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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  BEST VEHICLE EVER - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By VWPIMP - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck....Nothing better...Revolution in vehicle design

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  Excellent SUV! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By knoel - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our V6 Touareg for about a month now and absolutely love it! Its our first VW vehicle and selected after carefully looking at the Lexus GX470. For $10K less and a better rating by Car and Driver it was an easy decision. Actually like the exterior better than the sister car the Cayenne. Excellent experience with the Sales and Service Team at Duke Golds Speedway VW in Indy!

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  My Year with VW - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By louis novak - October 19 - 1:53 am

  I love the Touareg. Its great on the highway, easy to manouver, has outstanding visability, and good pick-up. I hate the radio and reception though. It isabsolutely unacceptable and unable to be improved by the service department.

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  Very Pleased Indeed - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By jkingston - October 8 - 10:00 am

  This is an extraordinary SUV. I prize its high speed highway manners. Close your eyes and you can imagine that it is a 7 series BMW sedan. High speeds, cross winds phase it not at all. The engine transmission combination is a winner! Very silky and satisfying. I compared it to the Volvo XC90, MDX and Cayenne S. Actually this one was the winner for long distance driving. Yes the Cayenne has an edge if you want to toss it around, but it is less comfortable for long trips. We had a couple of minor warning light glitches that the dealer solved at once.

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  I love my Touareg! - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By sammy - September 28 - 8:40 am

  I love the way it drives with a lack of road noise. We have driven it in driving snow, hot weather, pouring rain- it hugged the road! In the snow, rain and ice- there was no slippage at all. I have a dark green/lt gray interior model. Tho only thing I would change is the availablity to get the US spec. asseccories in Europe!

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  Best every day car I have ever owned - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By ron - September 27 - 11:30 am

  I have owned 5 Jeeps since 1986, I like the size and looks of the Jeep but not the brakes or trips to the dealer for repairs. I have 4500 miles on my V-8 Touareg and love it. It is has all the power you would ever need, and is as much fun to drive as my Porsche 4-S. The build quiity is superior to the Jeep. The air suspension is a must. The Touareg V-8 comes standard with most everything unlike the Porsche SUV.. The only negative I have is the gas mileage and the way the rear seats fold down. If I drive sensibly I can get 14 in town and 18 on the freeway. On the road it handles like a sport car (air suspension) After a 400 mile trip my legs are not cramping up as they have in every other car I have owned.

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  Great Car - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Albino - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I am speechless, I never thought that VW would make a car that would be neck to neck with BMW X5s and Mercedes MLs.

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  Maintenance is the key.... - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By chazthephoenix - August 25 - 7:44 am

  As with all used vehicles, the quality of the experience is directly correlated to the previous owner. Yes, VW under estimated the finish on the buttons on the interior, but they over estimated the quality of the drivetrain. THIS VEHICLE WILL GO ANYWHERE. We bought ours used...a 2006 V6 with 48k...thats in immaculate shape. The ride is excellent, handles excellent in the snow, its just feels sturdy. yes, its not great on gas...neither was my explorer that I had before this. This is affordable luxury. My suggestion: buy the extended warranty. You will thank me!

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  Great Car - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By trichard - August 21 - 4:23 am

  I have found this car to be of excellent quality and ride. The V8 is a powerful bonus, but fuel economy suffers (though I find to be getting better milage than the milage posted). The ride is comfortable, with the my only complaint of the interior is air conditioning flow to the back seat. The tires out of the dealership lasted about 15000 miles, so be prepared to buy new then. I do not have the nav system, and found it to be too difficult to use, as it was CD based and not touch screen. Other than that, this is a excellent car for one who wants 4 wheel capability (I live in CO, and it handles rugged roads outstandingly well) or a sporty car for in town.

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  Touareg tidbits - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By sanman - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Just bought vehicle, so no long term experience yet. Very nice ride quality and exceptional handling. Handles turns and road curves as much sport-car- like as a SUV based vehicle could. If fun factor, smooth drive and handling are impotant to you; with good comfort, sportyness at a competitive price then look at this product. We also own an Acura MDX and both are exceptional i would favor the VW.