2004 Volkswagen Touareg

If Porsche can join the sport-utility vehicle ranks with its new Cayenne, is it any wonder that Volkswagen now has a related SUV of its own? Though admittedly late arriving at the SUV party, the German automaker has brought a glowing guest in the form of the Touareg. German engineers have outdone themselves in development? the Touareg is packed with technology and luxury comforts.


Volkswagen wanted "people (to) know this SUV is different," said Ken Moriarty, head of corporate strategy and coordination. Known for its youthful buyers, Volkswagen sought to combine SUV merits "with the virtue of a German automobile." Three attributes were crucial, according to Matthias Kroell, chief engineer for the off-road class. The Touareg had to be a luxury vehicle, but offer the "temperament of a sports car" along with "outstanding off-road capability." Although it's priced a little high for a Volkswagen, the Touareg's principal rivals are the Lexus RX 330 and BMW X5.

Known for its youthful buyers, Volkswagen sought to combine SUV merits "with the virtue of a German automobile."

Built on an all-new platform, the unibodied Touareg comes with a choice of engines. The 3.6-liter V-6 produces 220 horsepower and 225 lb.-ft. of torque, while the 4.2-liter develops 310 horsepower and 302 lb.-ft. of torque. Acceleration to 60 mph takes 9.4 seconds with the V-6, or 7.6 seconds in the V-8 model. Both engines drive a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, which permits manually-selected gear changes, has a Sport mode, and incorporates a Dynamic Shifting Program. All Touaregs have 4XMotion four-wheel drive, with dial-selectable High and Low range. Gas mileage is less than appealing. The EPA estimates 15-mpg city and 20-mpg on the highway for a V-6 Touareg, and 14/18 mpg with the V-8. Touaregs can tow 7,716 pounds.


Performance with the V-8 engine is exceptional, but the V-6 is more ordinary. Though satisfying for flatland driving, in mountainous terrain the V-6 Touareg can run out of breath when rapid passing is called for. Volkswagen's 6-speed transmission might shift a little too often, but gear changes with the V-8 engine are remarkably smooth and quick—barely noticeable, in fact. With the V-6, on the other hand, flooring the gas while rounding a corner may produce significant hesitation, though the automatic behaves well most of the time.

Major gauges are big and fully calibrated and visibility is good all around.

A steel suspension is standard, but an air suspension with Comfort/Auto/Sport damping is optional. At high speeds with that suspension, the body automatically drops lower. From the cockpit, the driver can increase ground clearance to as much as 11.8 inches. Approach, departure and breakover angles are greater with the air suspension. Touaregs may be driven at a 35-degree side offset angle, promise a side tipping angle of 45 degrees, and can run through water 22.8 inches deep. Hill Climbing Assist lets the Touareg stop totally on a steep upgrade without touching the brake. Hill Descent Assist keeps speed down. Mid-sized in dimensions, the SUV has a 112.4-inch wheelbase and measures 187.2 inches long.