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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  toureg v6 - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By suzanne - September 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is great for the money but after driving it for about 6,000 miles we began to notice a vibration we asked vw what it was and they couldnt fix the problem finally after so many people complained about the problem with the v6 they figured out what the problem was it was the drive shaft was off balance and had to be replaced with a v8 drive shaft instead. outher than that we love the car.

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  Touring with the "T" - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By DDavis - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Test drove several vehicles, including Volvo XC90, BMW and Lexus, before choosing the Toureg--this is the one for comfort, driving response in the city and power. Recently took my family of four on a 11 day cross- country trip, and with the exception of not having convenient drink holders for my two small kids (7 & 9) in the back seat, everyone liked the features and comfort of the car. The Toureg performed equally well off- road (Colorado Rockies) as it has in the city. Having owned a Toyota Land Cruiser previously, I was very impressed with the Toureg.

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  Andys Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Andy - September 6 - 12:40 am

  Just a wonderful vehicle. Drives well, is very comfortable, performs really well, and a great family car.

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  Touareg V10 a hit!! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By jalsema - September 3 - 10:00 am

  After suffering through a Mercedes M class, this Touareg is a joy. It is fast, solid, convenient and out-handles almost anything I have owned in the past - car or SUV. Only complaints, and they are minor, are that the radio has very poor reception and the navigation is clumsy and out-dated. I am enjoying a solid 22 miles per gallon in mixed driving and have gotten as high as 24.9 on an all highway trip. Everywhere I go peopole are interested in the vehicle; it really turns heads.

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  Triumph Of Human Ingenuity... - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By NJOwner - August 14 - 10:00 am

  That mankind is capable of producing such a technologically advanced automotive machine must be recognized at the highest levels of human achievement. Safety, Performance, Style, Function, and Luxury was refined with such careful thought and precision. After test-driving an ML500, BMW X5, Lexus GX, and R.Rover, this is the vehicle of choice for my new family, at any price. The Touareg feels like the best of my Porsche and my wifes Mercedes plus more. Marlboro man waved us down today, for a look. He grinned and asked "How many horses?" 310, I said. In a puff of smoke, he replied "Man, that is a beautiful machine!"

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  Definetly a good Purchase - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By roc - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I had a vw passat, but changing to the touareg it has kept my face smiling since the day i got it. is an amazing vehicle.

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  I Love this SUV!!! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Punkman18 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  It has been a wonderful ride! This car is very comforable, very economy and very luxurious. I enjoy the handling and especially the off-road capability it has. Helps a lot especially during flooding.

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  VW Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Dublin Hawk - August 8 - 2:00 am

  If you can get by the funny name, the Touareg is well designed midsize SUV. The interior is comfortable and has a lot of standard features that were options on other SUVs that I looked at. It handles the snow without any difficulty, and rides like a dream on the open highway. If it does have a downside it is its fuel mileage. This is the SUV I picked after test drives in the Lexus RX330 and Infiniti FX35 since the price was the same and I felt I got more for my money with the Touareg.

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  Title of Review - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By mojogoboom - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I havent had my car for long...little over a week...but so far I love it. Ive already taken it on several road trips and am in love with how smoothly the car handles turns, bumps, dips, and other road conditions. Its so smooth its almost easy to forget Im driving and easy to speed! Its so comfortable that I could sleep in it! Great car overall. Sporty, efficient, smooth, classy, quick, and powerful. A luxury car with sporty features and plenty of room.

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  Buy one, if you can find one. - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By ToughCustomer - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This thing is incredible. If ranked soley as a luxury car, off-road 4x4, sport sedan, station wagon, it would do very well. The fact that it can do ALL of those functions, is amazing. We have a current BMW M5 and its no longer the favorite car to drive! No kidding. We had a Cayenne Turbo on order. Im sure its nice, but glad we went V10 Diesel instead.