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:

• 

  Awesome - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By taleggio - March 7 - 6:36 am

  I love my Touareg! It had a few issues early on but were fixed as necessary. It is heavy and all wheel drive, so its tough on tires. I ditched my factory tires at 11k miles for a set of Nokian WR G2s and havent looked back. Really the best tire for the Touareg. I had an Expedition previously, so gas mileage wasnt an issue. The FSI V6 and V8 on the newer models are a significant improvement over 2004-2007 models.

• 

  Who even knows? - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Sevs - February 17 - 4:06 pm

  After already going through one Touareg, Im onto the next. My 2004 was replaced under the lemon law due to transmission problems and I received my 05 this past May. After driving the car for 3 months I noticed hesitations and horrible clunking noises during up/downshifts. The transmission in this car is downright scary. I have pulled out into intersections with plenty of time and the car hesitates and then takes off like no other. It is almost like the transmission has to think for a few seconds before it does anything. Sensors and warning lights going off at all times for no reason and horrible OEM tires. So far so good with the 2005, but stay away from the 04s.

• 

  what next? - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By danuta - February 7 - 10:00 am

  allready broken and towed on carrier truck ,got stuck on "park" position.Hope yours is stiil drivinng well.

• 

  owned it 4 months - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By d daniels - January 16 - 1:56 pm

  Its powerful, comfortable, lots of style in interior.

• 

  Touareg - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Samuel Bekkers - January 14 - 3:56 am

  Love the way it looks

• 

  Lemon - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By ismael guzman - January 11 - 8:56 pm

  This truck has had frequent, repetitive breakdowns associated with the powertrain. The interior trim, though attractive is too fragile. The service is very poor and you should be prepared to wait many weeks for parts. I sure miss my Acura MDX.

• 

  Do Not Buy It! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By DO NOT BUY IT! ! ! ! - January 10 - 4:16 am

  My Touareg has been the worst vehicle that Ive had ever. It has been a constant visitor to the service department for recalls, campaigns, alignments, all sorts of warning lights coming on, over 45 days in service - engine has been removed twice to replace parts gone bad. I am going for the Lemon Law - BAD BAD BAD - especially for the price! this truck has received many terrible reviews throughout the web. It gets terrible gas mileage. I cant imagine how much this truck would cost someone who owned it after the warranty had expired. I have heard that Volkswagen is buying back a lot of Touaregs.

• 

  Tourag for people who diidnt buy this - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By baskridgenj - January 9 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best suv we have ever had (6 to date). It is elegant and the v8 delivers more than enough power. highly recommended. complaint is teh navigation system is not on par w/ bmw or lexus and the roof racks cause wind noise at high speeds (we removed teh racks, teh car looks better without them). But the car is awesome, great ride and teh interior can not be beat

• 

  Best Diesel SUV for the money - 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
  By pops24 - December 22 - 10:54 pm

  I bought the 2013 VW Tuareg TDI. I am a car adjuster and I know the automotive field very well. The TDI is by far the best diesel SUV for the money. Has probably one of the best overall quality interiors and the driving performance is out of this world for a 6 cylinder and has a very quiet diesel engine. zzzzz The 2013 VW Tuareg is the best kept secret... till my review.

• 

  Worth the Price! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By nbhsssd - December 20 - 2:00 am

  A Volkswagon for this price???? Yup..., and worth every penny. Theres nothing "economy" about this vehicle (certainly not price or fuel economy). But it handles like a sports car, and rides like a luxury car.