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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  Awesome Vehicle - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By FISHORCUTBAIT - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Spent the last week driving my folks new Touareg V8 and couldnt say enough to really do it justice. I ordered my own today with the V10 TDI scheduled for production early November and delivery for January. Went with the V10 TDI for better fuel economy (24 mpg on the HWY) and increased torque for pulling my boat. Besides, the V10 TDI has won several international awards for its engineering.

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  Take a long test drive - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By arbee - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a 2004 in dec 03, partly for the tax break. Car is built like a bank vault, everything seems to be of high quality, switch gear feels very audi/mercedes like. Acually i like everything about the car except for two thing. Fuel milage is poor - best i can get driving only for mileage is 19-20 on the highway. Regular driving 12-14 mpg and this is on premium fuel. Second thing is seat design, seat is comfortable for about 1/2 hour, after that, the much too firm side bolsters cut into my nice normal sized rearend. Like the car enough though to have seat bolsters changed at upholstery shop, right now using a seat pad that works ok.

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  Great Car buy poor remote antenna - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By asamreth - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Great car, but VW needs to improve on the range of the remote entry. My previous car, G35, has a range approximate 10 times. Folding seat concept not all that exciting. Wind noise can be annoying. VW needs to redesign rack system or improve on the aerodynamics.

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  Lemon - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Holly Martel - December 23 - 4:56 am

  Ive only owned the vehicle for 3 months and its been in the shop for a total of 23 days now. The list is endless with all the problems. Nice to look at inside and outside when Im actually able to drive it. Have hired a lawyer and it will be going back to the dealership...for good!

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  mmmmmm - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By nathanoh - December 21 - 10:00 am

  l absolutely love my Touareg. The power is endless, it is asthetically pleasing in and out, the interior is painstakingly classy, and a comfort to sit in. I have a few issues but they are minor. There are intermittent electrical issues (radio having no sound twice, unusual and inappropriate warning lights), the seatbelt alarm that takes 5 minutes to go away if you choose to not wear your seat belt, and the tranmission is a bit rough when in the Sport setting. I highly recommend this vehicle though i do wish that with the 55,000 i spent that VW would put a computer system in that didnt run like Windows.

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  Strong German Engineering - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By mikeramirez - December 15 - 10:00 am

  After a lot of thought and quite a few tests, we decided to get the Touareg (instead of the Cayenne or the Chevy Tahoe). We are really happy with it. It feels really strong on the highway (great comfort) and specially agile in city driving. Ours (2005 version) is definitely NOT short on power (240hp) as some people said about the 2004 Touareg (220hp). Of course, it responds quickly to the gas pedal, but bear in mind that you are not driving a Mini :) Fuel consumption is about 20mpg on average, much better than we initially thought. This a great SUV. Cant wait to take it off-road without kids and wife ;)

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  not worth the money - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By VW Bummer - December 2 - 1:40 pm

  We purchased this car after our first child was born. It is a heavy safe car that is fun to drive. Thats where it stops. From the start it was in the shop for trim, sensors etc.. I would have to rent a car within the dealer (usually a tiny tin can) every time I took my car for service. If I would complain at all about the frequency of these malfunctions on the car they would blow me off and tell me that I had purchased a luxury vehicle and the repairs are more extensive? ? What? Wheres my luxury service? I think VW priced themselves out of the market with this SUV. For the price you are paying you should have some service. Buy yourself a Lexus and get yourself taken care of.

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  Impressed - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By adam - November 28 - 8:23 am

  Exceptional safety feeling, did not have a single problem during 8 days family trip to west coast last winter. Perfect cruiser. I like the folding mirrors in narrow parking spots. Great great car.

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  04 V8 Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Bob McMahon - November 19 - 2:00 am

  The doors on the car do not always close when shut and remain ajar about 50% of the time, unless slammed really hard. Some of the door handles are also remaining in the open position (or out) when released. This also causes the doors to not shut properly. The automatic shifting doesnt always shift into the 6th gear under all circumstances. It will shift into 6th gear if the shifter is moved ( to the right) into the shiftable transmission mode. Overall if the longterm relaibility is excellent Id buy another Touareg. Bob Mc Vermont

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  My - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Biffer - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Saw several last year in Europe just as the model was being launched--love at first sight. I couldnt wait for it to hit these shores. Handsome exterior, flawless interior, outstanding build quality, superb handling, reasonable performance from the V6...this car is brilliantly executed in every way. I enjoy the looks I get from other drivers!