What's New for the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg?
Touaregs with the V6 engine get 20 additional, and much-needed, ponies this year, bringing the count to 240 horsepower. The trade-off is that the tire pressure monitoring system moves from the standard to the optional equipment list for 2005. Other changes include a new self-dimming mirror (optional on V6; standard on V8 and V10 TDI), a revised and slightly lowered suspension on V6 and V8 models, and new wheels for the V10 TDI. The V10 TDI loses its standard telematics system this year, and telematics cannot be combined with the new DVD navigation, which includes a 300-watt amplifier for 2005.

Advantages of the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg:

• Car-like handling balanced with truck-worthy off-road capabilities
• Interior design and materials are worth writing home about
• Stout diesel engine option
• Impressive 7,700-pound towing capacity
• Porsche engineering for a Volkswagen price

Objections to the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg:

• Fussy second-row seat folding procedure
• Integrated radio and navigation systems are somewhat complicated to operate
• Size of cargo space is not impressive
• Syrupy control response

Editor's Advice:
The 2005 Volkswagen Touareg may have been a tardy entrant to the sport-ute arena when it debuted last year, but it benefits from years of analysis to determine what jibes with consumers, and delivers the results in a appealing package. Not satisfied with just being a mild-mannered car-based crossover, the Touareg possesses the muscles of a boulder-basher, with 11.8 inches of maximum ground clearance, a low-range transfer case and Hill Descent Control. Of course, most Touaregs will never leave the pavement, so it manages to shine on-road with driving dynamics befitting the character of the German automaker – it’s sporty without sacrificing a comfortable ride. Expect more than a fair degree of coddling in the elegant interior, rivaling such luxury competitors as the Infiniti FX and the Lexus RX 330.