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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  Great Buy - 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
  By stanleys - August 20 - 10:50 am

  Traded a Toyota 4 Runner for the Touareg. Best luxury SUV, I found for the money. Reliability and VW customer service seems to be improving.

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  Solid performing SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By GC - August 18 - 1:20 am

  This has been a great SUV. I read a lot of disgruntled reviews which you would expect to see on this site, but my experience has been satisfying with this truck after driving it for four years. I use it to tow a race car each month and it has great towing power. I havent had any of the electrical or tire issues like others - I regularly rotate and align the vehicle which has definitely helped. Put new tires on at 25K miles. This SUV also performs extremely well in the snow or winter driving conditions with its AWD system. If considering the V6 vs. the V8, stop considering and immediately get the V8. This SUV is way too heavy for the V6 and MPG difference is nominal.

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  Squealing Brakes - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Sherry Duvall - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Lemon!!! As unbelievable as it may sound, I am in lemon law arbitration. After four attempts to repair the rear brakes from squealing...not just squeaking....VW wants to analyze the front pads. A stall tactic that has resulted in me hiring an attorney. Just beware!! I was told there are three other consumers at this dealereship experiencing the same problem.

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  the best - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By traniman - August 10 - 2:00 am

  the best suv ive ever owned

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  My First and Last VW Product. - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By driverswanted? - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my familys first VW and it will be our last! VW Dealerships will promise you quality customer service and leave you hanging with VW of America. (VWOA) PLEASE READ ALL THE WARNING FROM THE PEOPLE WHO OWN THIS CARÂ…Â…visit all the Touareg problem web sites

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  1 year, 30,000 miles later - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By wall street - August 4 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is still great. It handles curves like a sports car, its as quiet and smooth as a Lincoln Town Car (which I used to drive), and has plenty of room in the front (I am 65"). I knew the V6 would lack power going in, and while it is sluggish from a dead stop, this vehicle effortlessly does 100 mph. I routinely drive it at 90 for a 50 mile freeeway stretch and the engine is just purring at 3000 to 3200 rpm. Even at these speeds, I have been getting anywhere from 16.7 to 17.2 mpg between re-fuels. Only maintenance required has been routine oil changes/tire rotations.

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  Got rid of it! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Ugh! - July 31 - 11:13 pm

  My wife and I were seduced by the looks and lure of the Touareg. We bought one without doing the research I normally do. It just looked so sweet. Well, we hated it...mostly for the TERRIBLE gas mileage. It was not comfortable to get in and out of, and the power of the V6 engine is weak. It doesnt even gome with standard power seats. Mine had a faulty back door and CD player, an underpowered engine on hills or passing, a fast clock (10 minutes a week) and when a tire was low, it required a VW appointment to reset the computer which kept telling me the tire was flat, long after I filled it. Also, the roof rack is a pain in the neck to use. Finally, this truck is unbelievably slow taking off from a stop, almost dangerously slow.

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  Big Satisfaction, small disappointments - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By spidaman - July 28 - 10:20 am

  This is our first SUV, as the kids are older and we are downsizing from a minivan. The handling is excellent, even on snow and ice. We have not been able to take the T-reg offroad as yet. Power with the V6 is adequate; if I were towing a boat, I would probably want a larger engine, as the V-6 barely holds its own on merging on the highway. The NAV system is disappointing. Entering destinations is not intuitive. The NAV CD-ROM takes the only slot in the car. A 6 disc CD changer is in the back. This should be reversed. Although there is an AUX button labelled on the radio, there is no auxiliary input for an MP3 play, which is disappointing in a high-end car. Comfy!

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By RickA - July 22 - 7:56 am

  After suffering through an Mercedes ML, this thing is a joy. Its rock solid, fast and has been very reliable so far. The interior is on par with an Audi and the electronic features (most of which are standard) all work as they should. I am so impressed by Volkswagen to be putting out vehicle such as this one and the Phaeton. They deserve to be playing in the same league as the "big" guys.

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  a new gem - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By keiththrasher - July 16 - 10:00 am

  my only disapointment is that they dont make a diesel version.