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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  Wont buy another VW - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Erica - April 17 - 1:33 pm

  I was initially really excited about my Touareg, but became suspicious after a road trip that included lots of error messages. When I brought it to the VW dealership to have it checked out, they were not willing to take the time to find out what was going on and told me to come back if it happened again. After a short year and a half we had to put $3000 into it for new tires, breaks, rotors, etc. None of which were included in the warranty although it was leased, I should have known, but was disappointed anyway. The lights go out while driving periodically for no apparent reason. The lining on the door handles are also peeling. Fuel economy is poor, but we knew that. The CD player is poor.

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  Should have keep the BMW - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Bluemax - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems from day one. The rear hatch was ready to fall off from the factory. When the hatch was opened it buckled against the roof and bent the roof. There are noises that come from under the dash that the service people have not heard before. Now the display tells me that I have a Break Failure. Would I purchase another or another VW? NO! I have talked to 3 other owners that would love to get out of their Lease. As time goes on it only gets worse..

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  After owning the Touareg for over a year - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By lhoward - February 20 - 10:20 pm

  This was my favorite of all time vehicle to own...for about a month. Before purchasing be well informed and do much investigating. Visit both nhtsa.dot.gov and peruse the complaints. I would also suggest the Forums on this site: visit the VW Touareg: Problems & Solutions forum for more insight before investing in this vehicle. This model has some very serious problems some of which involve safety that are not being acknowledged.

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  VW Problems - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By E. Nepal - February 4 - 10:00 am

  The electronics and programmed systems are a mess and VW has not responded with any real fixes. During the 1st two months of ownership, it was in the shop. I drive it but am still living with the gremlins. VWofA thinks the consumer is incidental and treats us as such. Too bad. Since theyve start feeling it in their sales volumes, you think theyd learn.

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  POOR FUEL ECONOMY - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By JPW1 - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I am getting 14.7 MPG on the highway. The sticker rated the Toureg 15MPG City, 20 MPG Highway. The homelink doesnt work, the multifunction computer required parts that took 2 weeks to get. The two most annoying features are the fact that the trunk locks every time you shut it and the remote is pathetic. I need to be within arms reach of the car to make the remote work.

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  What an Expensive Piece of Junk!!!!! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By growlingbadger - January 30 - 11:40 am

  2004 Touareg with under 60K miles. I have never had a better maintained vehicle because its in the shop at least once a month! And expensive!!!!??? A key - $75, key with remote - $150. Headlamp replacement is an annual event. They dont last very long and require a mechanic to install and even Factory techs hate replacing them! Cost - $150. It also has issues that the dealers keep blowing off. This is just the cheap stuff! Its a good day when I can get it out of the shop for under $500. Im on a first name basis with the wrecker driver the dealer uses.

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  Yuck - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By walter clayton - January 13 - 11:20 pm

  Having come from four GMC Denalis (01 through 04) I thought I was getting a baby Porsche at a great price. What I have is a vehicle in search of a gear and with lousy torque. This V8 and six speed transmission acts more like a rubber band unwinding when you have to boot it at any speed above 30 mph. The sport selection helps some but it just wont get out of its own way. Lets talk about the wonderful auto lock that locks all the doors whether you like it or not; or how about the lag in opening the locks from the keyless remote. Finally you have to love the feature where you unlock the car remotely and it relocks itself about 30 seconds later. Whats up with that? Mine has no satellite radio and the ties were gone in 15,000 miles.

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  All Hype and Big Let Down - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Gnat - January 5 - 10:06 am

  I bought the 05 Touareg off a dealer lot thinking I was saving money on a loaded Luxury SUV with 6,000 miles on it. The first night in my garage the battery died and the key was stuck in the ignition. Then a couple of weeks later the sunroof leaked. Then I noticed moisture in the rear tail light. The SUVs engine sounds rough at low speeds and the disc brakes grab to a startling stop. Oh, and the tires, be ready to replace them at about 15,000 miles. Now for the worst part, the gas mileage, LOL. You better be prepared for a shock there. I averaged 10.75 mpg city and 14 Hwy! Now you ask, why did you buy it? All impulse and the ride is nice, but VW has a sub par product here for a lot of money.