2007 Volkswagen Touareg Review

The Touareg is a full-size SUV that first debuted in 2004. Co-designed by both Volkswagen and Porsche, the Touareg is mechanically similar to the Porsche Cayenne. Despite its car-like underpinnings, the Touareg is more than capable off-road, thanks to its standard 4WD and generous ground clearance. It was voted Car and Driver’s “Best Luxury SUV” and Motor Trend’s “SUV of the Year” in 2004. In 2005, it was named Four Wheeler magazine’s “Four Wheeler of the Year.”

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Volkswagen Touareg successfully combines a luxury ride with off-road utility. While it’s much more expensive than most Volkswagens, it provides an exceptional driving experience, both on and off the road. With its numerous features, the Touareg makes for a great, well-rounded SUV.

What’s New For 2007:

The Touareg receives several upgrades for 2007. The V6 engine has been boosted by 36 hp, while the V8 has been increased by 40 hp. Bi-xenon headlights, Adaptive Front Lighting, and an auxiliary input jack are now standard. A keyless ignition and a power liftgate come as new options.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power gives the Touareg 2.5 stars for overall design quality. Problems that affected the early Touareg include dead batteries and harsh shifting. The 2004 Touareg was recalled three times for poorly riveted seatbelt bolts, improperly wired tire pressure monitors, and insecure child restraints. The 2005 model was also recalled for the child restraint problem. Expect above-average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Touareg earned perfect scores in government crash tests. IIHS data is not available. Anti-lock brakes, brake assist, rollback control, full side airbags, and stability control come standard.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Powerful off road
+ Luxurious interior
+ Lots of features

Cons
- Pricey for a VW
- Heavy
- Below average navigation system

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Acura RDX costs $1,600 less, and throws in standard navigation, leather seats, a CD changer, and a moonroof. However, it only has a four-cylinder engine with 36 less hp than the Touareg. The Hummer H3 SUV costs $600 less and adds a CD changer, leather seats, and a roof rack, but lacks an automatic, side airbags, and has less hp and payload capacity. The Touareg costs $5,000 less than the Porsche Cayenne, but the Cayenne comes with leather seats and more payload capacity.

What Others Are Saying:

“No one expected the eye-popping and life threatening experiences found. When we weren’t climbing up and over two and three-foot high steps in “bull-low”, we were hanging off our shoulder belts creeping down narrow 45 degree rock faces with sheer drops of 100 feet on either side. I can’t imagine doing this course in any other vehicle, except maybe a Humvee.” – About.com

“Volkswagen builds a powerful set of off-road systems into the extremely civilized Touareg SUV, although it needs a navigation update.” – C|Net

“While its sophisticated suspension system and standard 4Motion permanent all-wheel-drive system enable it to tackle rough terrain, the Touareg handles better on the road than do many truck-based SUVs.” – Forbes

Read more about the 2007 Volkswagen Touareg at the Volkswagen manufacturer web site.