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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  What was I thinking! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By J Walker - November 19 - 4:36 am

  Problems: $1800 to replace wires in electrical system (quoted$6000); $175 to replace power mirror knob; $875 for driveshaft; $700 to fix AC and rear latch release; $50 per coil wire, bought at least 8, not to mention plugs--currently been told airbag inflator needs replaced ($580) and catalytic converter ($1000). My father is a car dealer, so I bought this from the VW lease line at the auction w/39,000 miles. Had to replace the coil wires and plugs within 1 month. Ive been able to save money on some parts and labor with one of my dads mechanics. Only take to VW when I have to. Always some light on-tire; airbag; brake sensor (need to replace the sensors). Be prepared to spend $$$

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  NICE EFFORT / POOR RESULT - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Geo - November 7 - 11:40 pm

  The vehicle has been in the shop at least 14 times in 3 years. I have replaced the tires 3 times and the vehicle seems to have gremlins that make the car hesitate and/or surge forward with great anticipation. Whats worse than the SUVs performance is the lack of quality service you get from the service departments at any of the VW dealerships. VW has done an awful job of trying to capture the market willing to pay 40K+.

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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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  NICE CAR, BUT GET A RAIN COAT - 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
  By michael_a1 - September 9 - 2:15 am

  Volkswagen just settled a class action lawsuit because many of their vehicles with factory sunroofs leaks in earlier production cars. Apparently they still have not fixed the problem with the touareg. I have been to the dealer for the problem to get repaired and they claimed it was fixed and it was not. Off to the dealer again. Wouldnt it be better if they just corrected the issue. Anyway, it is a nice car, but I certainly dont think it is worth the problems. I would certainly look at other cars in its class unless you want to bunk out at the service department the first year you own the car.

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  very dissapointed - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By touareghell - September 2 - 2:00 am

  vehicle makes a whining sound from transmission 1 out of 10 times vehicle will not start suspension is very noisey steering wheel heater only warms bottom of wheel transmission hesatates on downshift very clunky one would expect more from a $43,000 vehicle poor dealership service. had to wait over a week to bring it in for these problems also note that they gave me no loaner vehicle the general manager of this dealership wound not return my calls when i told the dealer i wanted to be bought out of this vehicle they said they would at best give me $31,000 back big loss for a two week old poor quality vehicle.what does that say for volkswagon ?

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  Epitome of a Love/Hate Relationship - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By fmcho - August 6 - 2:46 am

  My parents bought this new in Sep 04. Now 10+ years later, its only used to go to the grocery store or LA fitness. This car have good looks, very nice interior (for its price), nice ride. But everything else pretty much sucks. Although its "only" a VW, maintaining and fixing this car costs a fortune. MPG is about 10/16 city/highway which is horrendous. Drive shaft broke and needed replacement at 30k and 60k. Fuel pump failed around 42k. Airbag fault at 10k. TPMS failed at 25k. As of now, the only problem is the totally broken electricals; keeps telling me I have low engine pressure even though I dont. The only thing that hasnt failed is the transmission which is made in Japan. Go figure.

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  VW Toureg - all its cracked up to be? - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By VW Lover - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this is a nice vehicle. However, with all the hyp, I dont think it lived up to expectations. I was torn between this and an FX45 and decided to go with the VW. I think I made the wrong choice. That being said, this still is a nice car to drive.

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  A problem SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By hawk94 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Second day, green liquid was dripping down from the engine compartment. Was told its not safe to drive so its towed to fixing the leaking, a borken O- ring. Also found bump paintscratched, passagerside seat broken, roof rack base broken, it vibrates ~70mph & pulls to right. Initial quality is so poor, althoug its a brand new vehical (only 350 miles)! Whatelse is next? I wish I bought a Lexus or BMW. VW service quality was poor too. Dont buy it now until VW fixes the quality issue if you really like its offroad capability.

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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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  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.