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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Quite A Car - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By charlie cooper - September 16 - 2:00 amJust got back from a 5,000 mile trip with parts of it through the Arizona desert. This car with the V8 will keep up with any traffic. None of the "gee I wish this trip was over." The car was so much fun to drive I wished we could keep going!!!!!
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LOVE IT! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By MHH - September 16 - 2:00 amI loved it from the first time I saw it and knew I had to have it. Its classy and has so many standard features. No others can compare. We got lots of snow this year and I am so impressed with its competency in all weather conditions. I have a very steep driveway and it walked right up, no problem.
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Awesome - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Terrence Griffin - September 12 - 10:00 amI love this car
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A Fun Ride - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By JDW - September 5 - 10:00 amIve had the vehicle since January 04 and love to drive it. I have the V8 with nav and adjustable suspension. Great acceleration, great styling. Tows my 18 foot Ranger boat with no problem. Drawbacks are gas mileage (I get 13 city tops, and 17 or 18 highway), higher wind noise with sun roof open than I am used to, and a tendency to be abrupt when accelerating.
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2004 Touareg - Heaven to Drive - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Lbronchus - August 29 - 2:43 amI have had my Touareg for two years. I bought it slightly used. It is a V8 with most all the extras. This is the nicest most fun vehicle I have ever had. The ride, comfort and aesthetics are great. I love the radio especially with the Phatnoise system I added. The fuel economy is not great but in comparison with similarly powered vehicles it is on par with them. I initially had only some minor warranty covered issues but not major repair problems. It really drives like a dream. The Audi engine is very smooth and powerful.
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Solid Performance, Superior Styling - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By tim in princeton - August 27 - 6:36 amI formerly owned a Honda CRV, but I wanted something more comfortable, more stylish and more upscale for the commute to work. I test drove all of the available models, with price being basically no object, and this was by far the best bet in balancing price and comfort. Its truly high-end on the interior, with great exterior styling, too.
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If It Sounds Too Good... - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By David - August 24 - 10:10 pmIf I had to do it all over again, I probably wouldnt. The Touareg sounded good and was comparably priced for the category it is in. I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle starting with tires wearing-out in less than 8,000 miles with no recourse from VW. My truck has been in the dealer for service numerous times. Two days ago it would not start and was stranded in my garage. VW roadside service came but could not tow it because the battery was dead, the key stuck in the ignition, and it was stuck in park. Ive had numerous campaign upgrades for many of the Touaregs computers. Several trouble lights announce with no solutions given in the owners manual.
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Beware - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
By Bill - August 21 - 10:10 amGreat car for the first 48,000 miles but since then the car has been in the shop every 2,000 miles with check engine lights. The cooling fans, EMC computer, parking brake peddle, several emission controls, radio, windows and sun roof controls have failed and it is in the shop now for new engine coils. My wife will not drive car out of town because we can not trust the car to get her home.
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Get Rid of It! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By beet - August 19 - 9:53 pmI just traded in my VW Touareg in on an Infiniti FX35. It was the best feeling in the world. Have owned six VWs since 1999. This will be our last! This truck was very unreliable. My dealer could/would not fix its problems. Mine had problems with the electrical system, tire pressure monitor, locking system, tow hook, etc... These are all that come to mind right now. Do not buy this truck, even a used one!
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best car in the world - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By ernst565 - August 17 - 10:00 amThis is an amzing car. It has everything i need. Even though it has a bad fuel economy,, the 26 gallon tank makes up for it. My kids and wife love it. Its Amazing.
