Overview & Reviews

As the popularity of SUVs has grown, it seems that much of the original rugged off-road personality these models were known for has been bred out of the segment in favor of on-pavement comfort and drivability. Among luxury SUVs, that shift seems even more evident. The original Volkswagen Touareg was one of the sport-utilities that clung to those off-road roots, but the next generation made the shift toward the everyday.

It's hard to argue with the results, though. The first-generation Touareg was a capable model known for its high-class interior, off-road ability and respectable towing capacity. But it was also very heavy and had subpar fuel economy. The newer Touareg lacks those more serious off-road chops but is otherwise a superior vehicle that's more in line with what consumers want from a modern and luxurious SUV.

Current Volkswagen Touareg
The Volkswagen Touareg is a five-passenger midsize SUV that's available in six main trim levels: Sport, Lux, X Special Edition, R-Line, Executive and Hybrid. All but the Hybrid and X Special Edition can be had with either gasoline V6 ("VR6") or turbodiesel ("TDI") V6 power.

The base engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 280 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, while the turbodiesel V6 TDI generates 240 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid variant features a supercharged, direct-injection 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine paired with an electric motor that combine to produce 380 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are standard on all models.

Even the base Sport trim comes with bi-xenon headlights, a power tailgate, dual-zone automatic climate control and heated power front seats. A navigation system package with keyless entry and ignition, a rearview camera and a hands-free power liftgate is optional. Stepping up to the Lux trim gets you all that, plus a panoramic sunroof and leather upholstery. Celebrating this model's 10th anniversary, the X Special Edition is essentially a Lux with the TDI engine, exclusive paint, unique wheels and upgraded leather upholstery. The R-Line loses the hands-free liftgate, but otherwise is a Lux with 20-inch wheels, a sport body kit and a sport-tuned suspension. In addition to the Lux features, the Executive features a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a top-view parking camera and a premium sound system. Opting for the Hybrid adds a power-adjustable steering column and additional front seat functions.

In our reviews, we've found that the Volkswagen Touareg is a well-designed crossover SUV that offers commendable driving dynamics. The Touareg's base V6 is a solid pick, but we've found the more fuel-efficient TDI diesel more to our liking and well worth the added premium. On the other hand, the Hybrid model boasts the type of power and performance of a V8 engine, but its less-than-frugal fuel economy may fall short of some expectations. In essence, it consumes about as much as a V6 engine would. A major highlight for any Touareg is the cabin, which scores points for its upscale design and high-quality materials.

Used Volkswagen Touareg Models
The Volkswagen Touareg was fully redesigned for 2011 with a new focus on on-road driving dynamics and fuel efficiency. In addition to its somewhat sleeker styling, this Touareg differs from the previous one by going without a dual-range transfer case. Although that change reduced its all-out off-road capabilities, VW realized that most upscale SUV drivers likely spend most, if not all, of their time on pavement and would benefit much more from a 400-pound weight reduction and the resulting increases in fuel efficiency and on-road handling dynamics. This second-generation Touareg also provides more comfort for those in back via added legroom and a reclining seatback.

For 2013, the TDI engine's horsepower was increased from 225 to 240. The celebratory X Special Edition and sporty R-Line trims didn't debut until 2014.

The first-generation VW Touareg debuted in 2004 and lasted through 2010. Initially, it came equipped with either a 220-hp 3.2-liter V6 or a 310-hp 4.2-liter V8. Many owners considered this V6 to be underpowered, so going with the V8, especially now that depreciation has set in, probably isn't a bad idea. VW also sold a few range-topping Touareg V10 TDI models that first year -- the TDI had a diesel-fueled turbocharged V10 displacing 5.0 liters. It was rated at 310 hp and a stout 553 lb-ft of torque. Every engine was connected to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The V10 was dropped for 2005, while the original V6 received 20 more hp. Changes for '06 included upgrading the optional CD-based navigation system to DVDs and adding an available rearview camera, an auxiliary multimedia MP3 connector and a 115-volt power outlet (in place of the previous 12-volt source) in the rear cargo area. The V10 engine also made its return to the U.S. market very late into the 2006 calendar year.

Some notable engine changes occurred for '07. For that year Volkswagen brought out a new 3.6-liter V6 engine that produced 276 hp, while the Touareg's 4.2-liter V8 was given a boost to 350 hp.

In 2008, the Touareg was renamed the Touareg 2 and received a slight refresh (not a full redesign), but VW dropped the "2" two years later to once again make it just the VW Touareg. Changes included updated styling and revised feature content. This was also the last year for the big V10; it was replaced for '09 with the V6 TDI, which made 221 hp and a still robust 407 lb-ft of torque). The V8 was also discontinued at the end of the 2009 model year.

Of the few demerits attributed to the first-generation Volkswagen Touareg, mediocre backseat and cargo space were the most prominent. The lack of a third-row seat and the standard suspension's stiff ride also managed to dull the Touareg's shine, though an optional (and pricey) air suspension fixed the ride quality issues. Overall, the Touareg proved to be an excellent road tripper, with a luxuriously quiet cabin on the highway and smooth-shifting transmission.

User Reviews:

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  Luxury and ruggedness in one - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By suvfan - September 19 - 2:36 pm

  This thing has been great both on and off road. Very reliable and comfortable. I looked at a lot of luxury SUVs in this class and as far as ride comfort and interior material quality this is by far the best. Towing capacity is great for a vehicle this size. If you don’t need third row seating, this is the vehicle to get.

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  Awesome SUV - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By mike - September 8 - 2:40 pm

  After owning 3 Jeep Grand Cherokees, a BMW X-5 and a Mercedes M-350 and having driven just about every other SUV on the planet, yes, including Lexus, Range Rover, Toyotas and Infinities, I can honestly say, they just dont compare to my 05 V-8 Touareg with respect to style, comfort and performance. Another nice thing is they are relatively new which means fewer on the road and still have, for the time being a disticnt uniqeness. Do yourself a favor and take one for a drive before wasting money on a more expensive less enjoyable SUV.

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  Touareg - Love IT! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Hughenden - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable ride. Had a 2000 Jetta before and thought that was nice - this is so much better! The stylish exterior and the luxurious interior made waiting 3 months for it to come in (from overseas) worthwhile. It handles well for its size, and is safe (several airbags on board).

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  V8 touareg - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By bdcars - September 3 - 8:23 am

  Owned this vehicle for less than a year. Initially we were very impressed with its road manners. The brakes had been done before delivery however we had to have them done again (no charge to us) I drive 12km return to my work. 4 months later, brakes require work. The battery is done. Most of the reviews on these express the same issues. Our other vehicle is a Tahoe and we have had zero problems. We are currently trading it in for another Yukon/Tahoe. Unfortunately this is not a car I would recommend.

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  heap of rubbish - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By stav39 - September 2 - 2:04 pm

  This car just breaks down at every opportunity it spent more time in the workshop than on the road. Everything gone wrong electrical engine gearbox interior wheels etc etc

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  Customer Servie at VW :( - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Marcintri - August 29 - 10:00 am

  The car is great but costumer servie at VW is poor. Not aprpite with the Laxury type car and my expectations. I had 3 BMW before and never had these type of isses I have purchased my new Toureg not even a 1 year ago and had multiple problems with it 1.) Hesitation in acceleration when transferring from R to D 2.) Remote control would not open the rear hatch door unless you are in the front of the car instead of in the back 3.) Stereo has a glitch and projects electrostatic discharge into the speakers at 45mph 4.) The gauges signal indicators, oil level, gas level, engine temperature do not work at very low temperatures below 32F

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  Very impressive package - 2014 Volkswagen Touareg
  By wnm - August 27 - 7:51 pm

  Just bought 2014 Sport with Nav two days ago after closely following Touaregs improvement for few years. Comparing with no less than 4 other SUV, we decided to take Touareg based on overall performance and its value. Certainly you can find few alternates which exceed Touareg in various areas, however Touareg impressed us with exceptional performance and overall value.

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  Love this SUV - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By SJ - August 23 - 10:23 am

  My Touareg makes turns on a dime, hugs corners and feels stocky and solid on the road. I can go up and down the steep icey hill to my house with ease which was always a huge concern and the reason I was looking for an SUV. My Touareg has surpassed my expectations. I love driving it.

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  Nice ride - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By kristi gorsuch - August 21 - 9:26 am

  I love my car. I think they could approve on the fuel consumption & the plastic dash covering around the CD player the paint chips off easy. Other then that I would reccommend buying the Touareg to anyone! I receive lots of compliments on the SUV!

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  My First 9000 miles - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By TomLateulere - July 31 - 6:06 pm

  I have had the the touraeg for four month. I have put close to 9000 miles. It is a pleasure to drive, handles well in inclement conditions. Excellent turning radius, handles speed well.Tops out over 110 mph. Plenty of room for passengers, heated seats are a nice extra. . Overall a good expierence. I would reccomend to purchase