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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  Eight Month Driving Experience - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By nancey boatwright - December 18 - 10:16 pm

  We previously owned a 2004 VW Beetle Convertible and traded into this. We do no off-roading, but loved the body style and needed more room. After eleven months of ownership, I have one chief complaint and that is my Pirelli tires after 17,500 miles are gone. I have been diligent about rotation and inflation, per manufacturers instructions, but this problem really has me on fire. I to replace them after eleven months of ownership with another brand (Michelin), will cost me $1,200. I have been told by tire manufacturers that the most I could expect to get out of a set of tires would probably be 25,000 miles.

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  Touareg is a lemon - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By foxtrot - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The first week I had the SUV the electronic instruments went out. It took VW a week to get the new computer in. Since then they had to replace the stepper motor to control the 4 wheel drive. The stepper motor had to be ordered and that took a week. All tires had to be replace because of alignment problems. Door handles had to be replaced. The horn had to be replaces. The rear window wipers did not work.

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  Wouldnt buy it - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By miamicustoemr - October 10 - 1:33 am

  Car is too heavy, get ready for changing brakes and tires every 20K miles even with my wife driving it. Worse warranty in the industry. poor pick up performance due also to the weight. Horrible customer service, road side assistance sent my car to another dealer across town and it was sitting in the parking lot, no one knew about the car even after being assure by the customer service department that they had received the car. If you must buy this car I suggest at least never buy from south motors in Miami.

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  Blown Engine - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By ET - September 26 - 5:40 am

  Owned since Jan 2004. New off ship. Just had to replace engine at 43k. Cost $15k. VW of America and Germany no help. Constant electrical issues with car. (think that was the reason for the blown engine--faulty warning system). Poor gas mileage, tire wear, dealerships will admit they are a problem. Check VW LEMONS on the net to see how many problems with the Touareg. Springfield Imports in Missouri were zero help. I have had 4 VWs but never ever again. I think the people that say how great the car is want to convince themselves they made a good decision. I admit it. I made a dumb mistake paying about $50,000 for the Touareg.

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  BuyerBware - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Beyond Frustrated - September 20 - 11:00 am

  Many miles logged on this unreliable vehicle, with MANY service/repair trips to dealer after less than 1 year/8K miles. Elecrical system, warning light problems, trim breaking/falling apart - little annoyances = BIG frustrations! Even more frustrating is wasted time spent trying to make an expensive new car "right". A difficult life lesson, and major ouch on depreciation! Maybe I could give it away and claim a tax deduction? I was told 2005 Touareg has the "bugs" worked out - Would you like to spend 40K+ to find out? (I think not!) Getting ready to clash with VW on a "solution" - this car IS a LEMON (whether they admit it or not).

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  Not Worth It! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Dawn Stewart - September 19 - 11:56 am

  I have owned my 2004 Volkswagen Touareg V6 for 18 months. I am looking for a way out due to being stuck on the side of the road 6 times with my small children. It is not reliable at all!! The Touareg is great to drive, when it drives, which isnt often. It has been in for service for sooo much stuff and I have had very bad service experiences! Unbelievable experiences! I am afraid to drive it with my kids. I dont trust this vehicle.

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  Beware - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Bill - August 21 - 10:10 am

  Great car for the first 48,000 miles but since then the car has been in the shop every 2,000 miles with check engine lights. The cooling fans, EMC computer, parking brake peddle, several emission controls, radio, windows and sun roof controls have failed and it is in the shop now for new engine coils. My wife will not drive car out of town because we can not trust the car to get her home.

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  Bought the wrong Vehicle - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By bleyaert - July 3 - 1:20 pm

  I picked the VW over the Acura MDX and Lexus. I thought it was cooler and more sporty. Had I known how unreliable it would be I never would have leased it. The automatic climate control would stop functioning after about two hours of driving. On long road trips, I freeze when it is cold and roast when it is hot. Just what I wanted from a $38,000 vehicle. VW cant find the problem. The front tires are showing excessive wear on the inside edge. VW service admits to seing the problem on other Touaregs, but doesnt know the cause. The "check headlight range control" warning light required three trips to the dealer to get fixed.

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  poor performance - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By David Bos - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Turned car back in to many problems.

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  Numerous Problems - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By rodenhuis - April 30 - 10:00 am

  The car drives great, but..... I have experienced numerous problems and VW does not appear to be willing to stand behind their product and resolve all the issues. Problems include Steering wheel not straight, tire balance issues, sunroof seal, transmission shifting problems, compass display, window washers, cracked interior trim, etc. I keep wondering what the next problem will be.