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 861 through 870 of 979.00-
The Amazing V10 Diesel - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
By SLA - January 13 - 3:26 amI had a 2004 Touareg V8 before this one and it had a lot of electrical problems. Replaced it with the V10 and couldnt be happier, one of the best vehicles I have owned. It has amazing performance, gets very good fuel economy considering its weight and size and will tow over 7700 lbs. Havent had any problems with it, just normal maintenance, which isnt cheap but I have a prepaid maint. plan. It does eat up tires but havent had to replace the brakes (30k miles).
-
New Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By 2004 Touareg buyer - January 12 - 10:00 amGreat Interior, lots of toys with the Premium package. Radio is excellent. lacks back seat room. good cargo space, for future models I would expect a movable rear seat (available on the M class mercedes benz). the aftermarket rubber floor matts are a $99 must for bad weather cities or muddy children.
-
2014 TDI R-Line - 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
By mkcoach1 - January 9 - 6:27 amI bought my 2014 Touareg R-Line in November and have driven it 3,600 miles of mixed highway and city driving. It is a great vehicle and has exceeded my expectations. The interior is very similar to my 2010 Porsche Cayenne that I drove for 3 years and very close to my wifes 2012 Audi Q7 S-Line. I am getting 26 miles to the gallon combined and the R-Line sport suspension is great fun to drive. Very comfortable seating for an old athlete that is 65" and it has very easy controls for navigation etc.
-
VW Touareg iis Awesome - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By Mike Kaspar - January 4 - 1:30 amFun to drive Awesome car
-
Dont beleive what you hear - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Jay - January 2 - 8:16 amI have had my VW Touareg for almost 2 years now and has been truly a beautiful eye opener.
-
Wow, I wasnt expecting this! - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By KevinT - December 30 - 3:23 amTrading up from a mini-minivan (Mazda MPV) I cant stop having so much fun. Although Ive got the V6 it still performs well. From the line its not quite a Corvette, but Ive left some V8s wondering if the V6 badge was a mistake. The Touareg looks like a million bucks as well and is treated to a weekly car wash in all weather. To see so many people pointing, and even though I cant read lips saying..."oh, look theres that new Touareg!" is a treat. This baby hugs the asphalt as if its attached! Try for the V8, but the V6 is still just as fun and well enough equipted to keep your adrenaline going!
-
Been a great car for us - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By VW Fan - December 28 - 7:13 amThe car has the amenities of a luxury car, handles like a sports car, has the power of a muscle car, all with great off road capabilities. 100K+ miles and has never left us stranded. The body style doesnt show its age and still turns heads on the road. We live in the country and it has survived the gravel roads as an everyday driver for my wife. Its great for travel (other than the mileage) and gives a sense of safety and security no matter the driving conditions.
-
The Curious Case Of Diminishing Milage - 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
By claudestouareg - December 27 - 7:11 pmOur bran new 2013 Lux TDI gave us astonishing 33 mpg trips on secondary highways at around 60mph. Now with 7,000 miles on the odo we cant get even 28mpg under the same conditions. When we started noticing the loss of mpg we started taking extra precautions not to waste diesel but to no avail. This car is getting at least 10% less mileage at 7,000 miles than it did bran new. Anybody else experience this??
-
Best Value in its class - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By AstroZ - December 23 - 10:00 amIve had it for about 60 days and 2000 miles and so far everything is great. I checked out the RX330, X5, and MDX and quickly narrowed it down to the X5 or Touareg. The VW was much less expensive and a comparable vehicle so thats what I went with.
-
Toe-Rag - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By tigger_z2k - December 23 - 10:00 amIt does everything but make you coffee in the morning. Changing gear in drive (as opposed to sport) is a bit sluggish, but comparable to most SUVs (exception being the Cayenne). Horsepower is a bit low for the V8, but understand they plan on a V10 Diesel, with improved hp and gas mileage (better then the V6). Versatility for off-road, highway travel, hazardous travel (like flooding after hurricane Isabel), and the everyday commute. Large enough to carry two dogs comfortably in the back (with seats down). Perfect size for the all around sportsman.
