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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  Very Good Car, Very Happy - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By gerhard schonian - December 19 - 12:26 am

  The Touaregs style is very nice. It has a very roomy interior.

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  Wud be great if wasnt bugged - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By mferreira - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Mechanically I give it the highest reviews, really excellent, power, fun to drive. Seats could be more comfortable, stereo system could be better. The HUGE problems is general instability in the on-board electronics, nothing is reliable, owners manual is very very pooly written, had it for less than 2 months, been to the dealership 4 times. The keys definitely have a design problem as you hear many people complaining about then (ridiculos range, erratic responsiveness, etc)

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  Total Electrical Failure! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By RPD - December 8 - 4:56 am

  I purchased an off-lease VW Touareg that was VW certified, drove well for 1 year then electrical problems started. Truck would just die without any lights, etc being on. Since then it has been in and out of Volkswagen for complete electrical failure, even VW doesnt know how to fix it. They claimed it was after-market wiring which is strange because it was a certified used VW. Anyone looking to buy a used Touareg dont do it you will never be able to drive it and pay almost more than the car is worth fixing it!

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  Having Fun Yet? You Bet! - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By valynda - December 6 - 8:26 am

  We purchased the V8 Touareg as a replacement vehicle. I had previously owned a 2003 Pathfinder LE and found it to be a nice balance of sport and luxury. At first glance, I thought the Touareg was a little over the top, with all its fancy bells and whistles, but my husband convinced me to give it a try and I have been more than pleased. I have already taken it on two lengthy road trips and found it surprisingly pleasant to drive long distances. Its fuel economy is severely lacking, but the driving experience is worth it if youre not hung up on the high price of gas these days. I highly recommend the air suspension, if only to make your kids go "Oooooh!" and "Aaaaaah!!" Its great off road, too!

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  Great Truck with Bad Acceleration - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By noodlezz - December 5 - 6:10 pm

  Overall, Im very happy with this SUV. I get a lot of compliments on it and it drives beautifully. I do wish I had gotten a V8 (pun intended!) as the acceleration of the V6 model is poor. There have been a few issues with the transmission where, at low speeds, it will knock. Ive also experienced a few weird electric issues, such as the radio ate my CD and the speakers make a popping sound when I arm and disarm the alarm.

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  bad decision - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By bad decision - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Always drove BMW, fell in love with new Touareg design - big mistake to buy with emotion!!! 3 weeks and 528 miles later the car has been in the shop for cd player, alignment pulling to the right, gas gauge not registering correctly. I am horrified to read all these stories about the level of service. My rental car is a ford focus, with roll down windows!

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  dont be Fooled - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By jonathan - November 30 - 8:30 pm

  My 2005 Volkswagen Touareg V8 is a great looking vehicle with much appeal. After that it is all downhill. The Touareg is built very poorly and VWs customer service is the worst. The VW service center admits that many Touareg owners are extremely unhappy. Stay away! the BMW X5 is a great alternative.

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  Front-end Alignment - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Tim - November 20 - 12:56 am

  Purchased 11/04 & have 3500 miles. It has been back to the dealer 4 times and they said they cannot fix the problem of it pulling to the right. Volkswagen will not back it up & says it is "fixed to their specifications". This is the absolutely the worst buying experience I have ever had. I would not recommend the vehicle or any Volkswagen.

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  FUN Solid Drive - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Ghofstrand - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I havenÂ’t had this much fun driving a car since my new 85 Corvette. Excellent in the deep snow and nibble on dry curve roads at speed, and I do mean speed! I test drove most of the top end SUVÂ’s..FX45/ML500/X5 and Murano. The Touareg beat them hands down for drive, acceleration and comfort . This is my daily commuter (125 miles) Wash. D.C. Beltway to rural roads in Pa. ONE FUN CAR!

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  You Cant Beat Being "Free Folk" - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By TREGinginCO - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Volkswagen may be the company that brought us the VW Bug, but the Touareg is well worth the money. Im amazed at all of the standard equipment that comes with this vehicle. People complain about the power of the V6 and say theyre wrong! Drive this thing around in "sport" mode and youre gonna have a really good time. Message To Volkswagen: Well Done!