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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  Title of Review - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By mojogoboom - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I havent had my car for long...little over a week...but so far I love it. Ive already taken it on several road trips and am in love with how smoothly the car handles turns, bumps, dips, and other road conditions. Its so smooth its almost easy to forget Im driving and easy to speed! Its so comfortable that I could sleep in it! Great car overall. Sporty, efficient, smooth, classy, quick, and powerful. A luxury car with sporty features and plenty of room.

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  Buy one, if you can find one. - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By ToughCustomer - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This thing is incredible. If ranked soley as a luxury car, off-road 4x4, sport sedan, station wagon, it would do very well. The fact that it can do ALL of those functions, is amazing. We have a current BMW M5 and its no longer the favorite car to drive! No kidding. We had a Cayenne Turbo on order. Im sure its nice, but glad we went V10 Diesel instead.

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  Too Many Problems - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Chester M Schofield - July 14 - 12:23 am

  Too many recalls. Electrical problems with tailgate and interior lighting, drive shaft and transmissions problems. Wood panel trim has cracked 2 times. Not enough power when you need it quickly. My vehicle has been in the shop for unscheduled maintenance 18 times and it only has 39,000 miles on it. VW Customer Service has been extremely uncooperative. It is simply the single worst vehicle I have ever owned and I have owned many. I never write to review vehicles but people need to be aware of what they are getting into when they purchased this vehicle. VW has a lot of work to do if they are going to stay in the midsize SUV market.

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  Great Performer - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By DCIFAN - July 8 - 2:20 am

  The Touareg combines the road handling characteristics of a well-engineered German car with the attributes of a mid- size SUV. Like its smaller German counterparts, the Touareg handles brilliantly, despite its size and weight. The six cylinder provides sufficient power when needed, particularly when entering busy NJ highways from a standing start.

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  Just Bought it - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Barkley - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I just brought my new Touraeg home. Just 2 dislikes so far. I had to remove the center rear headrest. With it installed, the view from the rearview mirror was almost completely blocked. Another annoyance is that when the A/C is on, the system sends a small amount of cold air though the defroster which causes condensation on the windshield on humid days.

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  Positive Experience - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By EdR - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Unlike others here, my experience has been very positive over 60,000 miles. This is a late 2007 with the FSI engine. Mileage is 16 to 18 on highway at higher than posted speeds. Issues - generally minor -- have been quickly resolved at various service locations. Reliability has been excellent -- no issues noted. Handles superbly on the road (equipped with 19" wheels and premium tires/air suspension). Heavy solid vehicle which does lead to limited tire life on secondary roads -- generally 16,000 to 18,000 miles. Brakes are excellent but require more frequency replacement than typical. Quiet and luxury feel.

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  Awesome SUV - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By sk - July 1 - 9:16 am

  We did much research before buying our Toureg.... After looking at a lot of different SUVs this was by far the best choice for towing and a luxury vehicle. We have been so happy with this car and have recommended it to so many other people. Our friends even bought a Touareg off our recommendation and have also been very happy. Yes the gas mileage is not the best, but we didnt expect to get the best gas mileage for this car, if we wanted that, we would have looked at a high bread vehicle instead. The power in this car is great and makes a great tow vehicle. It is very comfortable and we have not had any issues with it at all expect to take it in to fix the radio, (re-boot it).

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  Hate this truck! - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Hate my Toureg - June 8 - 5:56 pm

  In the past 16 months we have had too many electrical problems to count; not to mention off the top of my head: 6 radio changes, many wood panel replacements (they crack in the heat & cold - go figure) a leaking moon roof, the power windows have no power at the moment, a squeak in the wheel that the service department "cant figure out", the computer system for the car reads one thing and the service department says another. We have had no luck or help from VW USA - they have "been reviewing the case" for months, no one ever calls us back after promising to do so. Dont not buy this car - i am trading it in tonight for a Ford Explorer - at least at Ford they call me back. Good riddance!

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  Love it, but... - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Cody H - June 4 - 11:36 am

  I purchased my VW new with only 13 miles on it. I have to say, I love this car, I like how it drives and the pure power. The only down side are the brakes and tires. I had the first set of tires replaced at 8700 miles under the tire warranty, I still had to pay $220.00. Then the brakes at 15000 miles, that was $600.00. Now at 27000 miles I need another set of tires. For some reason the car loves to wear out the tires. I take it to the VW dealer every 5000 miles for its oil change and tire rotation. So a car that is two years old with 27000 miles has a new set of brakes and rotors, and on its third set of tires. Be prepared to spend some money!

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  Best Luxury SUV on the road!!! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Carlos Sosa - May 27 - 10:00 am

  No words can describe this baby... VW really did it this time.