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 71 through 80 of 979.00-
8-Way Power Seats a Must! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By EB4VEEDUB - March 15 - 4:06 amI purchased the vehicle on 01/29/10, and have received several compliments on the look of the vehicle. The ride is solid, especially in bad weather. The dash is easy to operate, and has a stylish appearance. My only complaint is the manual seats that require turning a knob for the backrest, and cranking a lever to go up and down. After 30 days I still have not found a comfortable seating position. I have to do yoga stretches in the morning before I get into the car to help ease the discomfort
-
First Impressions - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By SueVal - January 13 - 7:16 pmPurchased VW Touareg after much study and comparison shopping. Considered MB ML, Accura MDX, Cadillac SRX, Lexus RX 330, Porsche Cayenne. Immediately put 3000 interstate miles on it; mileage now 8000 as car was like new demonstrator at time of purchase, due to limited availability. Never owned an SUV before; did this with much trepidation but so far no buyers remorse as Touareg appears to deliver on its promises. Reliability yet to be determined.
-
T - Reg by Bob - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Bob - December 31 - 4:23 amI have owned my V8 Toureg for over a year (14,000 miles) and still enjoy the looks, features, and mechanical abilities of this car. It has been a good family car around town and for our vacations. Unfortunately, this is a luxury car without luxury service. The tire pressure system is too sensitive and will indicate a flat tire when the weather goes from hot to cold; you have to reset the memory of the tire pressure. My truck has had Issues with the airbag indicators as well (initial problem fixed by a recall) and had a defective battery replaced. There is a reserve battery to start the car by turning the key in the opposite direction (of course, no one could inform my wife of that when she called the service dept).
-
Missed the mark - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By stevehu - December 8 - 10:00 amNice fit and finish. Porsche is going to hold value WAY better. VW is better looking. 1: No passenger airbag shutoff 2: No reclining rear seats. That was dumb.
-
I should of gotten the V8, BUT... - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By mstron - November 22 - 10:00 amOverall a fantastic car. I love driving it and catching other drivers taking quick glances at it. Spectacular fit and finish. the AT is a little frustrating as its not more aggressive in "normal" mode and the gas mileage is horrendous in sport. I would definately buy it again, and if I had the $5000 extra the V8.
-
Bad Electronics - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
By vbrand - November 20 - 5:13 amI love the Touareg. I love the way it drives and love the interior. BUT it has been in the shop every two weeks since I bought it (all electrical issues). to top that off the dealership here has treated me terribly.
-
Fun to Drive, Annoying Quirks - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By ryan - October 14 - 12:50 pmI have owned this car for a year and a half and it is a blast to drive. It begs "drive me faster." The keyless entry is great. The beeps are so anoying though, like the selt belt, passenger air bag off, and others. If I run into a store my wife has to bucle the seatbelt to make it stop dinging. The VW service department where I purchased my car is terrible. I needed new tires after only 6,000 miles, and my car cant stay aligned. So it has great performance, but the misc. problems make me want to sell it.
-
My Experience - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
By Len - October 13 - 7:46 pmI bought my touareg after a careful research in publications to see what vehicle could go farther per tank full. I wanted an SUV that could go fast, far, be stable and competent off road. I live in Miami and after several hurricanes I saw huge lines at the gas stations when a hurricane may be heading here. I needed a car that would take me out of the state in case a category 4 or 5 hurricane came here. My touareg v-6 has an epa rating of 21 mpg and a fuel tank 26.6 gal with a theoretical range of 556 miles. I go from my house in Miami, to I-95 to the Florida turnpike to I-75 to the state line using Cruise control and tiptronic on 6 gear in one tank full. This is over 475 miles. This is great.
-
Over engineered - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By Moscig - September 28 - 10:00 amVW has come late to the SUV market, great design, good funtion and a surperb off road vehicle. Here is what they do not tell you about the 2004 SUV of the year! Electronics are overengineered as it relates to warning drivers on a faulty tire presure system, seat belt chimes that do not allow drivers to leave the car running with out being cherped to death, radios with on-board map system must be cleared everytime you start the car by excepting the disclaimer "release/acceptance" button! Something to look forward to for as long as you have your vehicle. One of the best dummy warnings is the airbag warning, buzzer, then bell/chimes to tell you it is off
-
Touareg is too heavy for V6 - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
By fabiola - September 5 - 7:06 pmIm dissapointed with the V6 VW Touareg, it has no pickup with the V6 engine. This causes problems when trying to accelerate onto, say, the highway. The fuel economy is also quite poor but perhaps it is better on the V8 since youll be gunning the engine less to get the truck to respond.
