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:

• 

  Love/Hate my Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By nathanoh - June 26 - 2:56 am

  3 years with my baby and sometimes I love this truck, and sometimes I hate it. Drives like a monster, raw power, comfortable, luxurious, has been a savior for 3 floods. Electronics are a nightmare, been through 4 sets of tires (almost a grand each time), tons of annyoing recalls. After reading other reviews, I do think it is a dealership issue, as mine has had a loaner car for me every time, and all things fixed have stayed fixed. I have never been without transportation, even when the part I needed took a week. I recommend the Touareg if you have a solid dealership to take care of you and the car, and a nice bit of cash for the expensive maintenance and tires.

• 

  Volkswagen vs. Ferrari - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By WOZ - June 24 - 11:26 am

  I had a truly amazing experience with the VW Touareg. I own two Ferrari 360 Spyders and I still love my Touaregs performance and comfort. I am a huge off-roader and the Touareg handles like a soft carpet throughout the toughest of terrains (e.g. Swiss Alps Ugust 2005). However, I also love to race on tracks and I raced a Toureg against its "cousin", the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, and I ended up winning topping out over 175 mph.

• 

  Love this VW! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Coco - June 13 - 3:56 am

  I really love this VW and I was used to driving sports cars. It handles well and it took me little time to get used to the size. I have had some problems with the tire pressure monitoring system - it goes off now and then, but have learned to reset it. Also, I had a problem with the battery dying and being stuck in my garage and tow truck drivers not knowing how to start the car and having to drag it out of my garage. VW paid for the tows and the new battery. I now know how to "hot wire" it, so it shouldnt be a problem in the future. Even my dog likes the car!

• 

  Tires/Suspension - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By vman - June 2 - 4:40 pm

  Fun to drive and excellent winter driving vehicle. Problem: Tire cupping and road noise after 5-6000 miles. Have had tires replaced on two occasions, two alignments and at 32,000 miles VW now says they wont fully warranty the tire issue. Issues not fully resolved yet!!

• 

  Underpowered V-6 - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By hoot - May 24 - 2:00 am

  The V-6 is underpowered when passing or accelerating on the highway. Gas mileage is horrific for a 6 cylinder SUV, undoubtedly due to the vehicles weight. The quality and workmanship is very good. While Im computer literate, the navigation system takes a programmer to operate with each geographic area of the US on a separate CD.

• 

  What have I gotten myself into - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By What have I done!! - May 3 - 8:50 pm

  I bought the 2004 Touareg in Aug. of 2005 and it has been nothing but trouble ever since. For all the problems I have had, I always had to take it back at least twice because it was not done right the first time. I have had problems with the amplifiers that had to be replaced two times. The tire indicator has always had a malfunction, but it was not until after the warranty that the dealer finally admitted that all 2004s Touaregs have this problem. And most recently the horn does not work at all, which will cost $438 to fix!! My advise it not to buy a 2004. And I hate that they do not have loaner car service. I am at the dealer so much they are programed in my cell phone as a personal contact.

• 

  The Conundrum... - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Pete - April 29 - 8:13 pm

  about our 04 Touareg is that we love using it. The brakes are fantastic, it handles well for a 5,200 pounder, and it really moves. The transmission is amazing. The tire pressure sensor system irritates my wife, but we have a compressor in the garage and its very easy to keep the tires correctly inflated. An electrical glitch has left my wife stranded twice - a "fuse breaker" under the drivers seat near the battery. The dealer has tried, but we have the feeling that the technicians assigned to the Touareg are not properly trained. It took eight days to get the car back the first time the breaker failed; the car is at the dealer now, for five days so far, for the same problem a year+ later.

• 

  Love it ,But - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By jak54 - April 12 - 3:33 am

  Ive owned this Touareg for about 4000 miles now. Its a great SUV as far as the the ride and handling. Im not going to complain about the terrible gas mileage. I mean someone else already mentioned this, ITS A 5500 LB SUV! What bothers me is the cheap plastic they used on in the interior! The decals on the radio presets and on the fans, etc. The supposedly buttons for a garage door opener do not work. Took it to the dealer..he said "use your own opener"...and the stereo controls...shouldnt they be on the steering wheel? Bells and whistles dont mean much if they dont work. Oh, and the VW logo in the center of the wheels, is glued on!

• 

  Skip the Nav - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Bob - March 26 - 1:46 am

  I have a special edition Touareg with 19" wheels, DVD Navigation and other goodies. The car is very competent in traffic, freeway, tight roads, and rough roads. Its fuel economy is not good, but we knew that when we bought it. In 3,000 miles, the only two complaints we have is that the radio or CD player comes on with the backup camera, even if it was off when the car was parked. The other problem is the navigation system is useless. Though not difficult to use it is cumbersome, slow, and usually does not have an address in the database. We still use our $500 Garmin GPS if we need navigation help.

• 

  Exceeded Expectations - 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
  By johndb59 - March 2 - 5:49 am

  Traded in my 11 Cayenne S. I would say the VW is 90% of the Porsche for about 60% of the price. Actually, I like the slightly simpler interior and the easier ingress/egress from the seats. Feels substantial and drives really well. Quality seems very high. Nice car to fly around without attracting a lot of attention. Excellent fuel economy and you truly cant tell its a diesel.