Background and Identification

The Volkswagen (VW) Touareg is a mid-size five-door luxury SUV produced by Volkswagen, a German automobile manufacturer, since 2002. The vehicle was named for the nomadic Tuareg people, inhabitants of the Saharan region in North Africa.

The first-generation Touareg (2002-2010) comes standard with a four-wheel-drive system and either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. It offered either five-, six-, eight-, ten-, and twelve-cylinder engine choices. The first-generation Touareg came standard with a four-wheel-drive system. Options were available to make the cars more off-road capable, including four-wheel Adaptive Air Suspension with Continuous Damping Control.

The first-generation Touareg was developed with the Porsche Cayenne and the Audi Q7, which share platforms and some technology. The Touareg was developed as a joint venture project by Porsche and the Volkswagen Group, involving the Audi and Volkswagen brands. The project’s goal was to design an off-road vehicle that could handle on-road like a sports car. The Touareg was designed with independent suspension for both on- and off-road driving.

VW Touareg vehicles include the VW emblem, which depicts a ‘V’ placed on top of a ‘W’, enclosed by a circle. Touareg models also include the Passat emblem, which depicts the model name “Touareg” in capital letters on the rear end of the vehicles.

Technical Specifications

Overview:

  • Production: 2002–2010

Body and chassis:

  • Platform: Volkswagen Group PL71 platform
  • Related: Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7

Powertrain:

  • Transmission:
    • 6-speed manual
    • 6-speed automatic

Dimensions:

  • Wheelbase: 2,855 mm (112.4 in)
  • Length: 4,754 mm (187.2 in)
  • Width: 1,928 mm (75.9 in)
  • Height: 1,726 mm (68.0 in)

Additional Information