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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  I like the T-Reg V-8 - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Kent Pridmore - May 23 - 1:16 am

  Very nice SUV. Handles great. Fun to drive. I have not had any problems at all. I knew about the gas mileage before I purchased the SUV. The bells and whistles are a little much.

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  Drivers Wanted - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By SyouV - May 21 - 10:00 am

  All VWs are cars for Drivers. Touareg is no exception. One needs a Driving skill and focus to appreciate this car. The V8 is so powerful that a gentle but precise push on gas in needed to roll it from stop (the so- called "hesitation" problem). The ride is so quiet that air is heard flowing off vents. And one needs to buckle up before switching the ignition and fix tire pressure between weather seasons. These pretty much cover for the "lemon" issues. Then just Drive! This Car is amazing to Drive!

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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.

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  Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By G. Newsom - May 21 - 10:00 am

  The Touareg has an excellent feel for the road. It is comfortable and spacious. The car does offer a real offroad ability and easily manages city potholes and traffic. The negatives are that you must get use to the large rear headrest that seemingly block your rearview and the gas mileage. Also there is a little vibration sound from the sunroof. None of these factors are so bad that I would not have bought the car again. Though I may have bought the V8 or V10.

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  More than expected for the money - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By floridasutherner - May 15 - 10:00 am

  With all of the options that come with the Suv, I couldnt compare the price with all that I have on the Tourage verses with the BMW, Lexus & Volvo. Very Roomy in the front and backseat. Wish that it had a 3rd row option and better gas mileage, A in dash disk player would be nice as well! The interior and the drive of this SUV feels as if you had paid for a top dollar SUV and in fact, I didnt! Very eye catchy and I get alot of compliments!

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  Caveat Emptor - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By joeschmoe - May 12 - 7:43 pm

  We bought this T-reg with 7K miles from fleet use. We are very glad we bought the extended warranty, as this car has required over $6K in repairs over the last year. Finally traded it in this week with 97K miles on the odometer. This vehicle performed well in all weather and road conditions. We live in Minnesota where the snow and ice can come quick and strong, and the T-reg could handle all conditions, with good style and comfort. The V6 is a bit underpowered for a vehicle this heavy, but we did not do any towing, so we were OK. There was not enough room in the drivers seat for my 62" frame, so I would frequently get uncomfortable on long drives. Reliability problems are bad.

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  Great SUV desperately needs air suspension - 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
  By clarkg - May 6 - 5:51 am

  This is my 3rd T-reg and will be my last - I previously had the Lux version but decided to move up to the Executive - this changed the rim size to 20" from the Luxs 19" - just this 1" taller rim harshened the ride considerably to a point that passengers in the back seat went airborne over any large bump - I had test driven a Cayenne diesel with air suspension before purchasing the Executive - it had a pleasing controlled ride on rough streets - a similarly equipped Cayenne diesel bites 6 figures fully loaded so the Executive is a relative bargain - I hope that VW will once again offer air suspension as an option on the T-reg since the large majority are street driven

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  I should have pursued the Lemon Law - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By jal - May 4 - 11:50 am

  Transmission clunking on downshifting, service dept said they could not duplicate the problem. Thus, they can not fix it. Tire pressure monitors not working, cracked panels at dash, seat belts locking and have to be cut off. Center carrier barring had to be replaced. I started Lemon Law proceeding on this. It just happens that the day VW recieved by defect notification, "suddenly" they can fix my vehicle. I sold it after less then one year and bought Lexus RX 330 and lost several thousand dollars over my purchase of the 2004 Touareg, SUV of the year. I was so happy to get rid of the VW, and never happier driving a vehicle like the RX330.....

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  Beautiful Ride - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By B. A. - April 20 - 4:33 am

  My wife loves her Touareg. It has a great interior, is roomy and plenty of pep.

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  2006 Volkswagen Touareg - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Vic - April 19 - 8:50 am

  This truck has a nice, classy look inside and out that drives like a dream.