out in the first 30 days and within first 90 days the computer chip operating the on board dash systems had to be replaced (I had a constant flat tire warning on the dash board system). My truck has had no problems since then. I am happy with this vehicle except for its poor gas mileage with the V6 engine (14 mpg city / barely 18 mpg highway).
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ok - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By traniman - March 21 - 10:00 amHard to read overhead info center
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Problems with VW of America - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Nothappy2 - March 21 - 10:00 amThe vehicle has lots of minor issues that can not be fixed by dealership. VW of America policy is to review all work done under warranty. Dealership will not fix lots of little items under warranty because they are afraid that once information is sent to VW, VW of America will evaluate items as not being necessary. In other words, VW of America will not fix items. They deem items to be functional within their parimeters. Calls to VW go unanswered. Car has been in shop for more than 15 days. In addition, maintenance policy for 4 years is very limited. Lots of exceptions.
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good car bad service - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By victorIA - March 21 - 10:00 ami was very happy the day a got my volks it was a fun car to drive. LOTS of POWER.HOWEVER, those days are gone.I spent more time in the dealership than i could ever think possible.Volks folks should update their service to match with the $50k-$90k cars they sell.They should learn from lexus and acura (my wifes cars what customer service mean, not to mention RELIABILITY.I almost never get a loaner car, and when i do its a rundown non automatic jetta.
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Engine, Electrical & Tire Problems - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By ET - March 11 - 7:16 amAVOID ALL TOUAREG VEHICLES. Read the internet on how rotten VW support is. My T is driven gently by my wife. We go through a set of tires every year or so, have had many electrical problems including completely replacing the wiring harness. At 43,000 the engine simply froze. A couple months out of warranty for months owned but within the period for mileage. VW is giving us grief about replacing the engine. I guess they think that it is ok for an engine to blow at 40K. Dealers seem great but you have to deal with VW of America. They are simply terrible. I would look at the internet for VW problems and VWA support before buying ANY VW product. Sorry...I have owned 4 VWs but no more.
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SUV for me - never - until this one - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By c5lover - March 7 - 10:00 amNot much to say - just drive one and youre hooked. Very smooth, very luxurious, very quiet. Love the styling, too.
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It depends..... - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By BH - March 5 - 8:26 pmI just bought my 2004 Touareg a few months back. Having read the posts from people, it does really depend how you want to view the reliability of this car. The interior is wonderful, the exterior looks very sleek. The handling in general is very good, except when you want to accelerate. It tends to take a while. Right now my car is having its ignition coil replaced, nothing super big. My advice is to buy a used or pre-loved Touareg. Let the previous owners deal with the issues and recalls while I soak up the benefits. Granted I havent yet had to replace the tires or even had an oil change, so Im sure my time will come. Still, it was worth my money.
