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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  After 50,000 Miles. - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Mountain Driver - March 9 - 11:10 pm

  I have now driven my V6 Touareg 55,000 miles. I have two complaints, it is a gas guzzler and it lack of power. At 5,000 lbs. plus, I dont know what they were thinking when they put in a V6. Other than that, it has been an awesome vehicle. To date it has only needed one set of spark plugs and oil and filter have been the only maintenance. Winter driving is sheer fun up here in the Laurentian Mountains. this is a poor mans Porsche Cayenne or Audi Q7.

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  Great vehicle-lousy on gas - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Cheryl Kahner - March 4 - 6:26 pm

  Maybe due to weight (5700 lbs.) and AWD, the gas mileage is closer to 10 city/15 highway. Smooth ride with comfortable seats. Fair amount of cargo space. Rolling control on steering wheel for information display can be confusing to use.

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  2005 Volkswagen Touareg V6 AWD - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By thesabels - March 4 - 2:10 pm

  My 2005 Volkswagen Touareg V6 AWD is fun to drive and has excellent handling. It is beautifully engineered. The rain-sensing wipers are a very poor idea though. The computerized comfort options are good, but the computer often resets itself with its own ideas. The only reason I would not buy another one is the high cost of routine VW dealer maintenance.

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  Whats up with the Homelink? - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By 4mydawgs - February 2 - 2:00 am

  After waiting 4-1/2 months for the car it is now sitting in my garage, they couldnt get the combination of options/colors I wanted. Had to settle for less accessories as well as a different color interior and exterior than I had originally asked for. The car is very nice, powerful, but my previous car was a 2000 Beetle GLX and it is a little disorienting looking for the clock and the speedometer when switching vehicles.

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  2004 Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By GSF - February 2 - 2:00 am

  We have owned and enjoyed driving the Touareg for 6 months. No problems. Just had the 5000mile check-up/oil change. It took a little while to get used to the feel of driving, the brakes, and the controls. Its not a sports car....but a very well thought out and well built SUV.

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  2004 Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By GrayZ0ne - December 22 - 2:40 pm

  I only drive a few miles to my studio daily, but about 12 times a year I go to the Mojave Desert to do landscape photography. I find the Touareg an excellent ORV for my purposes and consider it a unique vehicle for its combination of highway manners and off-road capability. The low MPG is understandable given the vehicles weight, but could be better.

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  premature infatuation - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By busyworkinmom - December 15 - 11:40 am

  Me thinks I bought too quickly. After 3 previous VW purchases (over the 7 cars in my past), and a nice test drive, I thought I was making a wise purchase. After less than 3K miles, and 90 days, I am regretting this selection. V-6 does NOT have enough power - shame on VW for thinking so, and asking 5K more for a V8. Quirky and tempermental electrical system (numerous warning lights coming and going w/ no resolve from the dealer - YET). Interior trim peeling on driver door (yuck,did I buy a KIA)?! Cant sell it for what I owe- feel I have a middle of the road car at a high-end price - as I expected much more from VW and much more in a 40K car. Hope VW is listening (this may be my last VW)

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  Underappreciated Volkswagen - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By ralph scheuer - November 30 - 5:36 am

  This has been a great truck. It has lots of curb appeal, a good ride, and handling for an SUV. It has the best interior of them all. Poor radio reception is my only gripe.

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  Touareg review. - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Chris - November 24 - 4:26 am

  My touareg has been great. Ive owned it since June 2003 so I had one of the first ones out there. While I never had anything worse than minor software issues, some have had serious problems. All I can say is this truck is worth a little bit of hassle. Its fairly exclusive, you wont see yourself coming down the road. And the luxury and build quality exceeds BMW and Mercedes, its really on a par with Audi. In fact, I sold my Audi A8 because whats the point of owning two luxury vehicles. Also, I over 6000lbs of trailer for several hours at a time with zero issues. Its been near perfect for us...theres no other SUV wed consider (except a V10 Touareg!).

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  Superior SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By botb - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Its exterior styling and its towing capacity sealed my purchase, despite concern over Volkswagens reliability reputation. Now 2 mos. old with 2,000 miles - so far, no major problems. I do believe that there is significant room for improvement - The location of the cd changer is a joke, $850 for the towing package is a steep price, very poor control layout on the steering wheel, navagation system is terrible, climate control doesnt function well. My vehicle was delivered with a front license plate bracket riveted onto the front bumper and Im still arguing with the dealership on the removal and repair.