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 of everything - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By cragger - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I love my Touareg. It handles as well as my Audi S4 and has much more utility. The build quality is impeccable and there really isnt an SUV that rides better. Of course the off road capabilities are amazing, but Ill never use them. I think its really overengineered, but it works. Dealership is great and has taken care of me thus far.

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  Outstanding - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Bob - October 15 - 5:40 am

  Replaced my 2003 Acura MDX which I thought was a great vehicle. This car outshines the acura in every respect. They changed the engine this year and its great, no complaints, but its still new. I cant feel the transmission shift. If it stays like this in the future I think Ive died and went to auto heaven.

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  Fun to Drive, Annoying Quirks - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By ryan - October 14 - 12:50 pm

  I have owned this car for a year and a half and it is a blast to drive. It begs "drive me faster." The keyless entry is great. The beeps are so anoying though, like the selt belt, passenger air bag off, and others. If I run into a store my wife has to bucle the seatbelt to make it stop dinging. The VW service department where I purchased my car is terrible. I needed new tires after only 6,000 miles, and my car cant stay aligned. So it has great performance, but the misc. problems make me want to sell it.

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  Outclasses the Rest - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Sozo - October 14 - 11:40 am

  I live in Tokyo. In Japan base models come much better equipped than in N. America. I added an air suspension and leather package and only major thing missing is the s-roof & navigation. Ive owned the Lexus RX (its a Toyota Harrier in Japan - which changes your mind quickly about how luxurious it is!) and the Mercedes-Benz ML 320. The Touaregs quality through and through outclasses these cars and many others I have tested. I have not had the problems many have written about (luckily?) and except for the V6 being a bit gutless this car is fun to drive (especially in sport shift mode and sport suspension!) and costs half as much as the Porsche Cayenne (no air suspension offered on base V6 there!). Off-roading was great as well!

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  Great SUV.. a blast to drive.. - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By jmob - October 14 - 2:00 am

  From the moment I got the truck, Ive loved it.. The V8 is great, powerful and very responsive. In the snow, its better then my old A6. Interior is great and roomy, the only slight I can think of is the car likes to drink gas.. Enjoy....

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  My Experience - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Len - October 13 - 7:46 pm

  I bought my touareg after a careful research in publications to see what vehicle could go farther per tank full. I wanted an SUV that could go fast, far, be stable and competent off road. I live in Miami and after several hurricanes I saw huge lines at the gas stations when a hurricane may be heading here. I needed a car that would take me out of the state in case a category 4 or 5 hurricane came here. My touareg v-6 has an epa rating of 21 mpg and a fuel tank 26.6 gal with a theoretical range of 556 miles. I go from my house in Miami, to I-95 to the Florida turnpike to I-75 to the state line using Cruise control and tiptronic on 6 gear in one tank full. This is over 475 miles. This is great.

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  2004 Volkswagen Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By j brown - October 10 - 4:30 am

  My Touareg has been in the shop for a total of 25 days, with a ho hum repair attitude. I replaced the tires at 18,000 miles, because of bad alligment from the factory. The dealer charged me for the allignment, and they re-allined the truck another 3 times. It has been a disaster. I will never own another, European car, and tell all who ask how I like it that its a disaster, and not to buy one. The VW people could care less. My next purchase will be from Japan. I owned two Mercedes-Benz before this, and it was the same.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By B.A.S. - October 1 - 5:00 pm

  I am a very picky person and I scrutinize my choices very closely and this one passed all of my tests. The interior and exterior design is superb and, being a VW, is about as high-quality as you can get for less than $100,000. It drives great, although the V6 is a bit anemic when pulling my 6,000 lb. trailer, but then again, what other V6 SUV can tow up to 7,700 lbs.? it is very comfortable (I got package 1 with mine) and the tranny shifts very smoothly. The fuel economy leaves something to be desired, I average 19 mpg with about 40% city/60% hwy driving, but it is better than what the EPA says it is (a typical VW trait) and is not bad for an SUV. It, like all VWs, is very reliable. Buy one!

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  THINK TWICE - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Tammy - September 28 - 1:36 pm

  What a beautiful sporty suv that really hauls and is fun to drive. But be very wary, I have this car for almost 2 years and only have a little over 11,000 miles and I have had the suv in the shop more times than any other car I have owned. We have the 19" high performance sport tires, well at 8,000 miles we had to spend over $1,200 on new tires, the wood interior has cracked two times; the rear lights have been replaced twice due to condensation, the air suspension has gone twice leaving me with a $56,000 low rider. All in all I have been very displeased with the mechanical and lack of fuel efficiency. Once our lease is over we will never purchase another VW again. I am tired of loaners.

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  Over engineered - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Moscig - September 28 - 10:00 am

  VW has come late to the SUV market, great design, good funtion and a surperb off road vehicle. Here is what they do not tell you about the 2004 SUV of the year! Electronics are overengineered as it relates to warning drivers on a faulty tire presure system, seat belt chimes that do not allow drivers to leave the car running with out being cherped to death, radios with on-board map system must be cleared everytime you start the car by excepting the disclaimer "release/acceptance" button! Something to look forward to for as long as you have your vehicle. One of the best dummy warnings is the airbag warning, buzzer, then bell/chimes to tell you it is off