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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The Best Dont Settle For The Rest - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Touaregnd4spd - August 17 - 10:00 amJust purchased my Touareg today and I have put 120 miles on it. Cant stop driving it. The way it hold the road is like my 01 Lincoln Ls that I traded in. If you are looking for the best Suv out STOP YOU HAVE FOUND IT!!!!
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VW Hits a Homerun - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By Jaime Mendez - August 16 - 8:53 amNot having owned an SUV before, I didnt know what to expect. Well, Volkswagen surpassed my expectations. This vehicle is a charmer inside and out. Everything about it feels sturdy, from the seats to the leather covered steering wheel. It has a smooth and quiet ride with very good visibility. This vehicle is a good value for your money.
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Jeep Driver, Loves New Touareg! - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
By sbcs - August 14 - 7:36 amIve had my 06 Volkswagen Touareg V8 about a month and love it. I originaly was going for a V6, a quick ride in the V8 however had me sold. It is smooth and fast. All the comforts I expected from the first look. I like technical stuff and this car is loaded, except for the navigation system. Every few days I find some cool new feature (like the wine cooler glv box). I highly recommend reading the manual as there are many things you need to know to get the full value of the car as well as prcautions, like; dont keep the power steering fully turned for more than five seconds. Driving on mountain roads is a dream, it sticks like glue. It is so smooth that under 25 mph you dont even feel like your moving. Use care approaching stop signs ;)
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A work in progress - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
By mike12321 - August 9 - 1:33 pmToo many problems still unresolved by VW
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New 2011 Touareg - 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
By Michael - August 8 - 2:00 amMy last 3 trucks were two Land Rover Discoveries and then the LR3. I was ready to trade in after five years and surveyed the landscape of real trucks - LR4, Sport, Armada, Infinit - you name it. I drove the Touareg and decided to go for it. It has good truck sensibilities, but drives like the Cayenne. It is comfortable and more economic than the 11 mph LR4.
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Better that Cayenne, $20K less - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Ptorl - August 4 - 2:00 amThe Touareg with a Premium Plus Package (PPS) has a much nicer interior than the Porsche Cayenne. The air suspension allows for a very comfortable ride over frost heaved Midwest roads. A similarly priced Cayenne S was a very harsh ride (did not have air suspension)and did not have the luxury or features of the Touareg. Very pleased with the vehicle. Had to wait 2 months for delivery, as the factory made very few with Black exterior and Anthracite interior.
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Think twice - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By Cooper / Napa - August 4 - 2:00 amWe bought our Touareg in Nov 03 after looking at and test driving pretty much every SUV on the market. We liked the safety features of the Touareg and all the extras that came with it. My electrical problems started about 1 month after we bought it. My "check tire pressure" light would come on constantly. Dealership had to replace something, I guess this is a common problem with Touaregs. My car is in the shop now for the 2nd time because it just wont start. I have had to have AAA come out and jump it and take it to the dealer where so far they cannot find the cause. Something is drainign battery dont know what it is.
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2011 Touareg Lux White/Saddle Brown - 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
By march609 - August 1 - 2:06 amThis is my first VW and I am somewhat satisfied, but feel like the car is constantly down shifting when you are driving at a slower speed. It kind of feels like when you down shift too quickly in a five speed. It kind of jerks when it does it. Not sure if its just an issue with the individual car or something I need to get use to. The other very annoying and disappointing feature is for a $49,000 suv, I am shocked that keyless entry and push button start are not a standard feature. Very disappointing to say the least. Otherwise, its a beautiful, sleek, comfortable, sturdy and reliable suv.
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Touareg 04 - An Excellent Buy - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By MJLAZ04 - July 31 - 10:00 amThis is a great Mid SUV with plenty of power (stick to the V8). You will not be diapointed. It drives like a sportscar with the features of an SUV. Most of the standard features you will never use but you get a sense of security that they are there. See suggested improvements for my concerns.
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Man It Is Cool! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
By lummer - July 31 - 10:00 amI had the Audi A6 2.7T before this & its like drin=ving the 6 on steroids.
