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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  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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  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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  Good Looking Manufacturer Buyback - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Niels Leppert - April 13 - 10:03 am

  Factory Buyback. Our 2004 Touareg was great looking, great off-road (low-range rocks!) but was a miserable experience until the day VW (was forced) to buy it back: The V6 engine is weak and sucks down fuel. My new BMW X5 4.4i gets much better gas mileage. The Touareg had tire pressure monitoring failures from the day we bought it. We had trim and rattle problems, squealing rotors, remote lock/unlock issues, A/C windshield fogging problems, and a wiper blade that flew off in a rainstorm. 23 shops days in under 10,000 miles. After three repeat repair attempts and filing Lemon law, VW tried lawyering out of it until losing the arbitration. PS - I love my new BMW X5...Are you listening, Zieter?

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  Disappointing From The Start - 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
  By clarkg - April 1 - 6:15 am

  My 2012 Touareg Lux TDI has been a disappointment as compared to the 2010 Touareg TDI I owned previously. The key/fob ignition system is a huge step backwards in convenience from the keyless start system. Unless you want to spend an additional $5K for the "Executive" version I have found the key fob gizmo in my 2012 "Lux" model as very difficult to operate properly. Upon stopping the engine the key fob cannot be removed from the dash socket about 50% of the time so I have to jockey the start/stop engine function until it can be extracted. If VW engineers were trying to prevent theft they actually have enhanced it as when the fob is stuck anyone can hop in and drive off.

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  Touareg - Dont Buy It - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By BrwIGrl - March 30 - 12:33 am

  I have had the vehicle for approx 4 years. It has continuous problems. In the past 2 mos, I have driven it only 3 days, the remaining days it has been in the shop. The following has been "replaced" : the instrument control panel, cruise control system, back up sensor system, tire monitoring system, water reservoir & Drive Shaft. I have replaced brake pads & headlights. There is a noise the dealer cannot find. It has lost computer modules, so the entire computer system was erased and reloaded twice. If you are thinking about purchasing this vehicle do not do it. I have been paying for a Touareg and driving a loaner Jetta. This is one high priced Jetta.

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  Frequent Repairs - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By lawsonvd - March 25 - 2:26 pm

  My SUV trinks! The dealership drives it more than I do. It is in the shop almost every month. I have had the front axle replaced, window shades replaced twice, cruise control, airbags repaired, air conditioner motor and fan replaced three times, all the keypads for controls on the dash have peeled off and on the door handle. The navigation is not touch screen, only dial. This is car definitely a LEMON!

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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.

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  Disappointment Abounds - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Debbie - October 16 - 9:10 am

  Although the Touareg gets loads of attention - looks nice, feels nice - it seems to have a lot of "bugs" to work out. The car is highly computerized and sometimes needs to be rebooted (yes, just like your comptuer at home). This means actually turning off your car, then turning it back on. There have been MULTIPLE recalls on the Touareg and has spent a lot of time in the shop. This has the potential of being a great car if they could work out some of these annoying problems.

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  Brillance falling short - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By DrinkingLemonade - October 12 - 1:06 am

  Im on my second Touareg as my first was unofficially declared a lemon and swapped with a better Touareg after 3,000 miles (albeit older production model) by VW corporate. Gorgeous vehicle, wonderfully sporty drive in V8 (avoid V6, not enough power) however plagued with problems. Have spent more time in loaner VW cars than I care for; first Treg had electrical issues that could never be solved, this one is back in the shop after 11,000 miles for over a week. Navigation system is weak and not worth the premium, transmission is jerky, battery drain issues create uncertain feelings towards day to day reliability. Once reliability concerns are addressed, this will be a fantastic vehicle.