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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  Road Trip From California to Montana - 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Fred Christian - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Flew from NW Montana to California to buy this hard to find TDI Touareg.Quiet and comfortable interior for all day driving.Factory Bluetooth is so helpful!Passing effortless with the diesel with a ride like a cloud.Set the auto climate control and had total comfort in 105 degree heat.Got 25.5 MPG on a 1100 mile trip. Have been getting 21.5 MPG in town driving.This is a beautiful machine!

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  Super Utility Vehicle - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By woda - July 4 - 2:00 am

  As an owner of four previous SUVs, this by far is the best one I have owned (including a Range Rover)! The only beef one can have is with the gas mileage...my F150 actually gets better gas mileage! Other than that, the car is a dream in every respect.

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  Still love it after 10K miles - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By On/Off Road Warrior - June 17 - 10:00 am

  I made myself wait to write a review because I wanted to make sure the initial euphoria had worn off. Its been 10,000 miles in 6 months - and Im still loving this car ! I took it off-road on several occasions in remote areas of SW Texas. I was not only on tough dirt roads - but also literally off-road. The Touaregs ground clearance and low gear gave me plenty of confidence to handle steep hills, ruds and holes - standing water and mud. I just didntdare drive it through thick brush as I am still feeling a bit protective of the nice paint job.

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  A great Volkswagen - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By RYCsailor - June 12 - 8:26 pm

  This vehicle replaced a pickup used for boat towing and general transportation. It has proven to be an outstanding choice with its great towing capacity and comfortable ride. Contrary to earlier reports of excessive problems, the 2005 model appears to have resolved the problems. While the acceleration is not blinding, it is adequate, the seating comfort is first rate as is the design and workmanship. The winter performance was a non-event with no problems encountered and no indications of impending difficulties. Highway travel is comfortable and mileage is acceptable at 20 mpg, 16 mpg around town.

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  the best vehicle ever - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By ni - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful car is all i have to say

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  WOW - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By WOW - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Touareg for about a week; V6, Premium Pkg., and Xenon Lights, and am totaly amazed. I had a deposit on an Infinity FX35, and pulled it after driving the Touareg. The inerior is extermely high quality and comfortable. The detail that VW put in this monster is to be commended. After you get past the $38,000. for a WV, and decide to take one for a test ride, you will love it. Despite some other comments that I have read, as long as reliability does not become an issue (I cant rate reliability yet, since Ive only had it a week), VW will definitly be a contender with this one.

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  Excellent - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By ehd - June 2 - 1:10 am

  The Touareg has excellent build-quality, power, handling, comfort; and it is fun to drive on and off-road. Despite some of the complaints, the FSI V8s fuel economy is on par with any comparable performance AWD vehicle with 350 hp.

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  VW Touareg 2008 V6 TDI - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By E55 - May 22 - 10:20 am

  I got mine since may 2008. I have v6 tdi version. Fuel consumption around 26 mpg in city- 36-40 mpg at highway. Not bad for diesel. If compare to 16/21 for us v6 version, I have done test drive with VW staff. Its amazing what they do with touareg! We were at Nice off road and on airport take off lane. Definitely will take my to us next time.

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  WOW! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By M. Martz - May 22 - 2:00 am

  After 6 months in my V8 Touareg, Im happy I bought it instead of leasing it, it is AMAZING!!!! It looks and feels gret inside and out, has great performance on-road and off (unlike most SUVs in this category AND out), its has better than Mercedes comfort and performance, with Hummer-like off- road capabilities. I LOVE THIS THING!!

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  Awesome VW - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By OhioBuckeye - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely the best vehicle we test drove in our search. The build quality and fit-and-finish was stellar.