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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  Never running out of driving fun - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Mike - February 18 - 4:50 am

  used to trade cars every 1-2 yrs, BMW, Acura, Mini, Honda, MB, but still keeping this car more than 3 yrs. Feeling of very secure driving and confidence. No mechanical trouble so far-very lucky. Nothing fancy or outstanding in the parking lot but never out of style. Liked its different driving settings and plying it all the time. Still very satisfied up to 95% of my expectation.

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  Always fun to drive - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By vwfun - January 29 - 2:16 pm

  Touareg is really fun to drive. I do not drive very much nor do I require extreme performance and Touareg seems to fit my profile extremely well. I want a reliable drive in snow and Touareg is awesome in that respect. I have read about lots of issues on lower VIN Touaregs, but the only problem (which was easily fixed) was fast running clock. So if you are in the market for these I would recommend higher than 65k VIN as I have very positive experience.

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  a Lemon - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By sierra - January 5 - 10:00 am

  I found it was fun to drive. Very nice interior, I was very happy with the car. Started having problems with suspension, wheel bearings, etc. Total of days in the dealership has equaled approx. 4 months. Egineers from volkswagen have not been able to fix problem. I left the car in the dealership to fix since July 22, 2004, still in the dealership; they have not been able to fix. It is my understanding they had two other cars with the same problem. I am in the process of returning under the "Lemon Law".

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  And they make the gas version because... - 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Fresno Vicary - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a 2006 Expedition for this midsize SUV and we arent looking back. The Touareg is just the right size for our family of 5 (kids range 3- 9yrs.). It doesnt have the interior space of the Expedition, but its not a big lumbering beast either. This is a fun to drive SUV with plenty of power at a great price point. Early results on mpg indicates it should more than cover the EPA ratings. My only hope is that we didnt get one of the unreliable ones. I only rated reliability "5" because we havent had the car long enough to rate.

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  Brake work - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By david grunebaum - December 11 - 10:26 pm

  With 42,000 miles the brake pad light came on. The dealers proposed cost for pads and rotors (rotors were required even though no evidence of need) $1690! That is correct nearly $1700 for initial brake work. Oil changes run $130. Any part is extremely expensive. On a BMW this brake job would be free. The care is needlessly expensive to operate.

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  Love the vehicle - hate the repair bills. - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By farwest - November 29 - 7:13 pm

  Wife uses this as a daily driver to work - 20 mile round trip - almost all highway miles. But is horribly expensive to maintain. $700 for heater blower motor (in California - so hardly ever used). $2800 for timing belt at 60K miles. Just got quoted $3500 to replace the [non-permissible content removed] alternator (have to lower the friggin engine to do it). As much as I like the Taureg, Id never recommend anyone buy one that is out of warranty.

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  I Needed a Quick Vehicle - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By RayRam - November 10 - 8:10 am

  In Germany and without a car, I looked and tested just about every vehicle available. My main concern was the wait, most dealers were talking about a 10 to 12 week wait, something I could not afford. I told them Id buy something I liked and wanted but it had to be for immediate delivery. After seeing and testing about 40 cars between Audi, BMW, Mercedes and VW, I decided to go for the 2005 VW Touareg. I got a pretty good deal to include a 6 year 75K mile extended warranty. It is the only Blue Silver Metallic Touareg around here where we live. My only problem was getting used to its AWD after driving a Honda Odyssey for 5 years. I like the looks and the interior is superb.

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By swiss - October 28 - 2:00 am

  After years of driving domestic clunkers (last car was Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo - typical Chrysler lousy quality and recalls like leaves in fall), finally broke down and bought an import. So far very pleased with all aspects of vehicle.

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  if only they could fix it ! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By kcir - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Loved my new v8 loaded to the nines touareg... for the 859 miles it lasted. two weeks have passed since the SECOND problem with the air suspension has surfaced and the dealer has no idea when and if the car will ever run again correctly. new models with problems. nothing is perfect, but if the defective part or the ability to repair the car do not exist, it doesnt leave you with a lot of faith in the system. by the way, the 2003 jetta rental drives like a champ and no service lights have come on.

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  My Third Touareg - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Bridget - September 28 - 11:50 pm

  This is my third Touareg, I am sold on the V8, it meets my needs. The V6 was sluggish and slow to engage. I guess I am hooked.