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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  BEWARE: DO NOT BUY THIS SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By shena - February 24 - 7:36 pm

  I have had so many problems with this SUV. I had it for 8hrs and had to take it back into the shop. Since I bought it, it has been back to the shop 21 times. Now it is in the shop having the transmission replaced. Anything and everything that can break or go wrong with a vehicle has! The dealership refused to even try to fix it, saying that my imagination was running wild, that they could not find any problems. If you buy this SUV be prepared to fork out alot of cash for repairs because once the warranty goes out, then they will find enormous amounts of damage that you have to pay for, even if you have told them about the problems numerous times before. Please dont get suckered in like me!

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  Love It! - 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
  By cgf - February 21 - 2:23 pm

  Just got my new 2010 Touareg. Shopped Mercedes ML350, Lexus 350, Volvo CX90 - best deal and standard features. This ride is very solid. I think this is my favorite car so far. Had VW in the past 79 Bug, 84 Golf.

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  A Joy To Drive - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By maddog76 - February 19 - 10:00 am

  I was initially hesitant to purchase a first year model, but I am very, very happy with this vehicle. VW has done an outstanding job with their first SUV. It is very well-built -- solid -- very comfortable to drive, and handles expceptionally well for a rather heavy mid-size. Negatives: In (D)rive, the trans shifting is a bit ragged at low speeds and slow acceleration; I drive in TripTronic or sport mode most of the time with no problem. (VW has already addressed the shifting issue with a softare upgrade that Ill have installed soon.)

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  Great Vehichle - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Sandeep - February 15 - 7:26 pm

  THis is our 2nd touareg. The 1st one was a buyback because of electrical problems that were never ending. However, we still loved the car and agreed to take a replacement Touareg. The 05 Touareg has met all our expectations is probaly the nicest SUV we saw while we were looking to make our purchase. We compared it to the BMX X5 and X3, Lexus, etc. However kept coming back to it. Even after our initial lemon Touareg, this is still our favourite vehicle and am glad we stuck with it. The 05 has been problem free since we have had it.

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  Very good so far - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Mikemarcus - February 13 - 2:53 am

  Excellent ride, performance and response. Great looks and interior design. Not very good gas mileage but worth it

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  Touareg Rocks! - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By BuilderDude - February 11 - 9:33 pm

  Ive had my 2006 Touareg V6 for a little over a week and I is a great SUV. I test drove every high end sedan and SUV and the Touareg beats them hands down. The quality, ride and comfort cant be beat. Ive also not seen another Touareg on the street since delivery and I love that. Ive owned VWs back in the early 80s and I had forgotten how well they are engineered. Dont by a Mercedes, buy a Touareg.

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  My Review - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By FEL - February 7 - 12:43 am

  Car is awesome to drive, only complaint is the fuel....HUGE GAS GUZZLER!!!!!

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  What a great ride! - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Mrs. Stacey Branger - February 5 - 1:17 am

  This is a terrific SUV. Yes, its a gas hog, but the power, control, and creature comforts out weigh that particular negative. I bought this to haul my elderly handicap parents, and their scooters around town. We all love the smooth ride, AC, and Its turning capability. Its easy to climb in and out of, and we find that even though we do not plan on having more than three adults at a time, we are all happy with the space provided inside. Check timing belt, and tires. Expensive to replace.

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  never again - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By john - January 30 - 5:13 am

  superb handling and performance is easily forgotten considering the problems its had. 15 months and 18k miles later it has been in the shop at least 8 times for more than 30 days. Service department was friendly but inept at fixing any of the electric malfunctions that plague this vehicle. I bought early and should have expected problems with the new model, but now 15 months later there is no excuse for not being able to fix the same issues I brought it in for within days of driving it off the lot. Do not buy one of these unless you have a satisfaction or money back guarantee from the dealer and at least 30 days to drive it before you pay.

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  Steer Clear - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By D.Ryder - January 29 - 10:10 am

  I purchased my 2005 Touareg due to VWs reputation of quality and safety. At 1,200 miles it started to make horrible metal on metal sounds from the transmition that the dealership could not duplicate because once the transmition would warm up it would stop. Starting at 2,200 miles the headlights would occasionally decide to take a break. Again the dealership said all was well. Finally at 4,400 miles the SRS Airbag system failed. According to the dealership this means they will not deploy in a collision. The earliest time they would be able to repair it, but it would take two weeks. So it sits in the garage until then.