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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  Electrical and computer malfunctions - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By R D - September 17 - 7:20 pm

  I owned the V-8 Touareg for 13 months and recently sold it due to unreliability. Had it in for service ten times. Twice the first week I owned it. Numerous electrical malfunctions. Two complete electrical failures when the vehicle would not start. It was necessary to have it towed into dealership on these two occasions. Had problems with all-wheel drive system especially transfer case. Had electrical problems with all-wheel drive system. Experienced electrical problems with doors not locking or unlocking. Before anyone considers buying a Touareg, check Technical Service Bulletins at NHTSA web site. My Touareg experienced almost all of them. BIG depreciation "hit" when I sold it.

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  Bad Purchase - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By First & last VW - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I should have known better when I forked out $45k for a Volkswagen. Attracted by the design and stylish interior I dismissed the Golden Rule: Never buy a complete new car model within the first year of the official market release. I have only 3300 miles on the clock and had to bring it into the shop five times already. Yes, five times. Besides the weekly recalls VW issues (kind of a game now for me to guess what theyll find next week)the car has let me down various times. Engine troubles, electronics mailfunctioning, airbag errors, tire- pressure alerts every other day - it just doesnt stop.

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  Touareg Nightmare - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By CW - March 12 - 3:06 pm

  VW does not stand behind its products. I have had my Touareg in the shop for various items including transmission problems for a total of 14 weeks since I purchased it. this truck cost $55,000 new and now I cant even sell it. The most I can get for a trade is $31,000. It needed new tires at 15,000 miles. It has wear caused by the failure of the stepper motor and VW would only pay for half of them. That was another $500 dpwn the drain. Also, it absolutely sucks gas, honestly, even driven when very gingerly. The transmission still shifts quirky and the brakes grab. I would not purchase another VW product for all the money in the world. I thought of claiming it under the lemon law, but who has the time for all that litigation. It squeaks and rattles all the time.

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  lemon - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By lemonowner - February 19 - 9:20 pm

  I like the way the touareg handles and looks. My main problem is all the things that have been going wrong with it.It has been back at dealership a total of 4 times already(for a total of 13 days),and Ive only had it for just under 5 months. Everything from electrical problems to the door handle becoming stuck and unable to be opened.Not what you would expect from a $.45,000 vehicle

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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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  Steering Wheel Shake - 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
  By shakytouareg - November 2 - 10:20 pm

  I bought a 2013 Touareg TDI Lux a month ago and it has been in the shop for 17 days with an irreparable steering wheel oscillation. It is still in the shop. So far VWoA has advised the local dealer to try the following: road force balance all wheels, swap wheels from another car, change all four tire to Michelin Latitudes, replaced front drive shafts and replace steering rack. None have remedied the problem. Other owners have reported the exact same issue and have had difficulty getting satisfactory resolution. Search for "Touareg steering problem" to find more. Or go to ww.touaregsteeringshake.com. I dont any more hassle, I just want a new car.

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  Flawed Design - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By blankfiend - September 19 - 4:01 am

  Id like to meet the genius who designed this beast. I was just informed by my dealer that to change the liquid cooled alternator would involve 14 hours of labor to pull the engine and cost $2118.00!!

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  Bittersweet - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Mommas Car - August 4 - 2:00 pm

  I have yet to own my Touareg for a full year. I brought it from a VW dealership thinking that it would be as close to as buying it new and I have had to replace all four tires. The front brakes were replaced once and just this passed week I had to have ALL brakes and rotors replace! To fill up my tank its about $90 +/-. My husband drives a GMC Yukon with 4-doors and it cost about the same for his gas! Love my VWs but I think after this its time to move on!

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  Good for 45,000 miles, THEN PURE HELL - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Bill M. - July 1 - 4:30 am

  My wife and I enjoyed the car for the first 45,000 miles but since then the Touareg cant make it 500 miles without a check engine light, bad cooling fans, sunroof and windows that mysteriously open by them self,power seats that fail, X brake that wont release, etc. In fact after the last visit to the dealership we could not even get off the lot because the brakes were locked and would not release. It is VW policy that if a item doesnt fail like our power seats which made a horrible grinding noise and would freeze in the down position VW will not warranty the item. VW would just unfreeze the seat and say that it did not fail and we had to live with the grinding noise. BEWARE OF VW.

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  Maybe - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By James E - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Had this SUV for a month. Its been to the shop twice already. Ride is comfortable not enough power. Go with the V8. I was displeased with the sales staff at the location where I purchased the vehicle. I caught the sales staff in a few different lies. Lame, just sell the car.