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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  Fun with Touareg - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By george haydu - May 27 - 2:30 am

  This is a very fine and high quality vehicle. Its gas mileage could be better. I consider this the poor mans Porche.

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  2004 Touareg V8 - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By ikephil - May 17 - 10:00 am

  After ten days of driving, this vehicle is amazing. Combines sports car cornering and acceleration, luxury car goodies, and off-road brute force.

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  Great SUV! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Seadude - May 17 - 10:00 am

  The Touareg handles exceptionally well - feels very solid and is actually a fun SUV to drive (a close 2nd to the FX35). Although this V6 model/options priced out at $39k (a lot for a VW), the features and build quality make it seem like a bargain.

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  Highly recommended for $ - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By MWVW - May 17 - 10:00 am

  As someone who has been researching and test driving potential replacements for my 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee for years, I am very happy I found the Touareg. With air suspension, V-8, premium sound, navigation and more, this car is everything I had hoped for in an SUV. It handles very nicely on the road, is very responsive when it needs to be, very comfortable, great in corners and extremely capable off road.

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  The new hottness - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Chregan - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive experienced a dream in this baby. It was like the smoothest car Ive ever ridden in. Its comfort and hottness majkes it the best car ever at an affordable price.

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  Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By spsmyk - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Purchased a Toureg approximately 1 month ago and love it. No problems to date after 600 miles and continue to enjoy every minute in it. Pros: Interior Fantastic Love the exterior Perfect size Love that German Engineering - feels so solid Cons: Nav System a disappointment

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  dissappointed - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By blues - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Not yet set up to service car.Mine was delivered with faulty a/c and still not fixed for sure.Sub par in town handling.sloppy acceleration from stop or low speeds.

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  A great SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Kate32 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased the VW and I love it. I was looking at the Volvo XC 90 and I like the Touareg much better. This car feels solid. The pick up is great considering the weight of the Touareg. I am happy with my choice so far.

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  Best SUV in the Market - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Pasoa2000 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  The VW Touareg has to be the best SUV in the market. The navigation is excellent, the on road handling on par with the X5, and the offroad handling comparable to the Range Rover. Interior fit and finish is awesome.

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  VW Owner - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By John - May 17 - 6:20 am

  Great SUV to drive. There was no question after test driving the 4Runner & Jeep which was the best vehicle for the money.