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2005
Volkswagen Touareg

Starts at:
$37,140
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New 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr V6
    Starts at
    $37,140
    16 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr V6 Special Order
    Starts at
    $37,140
    16 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr V8
    Starts at
    $44,260
    14 City / 18 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr V8 Special Order
    Starts at
    $44,260
    14 City / 18 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr V10 *Ltd Avail*
    Starts at
    $58,490
    17 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Diesel V10
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr V10 Special Order *Ltd Avail*
    Starts at
    $58,490
    17 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Diesel V10
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2005 Volkswagen Touareg 2005 Volkswagen Touareg 2005 Volkswagen Touareg 2005 Volkswagen Touareg 2005 Volkswagen Touareg 2005 Volkswagen Touareg 2005 Volkswagen Touareg 2005 Volkswagen Touareg 2005 Volkswagen Touareg 2005 Volkswagen Touareg 2005 Volkswagen Touareg 2005 Volkswagen Touareg 2005 Volkswagen Touareg 2005 Volkswagen Touareg 2005 Volkswagen Touareg 2005 Volkswagen Touareg

Notable features

Three engine choices
Low-range gearing
Air or steel suspension
Hilly-terrain assists

The good & the bad

The good

Superior offroad prowess
Strong V-8 and V-10 TDI performance
All-terrain maneuverability
Safety features
Towing capacity

The bad

Modest V-6 performance
Tiny auxiliary gauges
4WD controls
V-6 engine noise
Rear legroom and foot space

Expert 2005 Volkswagen Touareg review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Volkswagen arrived late to the sport utility vehicle party when it launched the Touareg (pronounced “TOUR-egg”) for 2004. Considered a “crossover” model, the Touareg is related to Porsche’s Cayenne. Initially, Touaregs held either a V-6 or V-8.

Electronically controlled 4XMotion permanent four-wheel drive includes offroad gearing. Up to 100 percent of the engine’s power can be sent to either the front or rear wheels. Offroad helpers include Hill Climbing Assist, Hill Descent Assist and a locking rear differential. An optional navigation system can display coordinates, direction and altitude.

Late in the 2004 model year, Volkswagen introduced a Touareg TDI with a turbo-diesel V-10 that produces 310 horsepower and 553 pounds-feet of torque. For 2005, the air suspension that’s optional for V-6 and V-8 models and standard with the V-10 has been slightly modified and has a lower ride height. The V-6 engine gains 20 hp.

Exterior
Constructed of galvanized steel, the unibody structure makes the Touareg more carlike in appearance than many SUVs. The hood wraps down to a horizontal-bar grille that’s similar to the one on Volkswagen’s luxury Phaeton sedan. Rounded body shoulders and sculpted wheel arches complement short overhangs. The doors display a distinctive groove.

Built on a 112.4-inch wheelbase, the Touareg stands 68 inches tall. Ground clearance can reach 11.8 inches with the available air suspension, and wading depth is 22.8 inches. The Touareg can drive at a 35-degree lateral offset angle and has a 45-degree side-tipping angle.

Interior
Trimmed in burl wood, chrome and bright aluminum, the luxurious five-passenger interior emulates the Phaeton’s decorative touches. Dual-zone climate control is standard. Cargo volume reaches 71 cubic feet when the rear seat is folded. An OnStar Telematics communication system is optional.

Under the Hood
Two gasoline engines are available: a 240-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 and a 310-hp, 4.2-liter V-8. The turbo-diesel 5.0-liter V-10 generates 310 hp. The six-speed-automatic transmission has a manual-shift provision. Touaregs can tow up to 7,700 pounds.

Safety
Side-impact and side curtain-type airbags are installed. Antilock brakes, traction control and an Electronic Stabilization Program stability system are standard.

Driving Impressions
Handling confidence and offroad prowess are Touareg hallmarks. In demanding offroad treks, this SUV struts with masterful athleticism. Its high-tech gadgetry can be confusing, but it’s all purposeful.

Touaregs equipped with the V-8 and air suspension exhibit superior control, yet ride comfort is lovely. Some bumps are taken rather stiffly, but this SUV recovers rapidly � though sequential rough spots can unsettle it. Powertrain responses are enthusiastic, and shifts are easygoing. A V-6 Touareg shows marked acceleration decline and engine blare on upgrades. Performance is satisfactory on moderate surfaces.

Enormous torque output in the TDI-equipped model makes acceleration bountiful, delivering smooth and steady response. Forging its way along an uphill offroad trail, the TDI feels almost as if it were out for a leisurely Sunday drive. Better yet, it’s quiet. A brief puff of black smoke might appear occasionally.

2005 Volkswagen Touareg review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Volkswagen arrived late to the sport utility vehicle party when it launched the Touareg (pronounced “TOUR-egg”) for 2004. Considered a “crossover” model, the Touareg is related to Porsche’s Cayenne. Initially, Touaregs held either a V-6 or V-8.

Electronically controlled 4XMotion permanent four-wheel drive includes offroad gearing. Up to 100 percent of the engine’s power can be sent to either the front or rear wheels. Offroad helpers include Hill Climbing Assist, Hill Descent Assist and a locking rear differential. An optional navigation system can display coordinates, direction and altitude.

Late in the 2004 model year, Volkswagen introduced a Touareg TDI with a turbo-diesel V-10 that produces 310 horsepower and 553 pounds-feet of torque. For 2005, the air suspension that’s optional for V-6 and V-8 models and standard with the V-10 has been slightly modified and has a lower ride height. The V-6 engine gains 20 hp.

Exterior
Constructed of galvanized steel, the unibody structure makes the Touareg more carlike in appearance than many SUVs. The hood wraps down to a horizontal-bar grille that’s similar to the one on Volkswagen’s luxury Phaeton sedan. Rounded body shoulders and sculpted wheel arches complement short overhangs. The doors display a distinctive groove.

Built on a 112.4-inch wheelbase, the Touareg stands 68 inches tall. Ground clearance can reach 11.8 inches with the available air suspension, and wading depth is 22.8 inches. The Touareg can drive at a 35-degree lateral offset angle and has a 45-degree side-tipping angle.

Interior
Trimmed in burl wood, chrome and bright aluminum, the luxurious five-passenger interior emulates the Phaeton’s decorative touches. Dual-zone climate control is standard. Cargo volume reaches 71 cubic feet when the rear seat is folded. An OnStar Telematics communication system is optional.

Under the Hood
Two gasoline engines are available: a 240-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 and a 310-hp, 4.2-liter V-8. The turbo-diesel 5.0-liter V-10 generates 310 hp. The six-speed-automatic transmission has a manual-shift provision. Touaregs can tow up to 7,700 pounds.

Safety
Side-impact and side curtain-type airbags are installed. Antilock brakes, traction control and an Electronic Stabilization Program stability system are standard.

Driving Impressions
Handling confidence and offroad prowess are Touareg hallmarks. In demanding offroad treks, this SUV struts with masterful athleticism. Its high-tech gadgetry can be confusing, but it’s all purposeful.

Touaregs equipped with the V-8 and air suspension exhibit superior control, yet ride comfort is lovely. Some bumps are taken rather stiffly, but this SUV recovers rapidly � though sequential rough spots can unsettle it. Powertrain responses are enthusiastic, and shifts are easygoing. A V-6 Touareg shows marked acceleration decline and engine blare on upgrades. Performance is satisfactory on moderate surfaces.

Enormous torque output in the TDI-equipped model makes acceleration bountiful, delivering smooth and steady response. Forging its way along an uphill offroad trail, the TDI feels almost as if it were out for a leisurely Sunday drive. Better yet, it’s quiet. A brief puff of black smoke might appear occasionally.

Safety review

Based on the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
4/5
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
5/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
12 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
MY 2016-MY 2017 vehicles / 75,000 miles; MY 2018- MY 2019 vehicles / 72,000 miles; MY 2020 and newer vehicles / 75,000 miles
Basic
Vehicles purchased on or after 1 / 5 / 21: MY 2017 & older, 2 yrs / 24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2018-19, 1 yr / 12,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2020 & newer, 2 years / 24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty
Dealer certification
100-plus point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.3 / 5
Based on 28 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.5
Interior 4.5
Performance 4.4
Value 4.0
Exterior 4.4
Reliability 4.0

Most recent

  • Good comfortable and heavy car.

    I bought a 2005 VW Touareg V8 in December 2010. I have no had it nearly 12 years. I do basic maintenance brakes, wear parts, and oil changes myself and I have an OBDII tester to help me with basic diagnostics. As such it has gone to the shop once when I just got it because it had a fuel tank evaporation line that was cracked and generated an engine check light. It has since passed inspection without problems for the past 12 years. At 17 year and relatively low 135,000 miles a few things are bad. The AC compressor has failed a year ago, it sometimes has a tendency to hop because its central differential stepper motor binds, and the front left HID light has some problem where it does blink on and off with a light failure dash alert. Altogether it has been an extremely comfortable car with pretty good reliability. It also hard on gas with 12-14 mpg in heavy urban traffic and 17-19mpg on highways. It is an excellent towing machine with nearly 8000lbs towing capacity. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who has minimal mechanical abilities as dealer visits are very expensive.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • My wife bought on used

    We needed a car, my wife seen this 2005 Toureg. I told her not to buy it or at least take it to a mechanic to pressure to check it first. She did not and now regrets buying it. It has electrical problems that drain the battery. Come to find out that is very common in these cars.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 2.0
    5 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most fun car I have ever owned

    The V* on this car is a beast. I have run this car for 14 yr=ears, still only has 79k miles, and do many small repairs myself. It's so good I just bought a new Touareg. Funny thing is the new ones are nearly as optioned as the mid-2000s models.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    8 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great Car With all the bells and the whistles

    Great in the snow, super silent during road trips. Love the interior with the lighting. Tow package helps. Heated steering wheel is awesome! 4 zone climate control is super nice. Rear windows have shades. fast , and fun car to drive.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Touareg is excelent in the winter

    Never let me down. Very much fun to drive in the snow. You set the apropriate driving mode and can clime any mountain of snow.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • It drove like a sports car.

    Having the V8 cam in handy when driving in the mountains. I live in Denver and this car was a great all around vehicle. There was never a time I felt I could not get somewhere do to the weather.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • High performance with the best engine sound

    It's a excellent and high performance car with agility and engine sound that you prefer hearing over car radio. Is a little lighter than a Q7 3.6 for obvious reasons and is shorter. But both have same engine used by porsche Cayenne.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • I highly recommend this vehicle

    I loved her from the moment I lay eyes on her. The unique design means my Tuareg at 12 years old competes with the latest models vehicles without looking old. She handles well in winter and looks good in summer. Although she requires high quality fuel and gets a little costly when repairs are needed. I will say this, I have maintained all scheduled repairs on this vehicle and have had very little issues aside from those. She is expensive when the warranty expires so I recommend anyone who purchases a vehicle like this have gainful employment. Reliable, classy, and timeless is my discription of her.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Old Touareg

    After 5 years of ownership VW Touareg did not stand its reliability and value. Numerous mechanical problems and cheap interior plastic fading completely. Major repair needed and very expensive to keep up with the vehicle standards.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 2.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • VW Touareg-2005 may have been it's best year!

    As another reviewer said, this is a "sleek and sporty-looking vehicle". Ours draws admirers when parked too. Regular oil changes and tune-ups is all our 2005 has needed to keep it running great. Seen many negative comments about the Touraeg...I guess maybe 2005 was a good year for them. But hey- any 12 year old car is going to need things replaced now and again. Our expenses for the standard tune-up replacements haven't been out of line in our opinion. It's a foreign import - of course it's going to be more than what's charged for a domestic model...comes with the territory.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Beautiful head-turner. Lots of compliments!

    Neat Interior design. Sleek & sporty Exterior. Powerful engine that was made to love a fast speed. Draws Lots Of Admiration And Comments When Parked In Public.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Love and hate for sure

    The vw Touareg is a great vechicle only if u buy it brand new with a factory warranty with it after the warranty is out dated get rid of it because the cost of keep up is so much money is really sad the only thing on this car that is cheap too replace is a wiper for the windshield which is 60$ buck if u go to vw everything else goes up for there aside from the cost of up keep the Touareg is a great vechicle performance I mean this thing really can get up and go and maybe even fully capable of doing the 160mph that is on the dash that is usually just for show for these newer cars that built I love my truck but not enough to keep paying paying for repairs that cost well over into the hundreds of dollars and into the thousands I would buy it again but not used only brand new and once the warranty is gone I would get rid of it for sure as I would with any German vechicle for that matter the up keep cost for these vechiclea are Crazy
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 2.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg?

The 2005 Volkswagen Touareg is available in 1 trim level:

  • (6 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg?

The 2005 Volkswagen Touareg offers up to 16 MPG in city driving and 21 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg?

The 2005 Volkswagen Touareg compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg reliable?

The 2005 Volkswagen Touareg has an average reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2005 Volkswagen Touareg owners.

Is the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg. 82.1% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.3 / 5
Based on 28 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.5
  • Interior: 4.5
  • Performance: 4.4
  • Value: 4.0
  • Exterior: 4.4
  • Reliability: 4.0

Volkswagen Touareg history

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