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:

• 

  My Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By PG - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I had looked at the Pilot, Four Runner, Highlander, and Murano. I had decided to buy a pilot, but was disappointed in the trade in value they gave me on my car. So, I test drove a Touareg. I was instantly sold. The interior is extremely well appointed and far excedes the others I looked at. It is much heavier, and you can tell it when you drive it. The dash is incredible at night. It is the nicest car I have ever owned and plan on driving it for many years.

• 

  Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By mvbjmd - September 26 - 10:00 am

  have had problems with the fan...even though not on AUTO...still adjust self. For some reason, when you hit AUTO, it sometimes changes to 72 degrees. Do not like that dual control but only one fan speed control. Have had problem with back hatch not unlocking. Seat belt must be on...if not on, even though in Park, bell continues to ring. Have problem with air continually blowing on window. Tends to have condinsation problem at night and in rain. There is a "Rain X" type of solution in the washer fluid that causes terrible glair problems at night when it rain.

• 

  Ads are true - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Lumax - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Touareg for about 3 weeks...I love it...great performance...great styling.

• 

  Very Expensive in Puerto Rio - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Cherry - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Here in Puerto Rico then VW company has a very hight rates in everything, but the local distributor (Autos Vega)that is the owner of VW Frinshise (Euroclass) have the new VW SUV at almost $ 68,000 and this makes it unbuyable for Puerto Rico VW Lovers.

• 

  4 thumbs up for Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By willerd - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is an awsome suv... Its very nice on fuel which I kinda expected from VW... I doubted alot about this vehicle prior to purchasing because its VWs first take on an SUV in awhile and since I test drove it I knew it was mine! It impressed me, it didnt take it long to knock the doubts out of me...

• 

  best riding vehicle I have ever owned - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By gracie - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Best riding vehicle I have ever owned. Out rides the lexus suv.

• 

  Windshield problem - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By riobuenavista - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is fun and comfortable, however we have a defective windshield. The glass is wavy and very hard to see through. Purchased on Sept. 30, it is now Oct. 22 and we have yet to get the replacement. Dual air controls are not working and check tire pressure light will not go out. Gets stuck in soft sand quite easily as well, had to get towed out. Cant wait to try it in water. Back hatch does not alway open with auto key, it takes many tries.

• 

  The Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By the sean - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Its fast and fun to drive!

• 

  Awesome SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Morales2 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is awesome. Its my first SUV, but I love it. It has everything you could imagine, the only extras we needed were to power seats!! I have been driving for about a month and love it more everyday. I have removed the headrests from the back seat because they are just in the way. Also, opening the hatch can be a pain, you must hold the button down for 3 seconds or it just doesnt respond. Its going to be a learning experience, the listing in the manuals wrong alot. Much of this to be expected with a first year of a car.

• 

  Great Job VW! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Bob,sue - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have not had this Car long But I am Very Impressed with it! It handels Very well and I feel very safe in it.