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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  THE BEST EVER - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By VEEDUB - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought this SUV because of all the good things I have heard. I will buy another because if what it is. THE BEST

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  2013 Touareg TDI 500 miles! - 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
  By 2013vwtdi - December 4 - 6:14 am

  Folks, I just completed 500 miles on my new Touareg TDI and i am very impressed by the drive and handling of this vehicle. I have driven BMW X5 and even though the steering feel is lighter than on the X5, this one handles great. I did not expect this from VW. Just cover the VW batch, you feel you are in a Audi and any other German Vehicle. Layout is neat and clean. interior is plush and very comfortable driver position. I am counting that new vehicles have better reliability from VW, i will have to wait and see.

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  Luxury, performance & affordable- - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By jmontoro - November 26 - 2:00 am

  1 great suv.Blows x5 away.Ride is adj w/ air susp option & there are noticeable diff btwn the 3 settings.Quieter than X5,virtually no wind noise.Steering is solid & responsive.Accel w/ the 310hp V8 will snap head back. 6 spd auto for normal driving/5 spd sport for spirited.Shift points are smooth.Safety features:side/curtain airbags,adj height seat blts,smart windows that go back down if you stick your hand in.On board air comp to inflate the spare or a raft,.Stnd features are great

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  Buyers BEWARE! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Anders - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Reliability of this car STINKS!Mine completely broke down after 2 weeks ownership.A friend had complete electrical failure after 1 month.They do not have the quality testing measures and facilities to make this car reliable! VW customer service is HORRENDOUS.The car has been stuck at an LA dealership for 2 weeks now!Not 1 customer service representative has contacted me after I have made 10 calls.Calls to headquarters, the dealership, etc have all been ignored.Trust me, pay a little more for a BMW 4.4. This car is not proven and will be plagued with unreliability and poor customer service- 2 traits you dont want together!

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  I should of gotten the V8, BUT... - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By mstron - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Overall a fantastic car. I love driving it and catching other drivers taking quick glances at it. Spectacular fit and finish. the AT is a little frustrating as its not more aggressive in "normal" mode and the gas mileage is horrendous in sport. I would definately buy it again, and if I had the $5000 extra the V8.

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  So Far So Good - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Jason B. - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my Touareg V6 with Premium II, and so far I have not encountered any problems I have read here. Test drove FX35, felt a bit harsh, and my 3 year old complained during the test drive. Test drove RX330, solid Lexus quality, but there are just so dang many and boring. Ride quality felt like that of a Camry. Test drove the Volvo XC90 T6 AWD (this is the top of line twin turbo). Touareg V6 has more guts than the Volvo T6 AWD. Touareg felt the most solid out of all these cars I just mentioned. It seems like they just need to work out the little kinks.

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  Bad Electronics - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By vbrand - November 20 - 5:13 am

  I love the Touareg. I love the way it drives and love the interior. BUT it has been in the shop every two weeks since I bought it (all electrical issues). to top that off the dealership here has treated me terribly.

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  What was I thinking! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By J Walker - November 19 - 4:36 am

  Problems: $1800 to replace wires in electrical system (quoted$6000); $175 to replace power mirror knob; $875 for driveshaft; $700 to fix AC and rear latch release; $50 per coil wire, bought at least 8, not to mention plugs--currently been told airbag inflator needs replaced ($580) and catalytic converter ($1000). My father is a car dealer, so I bought this from the VW lease line at the auction w/39,000 miles. Had to replace the coil wires and plugs within 1 month. Ive been able to save money on some parts and labor with one of my dads mechanics. Only take to VW when I have to. Always some light on-tire; airbag; brake sensor (need to replace the sensors). Be prepared to spend $$$

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  Best SUV - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By hwb - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I have owned many cars and suvs (mercedes, porsche, range rover, bmw,lexus,etc.) It takes a lot in a car to impress me and I can say that this is the most impressive SUV and one of the most impressive vehicles I have ever owned. The build quality and performance are great. It is a vehicle that may not have the eminence of a range rover, but the range rover wishes it could perform all around as well as this vehicle does. Yes there are a few flaws: like no third row and the smelly messy diesel pumps. This is by far one of the best if not the best suv on the planet. you get all of this with an average fuel economy of 22mpg. VW did their homework.

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  NICE EFFORT / POOR RESULT - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Geo - November 7 - 11:40 pm

  The vehicle has been in the shop at least 14 times in 3 years. I have replaced the tires 3 times and the vehicle seems to have gremlins that make the car hesitate and/or surge forward with great anticipation. Whats worse than the SUVs performance is the lack of quality service you get from the service departments at any of the VW dealerships. VW has done an awful job of trying to capture the market willing to pay 40K+.