2006 Volkswagen Touareg Review
2006 Volkswagen Touareg Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+69
Used Touareg for sale
Appraise This CarVolkswagen Touareg model years
Volkswagen Touareg types
- SUV
- Diesel
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Upscale interior, polished road manners, true off-road capability, solid construction, lengthy standard equipment list.
Cons
- Lousy fuel economy, smaller backseat than competitors, no in-dash CD changer.
What’s new
For 2006, Volkswagen had planned on introducing a new 3.6-liter V6 engine and bringing back the diesel-fueled V10. However, the V6 has been shelved until next year's model, and the V10 will debut very late in 2006. Therefore, the only significant change to the Volkswagen Touareg is the addition of a new rearview camera feature and auxiliary multimedia connector to the optional navigation package.
Edmunds says
The 2006 Volkswagen Touareg is an enticing blend of the pavement-dwelling crossover and the rugged off-roader swathed in VW style.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Volkswagen Touareg V6 4dr SUV AWD (3.2L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$352/mo for Touareg V6
Touareg V6
vs
$207/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
It's pronounced "Tour-regg" -- emphasis on the first syllable. The word translates literally to "free folk," and refers to a nomadic tribe whose travels regularly take them across the Sahara Desert. Such harsh terrain demands a strong physical and emotional constitution, and knowing that, it shouldn't surprise you that an automotive manufacturer has adopted the name of this people for a sport-utility vehicle.
While obviously unable to replicate the sentient human qualities of the real Touareg, the SUV namesake does indeed possess a strong physiology. Not strong in the old-fashioned, live-axles-at-either-end, give-me-your-worst sense, but strong as in carefully engineered using today's technology to take on such conditions as rush-hour traffic in the city, steep off-road trails in the mountains and everything in between in an unflappable manner. VW chose to straddle the divide between crossover SUVs and traditional SUVs. The Volkswagen Touareg has a unibody structure, four-wheel independent suspension and agile handling on pavement, like most crossovers. But leave the paved world and it can be shifted into its low-range gearing (4WD Low) and evade the assaults of rocks with up to 11.8 inches of ground clearance when equipped with an optional air suspension. It can also ford water up to 22.8 inches deep.
With a full menu of safety features (stability control and head curtain airbags included), the five-passenger Touareg is one of the safest SUVs on the road. While its smallish backseat and cargo bay may not make it the best choice for families, we expect that plenty of people will be delighted by the style and versatility of VW's SUV.
Performance & mpg
Two engines are available on the VW Touareg. The V6 displaces 3.2 liters and makes 240 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. The 4.2-liter V8 puts out 310 hp and 302 lb-ft of torque. A four-wheel-drive system is standard on all Touaregs, and includes low-range gearing for serious off-roading. Optional is an air suspension that increases the Touareg's ground clearance from 8.3 inches to 11.9; a rear locking differential is also available. Regardless of the engine, the Touareg, properly equipped, is rated to tow 7,700 pounds.
Safety
Every model comes with four-wheel antilock disc brakes with BrakeAssist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, stability control, hill descent and incline rollback control. Passive safety features include side airbags for front occupants, full-length head curtain airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners in all outboard positions. Crash-testing by the NHTSA returned a four-star rating (out of five) for frontal impacts (both driver and passenger) and five stars for side impacts (front and rear).
Driving
Even if you never leave the pavement, the Volkswagen Touareg should satisfy. The V6 is mediocre in terms of acceleration; those used to the low-end grunt of more traditional SUVs will likely want the V8 model. The Touareg's ride quality is smooth and stable, and although heavy, the VW feels agile around corners, particularly when equipped with the air suspension. Taken off-road, the Touareg amazes as it tackles steep passes and deep ruts normally reserved for rough-and-tumble Jeeps.
Interior
Inside, each Touareg has an upscale two-tone ensemble accented by real wood and aluminum. Most surfaces are soft-touch, and what hard surfaces there are (lower dash, console and doors) feel smooth and substantial to the touch. The backseat isn't overly roomy, and we encourage families to try before they buy. Cargo capacity is average -- 31 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 71 cubes when they're folded.
2006 Volkswagen Touareg models
The four-door, midsize 2006 VW Touareg SUV comes in two models -- V6 and V8.. The V6 comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated leatherette seats, a telescoping steering wheel, genuine wood and aluminum accents, a 10-speaker sound system with CD player, one-touch front windows and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The V8 adds 18-inch wheels, upgraded side mirrors, leather seating and power-adjustable front seats. Popular options on the Touareg (depending on the trim level) include HID headlights, 19-inch wheels, an adjustable air suspension, parking sensors, a locking rear differential, four-zone climate control, premium leather upholstery and a navigation system.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Volkswagen Touareg.
5 star(65%)
4 star(21%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(8%)
1 star(0%)
74 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Touareg V8
Vermonter, 04/23/2007
2006 Volkswagen Touareg V8 4dr SUV AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
At first I was hesitant to buy this car because of poor ratings for the 04 model. I'm glad I did. It gets better gas mileage (18 mpg) than the 02 Explorer, had every possible option, sounds outstanding when hitting the gas, and the stereo with navigation is close to what I have in my house. This car drives like the Porsche for about 15K less cash. Excellent capability this winter in … the snow, excellent handling.
4.63 out of 5 stars
The Amazing V10 Diesel
SLA, 08/29/2009
2006 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI 4dr SUV AWD (4.9L 10cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
I had a 2004 Touareg V8 before this one and it had a lot of electrical problems. Replaced it with the V10 and couldn't be happier, one of the best vehicles I have owned. It has amazing performance, gets very good fuel economy considering its weight and size and will tow over 7700 lbs. Haven't had any problems with it, just normal maintenance, which isn't cheap but I have a prepaid … maint. plan. It does eat up tires but haven't had to replace the brakes (30k miles).
2.13 out of 5 stars
VW - No Longer the People's Car
VeroDD, 01/15/2007
2006 Volkswagen Touareg V6 4dr SUV AWD (3.2L 6cyl 6A)
In my opinion, it's a good looking vehicle but not well thought out. To replace the battery, you must remove the driver's seat and controls. The spare tire is not inflated. It has a 12v air pump to assist you, only if you do not have a dead battery. The rear seats must have the head rests removed in order to be lowered. The rain sensing wipers have a mind of their own and run … randomly. The exterior paint is VERY soft. Just the slightest brush against it and it scratches. The tires are worn out at 20,000 miles. The dealer says I'm lucky. Most fail earlier. Parts fall off! A cover for the rear wiper and one of the VW emblems just fell off. This was not covered under warranty.
4 out of 5 stars
I don’t usually award 5 stars, so 4 is great
Jimmy W, 09/09/2018
2006 Volkswagen Touareg V8 4dr SUV AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
The quality feel of the car exceeds that of the Touareg of 2017; it’s a shame they won’t be built like this for the US market anymore. I haven’t had many problems except for drive shaft center support bearings (2 times), very expensive fix by dealer ($1,600) as are all regular maintenance and parts. Aftermarket has brand name parts much cheaper (about half price or less), but then you … have to talk someone into installing them. With almost 160,000 miles from new and I still enjoy my Touareg a great deal! For the most part it has held up well, and I have learned how to play the maintenance game. Still looks and drives great; incredible all wheel drive! Weather cannot stop it, nor can most off road challenges.
2006 Touareg Highlights
SUV
V6
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $37,410 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $352/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 31.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Touareg include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
Related Used 2006 Volkswagen Touareg info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Toyota Camry Hybrid 2016 For Sale
- Used Toyota Camry Hybrid 2012
- Used Toyota C-HR 2018
- Used Toyota Camry Hybrid 2010
- Used Toyota Camry Hybrid 2017
Shop similar models
- Used Jeep Grand-cherokee-srt
- Used Chevrolet Blazer
- Used Jeep Grand-cherokee
- Used Jeep Grand-cherokee-wk
- Used Honda Passport
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Volkswagen Touareg 2010
- Used Volkswagen Touareg 2015
- Used Volkswagen Touareg 2017
- Used Volkswagen Touareg 2011 For Sale
- Used Volkswagen Touareg 2013
- Used Volkswagen Touareg 2 2016
- Used Volkswagen Touareg 2012
- Used Volkswagen Touareg 2014
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- 2025 Nissan Versa News
- 2024 Ford Escape
- BMW 7 Series 2023
- 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander
- Lincoln Aviator 2025
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- 2023 Nissan Versa
- 2025 Kia Sportage News
- 2025 Volkswagen Atlas News
Research other models of Volkswagen
- 2024 Atlas Cross Sport
- Volkswagen ID.4 2023
- 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- 2023 Tiguan
- 2023 Atlas
- 2023 Golf R
- Volkswagen VW Arteon
- 2023 Golf GTI
- Volkswagen Golfr