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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  Happy in VA - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Dick M - January 3 - 11:40 pm

  I love my Touareg! Ive had it a little over a month, and it does everything as advertised. Whatever problems VW had in the first year seem to have been solved. The V8 is great - nice growl when pushed and strong acceleration. Fuel economy is what I expected - 13 around town, 17 on the highway. For the price of a base Porsche Cayenne S you can get this one loaded. Easy purchase decision.

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  First time VW owner - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By jkhintx - January 3 - 12:43 am

  Never thought I would own a VW. Always drove Honda or Nissan vehicles. I love my Touareg! It handles better than anything from Japan and it is sooo tight. I have 61K miles on it and I am putting brakes on now. Rotors all okay the way around and having a friend put pads and wire sensors on both axles. It always pays to have a good friend who is a mechanic.

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  "Farfegnugen" - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Pamela - December 27 - 7:43 pm

  I love my new Touareg! I dont think that Ive ever said that about any other car Ive owned. My last two new cars were Volvos that I had both under a year (ouch)! The Touareg has every little gadget and more. It has all the features that my husbands 06 BMW 750Li, not to mention that the Touareg has a backup camera and his doesnt! The V8 Touareg is fun to drive especially going up our curvy mountain road in Sports Mode! This SUV is not only fun to drive but has great curb appeal! I have had quite a few people stop and ask me about my Touareg and love telling them about. I hope that when I turn it at the end of the lease that VW will continue to make the Touareg as good or better!

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  New Toureg - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By cleempe - December 21 - 4:10 am

  In Sport mode the V6 is OK-otherwise the tiptronic compensates for power- many extras and a solid ride-very quiet and a nice plus to the VW line

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  Love my Toureg - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Toureg owner - December 20 - 1:40 am

  This car is beautiful. My car is strong enough for a man but handles like a woman. Overall a great vehicle.

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  Do your homework for both Treg & dealer - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Pabby - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Reading Edmunds reviews, I was concerned about quality issues. My born-on date is 3/04. Perhaps issues have been worked out. Have Reed Green with beige leather. Love it. Fit and finish is unbelievable. Im 66" and am very comfortable. Dealer experience was 1980s smarmy time-warp. Heritage VW-MD posted internet prices by VIN on their web-site. Fair price shown for exact trim I wanted. I had all numbers worked out with a +/- contingency. Was told by sales guy that were close to getting it done.Go to close w/MGR and he wanted $1.5k over web. Uncomfortable. Threatened to walk. Never recommend them. Lost a service customer forever.

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  European Prestige and Class - A true BMW / MB / LR - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Vinod - December 10 - 4:50 am

  I purchased my VW Touareg V8 after doing a lot of research and testing all the competitors, like the Mercedes-Benz ML 350, Land Rover LR3, BMW X5, and Volvo XC90 V8. The Touareg impressed me the most with its excellent handling (you can do 60 mph round a tight bend and feel totally in control), excellent handling, superb V8 engine, lots of cool technology and excellent VW customer service. Of late, VW has taken a real hit with the customer service, but they must have learned, because the service I received was exemplary. I only have 600 miles on the clock, but it must be said that the VW drives like a dream. My only minor complaint would be the use of too much technology.

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  My best car so far - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Michel, Arizona - December 7 - 10:00 am

  After owning a 2001 BMW X5 4.4 l, and a 2002 Mercedes ML 500, I can seriously say, the Toareg V8, fully equipped is in the same price league and far superior. We take long trips to Utah, Death Valley, comfort on the highway is slightly better than the Mercedes, much better than the BMW. Acceleration, with the six speed automatic is better than both. The largedifference is when you go off road. The Touareg is a true class five off roads, we go where Jeep tours are surprised we got there, or wont even go further. The ability of the Touareg to do highway anf off road best is based on its adjustable road clearance. Low for hairpins, high for no road at all.

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  The Best SUV Ive Ever Driven - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By iloveit - November 24 - 10:00 am

  The V8 Touareg is the best SUV Ive ever driven. The trip computer is in color!! Everything is right where you need it. I love the NAV and upgraded stereo. My salesman actually took me OFF ROAD and showed me the different features it has (hill descent, locking differential, air suspension) It can do anything a Rover can do for 25000 less!

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  WOW - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By TIM - November 24 - 10:00 am

  BEST SUV FOR THE MONEY,BEAUTIFUL AND SMOOTH V8 I LOVE THE INTERIOR