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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  WOW - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By xelint - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Is this the car I have been waiting for or what. Roomy with out taking up the whole road. My wife and I were hooked from the first test drive. After 3k miles it has run like a dream. Only very minor problems that were fixed quickly by the dealer and then some. Try the Sport mode..try it I dare you..lol

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  zoom. - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By uwinferno - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is sick!!! Its the best bang for the buck. There are a few minor details that can be fixed....in dash cd player....but besides that the car is almost perfect.

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  Fantastic SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By huey900 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Your really buying the Porsche Cayane at $35,000 discount. Handles great, lots of creature comforts, quite, fast and responsive...great road SUV without all the mass. Youll love it!

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  Stuck in the Sand - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Diana Zimmer - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Two problems, one do not drive in soft sand, you may have to be towed out and two when folding the back seat down, be sure to move the front seat up. Oops, one more thing, dual air temperature controls should allow for dual air flow not just temperature. Overall,I am very pleased and comfy in my new Toureg.

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  Loving it! - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Muji - March 28 - 1:00 pm

  I purchased my Touareg three week ago, and I absolutely love it. ItÂ’s fun to drive, and it feels great. The interior is second to none. I considered several other SUVÂ’s in itÂ’s class, and the Touaregs interior was far superior. I do however, wish that it had slightly quicker acceleration, which I hear is obtainable with the V8. I also would have liked to have had an optional third row seat. The Toureg is more spacious than some of its competitors as a result of leaving the third row out. So, thatÂ’s a toss up. Even with the three rows down in some of the other SUVÂ’S it felt congested. There is no congestion in the Toureg. The only downside to purchasing the Touareg is the frequent trips to refuel. GO FOR IT.

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  Touareg best I have owned - 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
  By jdpompano - March 26 - 12:07 am

  I have owned many cars, trucks and SUVs over my lifetime, including luxury brands from Audi and Acura, this is the best vehicle yet. The build quality, handling, engine performance/mileage are all great, best in class. I have owned this for two months and I am averaging 22mpg in city driving, with excellent acceleration and engine smoothness. The technology features are intuitutive for most, but there is still a learning curve. DVD player in glove compartment a plus.

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  05 Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By William Dubree - March 24 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is very well built. It proforms well for such a heavy vehicle. My dealership offered me an excellent deal without the bull. The Touareg surpass vehicles such as your BMW,Benz and Lexus in overal quility. VW continues to make a good affordable high quility vehicle.

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  I hate my car - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Karen Bishop - March 22 - 2:23 am

  Reading the other negative reviews before I started mine made me feel vindicated. The dealership made me feel like I was nuts. The transmission is terrible - going around curves slowly the car bucks like a bronco, and God forbid I have to take my foot off the gas pedal. Once in awhile for no reason, the transmission will make a loud "clunking" noise like Ive just run over something. It scares me to death and then of course makes me furious. I have had nothing but trouble with the electrical system; if I believed the displays Ive had braking problems, tire pressure issues, etc. FYI - dont expect the tires to last to 20K miles. Plus, this is the "beepiest" car Ive ever owned! YUCK!

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  love it - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By love it - March 19 - 2:50 am

  I bought my VW with 24000 and know I have 60000. I dove it from Texas to Chicago with no problems. It is a very expensive SUV to fix, but if you change your own oil, or buy your own parts its way cheaper. Tires are the worst. I still cant find a place that to get them changed. They run from 700 to 2000 dollars.

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  8-Way Power Seats a Must! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By EB4VEEDUB - March 15 - 4:06 am

  I purchased the vehicle on 01/29/10, and have received several compliments on the look of the vehicle. The ride is solid, especially in bad weather. The dash is easy to operate, and has a stylish appearance. My only complaint is the manual seats that require turning a knob for the backrest, and cranking a lever to go up and down. After 30 days I still have not found a comfortable seating position. I have to do yoga stretches in the morning before I get into the car to help ease the discomfort