DecodedCars2005 Volkswagen Touareg
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD V10 Tdi, 4dr SUV AWD V6, 4dr SUV AWD V8
- Engines
- 3.2L 6-cyl, 4.2L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 14 city / 19 hwy
- Length
- 187 in
- Curb weight
- 5,086–5,825 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Volkswagen Touareg is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (3.2L 6-cyl and 4.2L 8-cyl) and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 187 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,825 lb (4dr SUV AWD V10 Tdi).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 19 highway), 4% worse than the 2005 SUV - average of 16.7 MPG, for an estimated $5,150 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD V10 Tdi | 187 in | 76 in | 66.9 in | 111.8 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 5,825 lb | 52/48 |
| 4dr SUV AWD V6 | 187 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 111.8 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 5,086 lb | 52/48 |
| 4dr SUV AWD V8 | 187 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 111.8 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 5,300 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touareg | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -4% | $5,150 | 555 |
| Touareg | 4.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 17 / 14 | -16% | $5,850 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Volkswagen Touareg (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser | 13 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2005 Toyota Highlander | 22 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 17 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Kia Sorento | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Sep 20, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V583000 · 73,941 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2004-2007 Touareg vehicles. These gasoline-powered vehicles have a fuel filter flange that may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel filter flange for cracks, replacing the flange if cracks are found. If no cracks are found, a protective cover will be installed onto the filter flange. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20Ai.
Not every 2005 Volkswagen Touareg is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Volkswagen Touareg buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 14 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Electrical System — 9 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 102,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Touareg years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Touareg | 19 | 189 in | Not rated | 1 | 24 |
| 2016 Touareg | 24 | 189 in | Not rated | 2 | 45 |
| 2015 Touareg | 23 | 189 in | Not rated | 3 | 24 |
| 2014 Touareg | 23 | 189 in | Not rated | 3 | 24 |
| 2013 Touareg | 23 | 189 in | Not rated | 3 | 20 |
| 2012 Touareg | 22 | 189 in | Not rated | 4 | 20 |
| 2011 Touareg | 22 | 189 in | Not rated | 4 | 7 |
| 2010 Touareg | 20 | 187 in | Not rated | 1 | 14 |
| 2009 Touareg | 20 | 187 in | Not rated | 1 | 12 |
| 2008 Touareg | 17 | 187 in | Not rated | 1 | 41 |
| 2007 Touareg | 17 | 187 in | Not rated | 2 | 5 |
| 2006 Touareg | 17 | 187 in | Not rated | 1 | 17 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →