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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  Beautiful, but Ugly Gas Mileage - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By snowboarder - October 28 - 7:56 pm

  Overall I love the truck...but I am finding some of the features difficult to use like the trip computer and even the a/c. The Volkswagen Touareg drives awesome though and makes up for the few shortcomings stated above. I havent taken it up to the mountains yet, but I intend to go up next weekend and I will write another review at that time. Oh, I almost forgot about the terrible gas mileage 13 mpg. VW needs to offer the Touared in front wheel drive to improve the gas mileage.

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  TDI...Great Towing, Comfort & Power! - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By TJ - October 25 - 10:06 pm

  This is my second Touareg. The first was a fully loaded 2004 V8 which I really loved. It replaced my Range Rover Classic. Did everything the Rover did, for $20K less and towed better too. With 100K miles on the V8, I figured I would take advantage of the current discounts on the 06 TDI. The vehicle is identical except for DVD navigation on the new one and of course the V10 twin turbo diesel. The V8 was very fast, but this thing flies. Better yet is the fuel economy.

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  Volkswagens First Audi - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Braden - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I currently own an Audi A6 and need to buy a SUV that was over 6000lbs (GVW) for my business so I can take the Bush tax write-off. My Audi dealer tried to persuade me to go with the Porsche Cayenne, but I didnt like the interior. The Porches interior is awful, nothing like the Touareg which is nicer than my A6. I also looked at the BWW X5, but it was too small, and pricey once you load it up with the V8. I struggled with paying 48K for a VW, but this SUV is nearly perfect, its like driving an Audi (car). The build quality is impecible, the ride is much smoother than the Porsche and the cabin is very quiet. The safety features are great.

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  Volkswagen Touareg - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By roshie - October 4 - 5:03 pm

  My Volkswagen Touareg is fun to drive. It has a great turn radius and power when you want it. It has a luxurious interior with nice fit and finish and good size. My truck has needed no service other than oil changes. Everything worked great right out of the showroom. I would purchase one again!

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  Great Car - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Dagar882002 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I think that this car is great because of its power and any SUV except for the Porche SUV doesnt compete with it.

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  After 15, Best vehicle owned! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By toyphd - October 2 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I each buy or lease a new vehicle every three years and after driving; BMW,SAAB,NISSAN,LEXUS,DODGE, FORD,ISUZU and HONDA, this is the best thing we have ever driven. The Design, build, fit, finish and reliability is among the best of any brand weve owned. Rock solid, a pleasure to drive and yes, we also get more comments, questions and compliments on the Touareg than on anything else we have owned because VW Managed to build something special in a world of boxes and "Me too" SUVs.

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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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  Just what I wanted - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Yevgeniy - September 30 - 6:03 am

  When I saw Touareg first time on a car show, I knew that I would own it. I fell in love with it right away. Although I knew that I should wait a year or two before buying just to see that all the minor problems/defects and recalls will be fixed. So in 2005 finally got it. My choice was a V-6 with package 5, which includes all options, such as air suspension, navigation, etc. Exterior color is black, interior is beige. So after 1 1/2 years and 30K miles I still enjoy every minute I spend driving it. The only downside - fuel economy. Even for V-6 and a large gas tank, you will spend quite a bit of money on gas. Other then that it is perfect car. My wife has a VW as well and loves it too.

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  A Perfect 10 - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Jasper24 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Need I say more?

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  Poor Choice - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By LX470 - September 22 - 10:00 am

  After years of driving a Toyota Land Cruiser I opted for something different. Given the generally glowing reviews of this vehicle, I decided to try my first VW. Bad decision. The LC performed above expectations while this vehicle typically disappointed. Ive sold this vehicle after four months & bought a new LC (actually a Lexus LX470).