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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  Not too happy - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Deanne - June 18 - 5:10 pm

  We have had this car in and out of the shop several times. Tires are ridiculous on our model. They keep going bald with not even 18,000 miles on them. Weve had countless sensors go bad, seatbelts recalled. The middle back seatbelt keeps locking up anytime we put the seat down. I have two small children that it makes me nervous to be in the back seat with the amount of stress and tension thats on the seat itself. VW customer service is an absolute joke to work with! If you have a problem you can forget any speediness in resolving the issue. We are on our third seatbelt, second set of tires and on our third call to an attorney!

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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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  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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  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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  Buyer Beware - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Dara - January 29 - 6:36 am

  I will never purchase another VW again in my life. It runs great while its under factory warranty, but be prepared to shell out at least a quarter of your vehicles market price afterward. Under warranty, the tire pressure monitoring system failed, and I brought it into the dealership 6 times--for which I was told that I was at fault for not "properly monitoring my tires." After the warranty was up, they finally found a problem--and it costs $2000 to repair. My airbag light went on for the first time this week. Total cost: $520. Since the last time I took it to be serviced (1 week ago), the chime on the dashboard malfunctioned, another $1700 problem. It’s a serious money guzzler. Buyer beware.

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  VW Gets an "F" in Customer Service - LEMON - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Patrick - January 22 - 6:06 am

  I purchased a 04 Touareg in 12/03 for $49,365. Finally two months ago, 28,420 miles later, I’d had enough and dumped it for a $26,865 loss. During the time that I owned it, it spent 46 days in for repairs, everything from trim/buttons falling off to major problems, too many to mention… I had to make countless trips back to dealer due to parts’ unavailability. I made countless calls to VW of North America trying to get it recalled under the lemon law. VW couldnt care less and pacified me by repeatedly saying: "Well continue to service your vehicle as outlined under the terms of the Warranty." Enough was enough. I will never, ever buy a VW again. The Touareg had a nice design, it was comfy, and fun to drive, if you don’t mind 10-13 MPG and weekly trips to the dealership! I hated it.

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  Piece of CRAP car - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By lesbeck - January 7 - 5:27 am

  I would not recommend this car to anyone who is not a millionaire with money to burn and likes to have their car in the shop at least once a month. We bought this car brand new, zero miles on it and had to bring it into the shop within the first month. It was all downhill from there. Every mechanical piece on the car was replaced under warranty (which we extended to five years immediately) except for the motor, which I am sure would run forever while all the other peices of the car fall off all over the road. Sadly, I had to buy a back-up car so I had something reliable to go to work in and had to carry a battery for the key in my purse, because you never knew when the car would not unlock.

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  Run for Your Life - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Karree B. - October 1 - 9:43 pm

  I fell in love with the Volkswagen Touareg after one test drive. Had I known the issues that were going to crop up I would have made another choice. I love the ride and handling of this SUV but Im reaching the point where that doesnt matter anymore. Ive had this truck in for service at least once a month since I bought it. Ive even had to take it in for service while on vacation. How much does that stink?! Many of the problems have been linked to the electrical system (which they know is bad and refuse to fix) but now its my transmission thats going wonky. Not only does it jerk while shifting gears, now its making a loud screaming noise. VWoA needs to get a clue and own up to the issues!

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  First year faults??? - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By David Stetkiewicz - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Great ride & build quality.. Have had intermittant problem with accelerator hesitation that the dealer has not been able to correct. This hesitation has caused many near miss accidents at interscections. Problems with air ride suspension....bags will deflate without warning, causing fault message on in- dash display. will correct itself after 10-15 minutes Fuel economy is much less that expected (15-19 mpg higway, 65/70 mph)

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  never know if it will start - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By jogarza - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This is an expensive vehicle that sould be a Suv to use it in any ocasion, but unfortunatly Im always nervous of using it because you never know if it will start when I want to go back home.