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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  Wait for bugs to be worked out - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By SORBES - May 15 - 2:56 pm

  I have had the truck for 5 months now and I have put 5,300 miles on. My major complant is that the gas mileage is awful (I get 13.5 MPG on average using the AUTOMATIC setting compared to the VW listed 18MPG. If use the Autostick or Sport functions it drops my MPG to 10.5!!). I do find the ride to comfortable and the power to be ample, but I dont think that the Writers of these "Editors choice" pieces are taking into account the cost of the vechicle and the overall, longterm ownership of the vehicle. They dont account for the $105 oil changes and the cost of Premium gas that it requires.

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  Best German SUV on the market - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Jeffy - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased a Touareg and I love it. Also checked out the BMW X5, and the Mercedes M class. The Touareg was hands down my favorite. This is my 3rd VW. I also had a Jetta and a GTI.

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  06 Touareg - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By VW backagain - May 10 - 7:56 am

  So far so good. I compared my Touareg with competitive models and VW surprisingly came out way on top in terms of price / feature ratio and comfort / performance ratio. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus really have nothing over this VW.

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  Happy, but some concerns - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Peter Kreinheder - April 28 - 2:00 am

  The Toureg is a great auto for VW to enter the SUV market. I cant wait to get the Phaeton!! The quality of the interior is superb. However I am having a lot of problems driving after snowfall, or driving thru deep snow. Snow gets stuck to the undercariage causing a lot of vibration and discomfort. This has happend 3 times this winter and have to go to a spray wash to melt off the snow. Furthermore, had to once take it in to the dealer to remove pact mud/sand from a rear well that caused significant imbalance. My other SUVs never have these problems. Our Tahoe has no problems with high snow, mud etc.

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  Amazing machine - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Steve - April 27 - 8:50 am

  Just bought a used 05 V-8 with 5200 miles a couple days ago. I looked at 3 dealerships in the Atlanta area before settling on the Silver/Grey model as it is in almost new condition. Although it did not have as many extras as the 04s I saw and drove this one clearly stood out to me. The fact that it was the last day of the month,a Monday and raining I felt would help with negotiations. It did. The feel of this Luxury sporty SUV is upscale all the way, fit and finish excellent and performance that is most enjoyable to experience. only dig is hard drivers seat bolsters. Maybe itll soften with time. Great ride! I compared and drove FX-35, MDX, 4Runner and this stands way above.

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  treg - 2 months review - 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
  By testrada - April 25 - 5:43 am

  vehicle is good. looked at x5, x3, q7, q5, cayenne, highlander, f150, explorer, mdx.... chose these because of the mix of very good quality, features, comfort at a relatively decent value (most vehicles we looked at were $50k+ with either less features, less quality, or both. too bad not all the european options are available on the models here. perhaps vw afraid its getting too close to q7 or cayenne. power is more than adequate brakes are superb avg mpg 21 with 50/50 hwy/city (not going over 70) turn ratio is phenomenal

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  Dishonest maker - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Lisa - April 20 - 10:06 pm

  This is my 2nd Touareg by default, the first one had so many electrical issues that I took it back to the dealer and refused to pay for it any longer. So being the generous automaker/dealer they decided they would let me out of that lease but only if I would resign a lease with them for the NEW AND IMPROVED 2006 Touareg. I did, I really liked the look and the way it handled. The 2006 version has been a nightmare, first the noise caused by some unknown vibration, dealer fixed by adding foam behind the dash, then when I complained of the continued vibration I was told it was my tires. I replaced my tires it improved put did not fix. Brakes bad, ridiculous cost to replace but its not just the

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  Best SUV Diesel in North America that provides excellent gas mileage. - 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
  By flatbudget - April 16 - 10:23 pm

  Purchased my 2013 TDI LUX a week ago. Been very pleased with the truck. Traded both my 2005 F250 Powerstroke truck and my VW JSW TDI. The torque is phenomenal and it tows my 2005 Custom Laser Boat with 496 HO mercruiser stern drive. ~5000 lbs. boat and trailer combined. I love every feature this SUV offers. Towing my boat on Sport mode keeps the RPM in its maximum torque values. Again, another german engineering at its best. The mileage per gallon either towing or around town beats any gas engines out there. Reliability and longevity of a diesel is absolutely uncontested.

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  Do Not Buy! - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Annoyed consumer - April 12 - 9:50 am

  I have owned my Touareg for just over one year. At 15,000 the brakes went down to the rotors. It cost $1,000 to fix. This truck is very poorly made inside cant handle kids at all. Ive had too many problems to list. I will be trading it in very soon! Also, it gets very bad gas mileage. It has lots of squeaks and rattles inside. The wood is cracking and the rubber is peeling on drivers door. This is a very sad vehicle.

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  Good Value - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By PGal - April 11 - 6:10 am

  Solid, well made German SUV with good handling for the most part. V8 gas mileage is a blended 15. Always has been hesitant off the line, but plenty of power once you are moving, great feel for a driver. Comfortable, well designed. Like the look, like the drive. Interior leather, wood appointments nice, luxury feel. For the money, this is a good luxury SUV, same new platform as Porsche Cayenne. Mechanically well built and doesnt wear out.