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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  Drove all Lux Trucks - 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Bada - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Last 8 years owned LX470, X5 , Cayenne and ML350. Test drove Touareg last week. Very nice. Ordered an Executive edition. Black and Black. Go test drive, you will like this redesigned truck. ( If you like the Toyota/Lexus soft ride - Touareg is probably not for you ). Expect more of a Sports Car type handling.

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  Exceptional SUV that wont let you down - 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
  By touareg13 - May 2 - 11:28 am

  I dont like SUVs or "crossovers." Theyre slow, handle poorly and are simply boring to drive. This was my mindset until my wifes A4 broke down for the last time and the dealer gave us a Touareg loaner. I hadnt been familiar with the latest Touareg, but I was impressed immediately so we bought one. It looks great and is highly capable off road and in bad weather. We take ours for long roads trips around New England and its proven to be comfortable in Vermont blizzards, Maine logging roads and long stretches of interstate. Some may scoff at the high price for a VW but the fit and finish of the car is on par with any high end German car. Its a solid vehicle thats up for adventure.

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  Touaregs are tops - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Mike Bronkowski - April 29 - 10:16 pm

  The best vehicle I have ever owned. Great looking inside and out. You feel safe and secure inside it. A joy to drive. Great handling, perky engine and powerful drivetrain, solid construction, roomy interior (front seats) cozy seats and a smooth ride. Going to the gas pump often is offset by the car performance.

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  Touareg tweety - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Mike D. - April 27 - 10:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle new as a luxury SUV. Problems have been of the annoying variety. An on again/off again warbling noise when the air is on which the dealer says they cannot fix. System monitoring sensors that are faulty and a moonroof which vibrates noisily at speeds of up to 45 mph. There is a marked pause on hard acceleration, even to the point of the car revving up but the trans not engaging.I could live with the level of annoyance if this had been an entry level vehicle, say a KIA maybe,unfortunately for me this was a 50,000 vehicle and I expected more than I received.

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  Unapologelic Owner - 2016 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Dakar 09/10/11 - April 5 - 12:03 am

  So let me say this is the third Touareg I have owned. I traded my 2002 for a 2011. Totaled the 2011 and decided to buy a 2015 but there wasnt one available in the color I wanted. So I got a 2016 TDI one month before "Dieselgate" kicked off. When I pulled off the lot I was in sport mode and I was thrilled.Im at 4500 miles and it is has been great not seeing many other cars like my own on the road. I do get harasses by friends and my wife who thinks my employer will move me to California where Ill be forced to sell. This Executive edition VW TDI is one of the few that got off the boat prior to being pulled off the market in the US. Thats to bad for those who may have wanted a great diesel at not such a bad price.

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  monster fun - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By amnesia - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Handles like a sedan, precise steering, and great power. Drives better than an X5 - love the 4-wheel drive and diff locks; most luxurious interior for the buck. Too much steering wheel real estate taken up by 4 cruise control buttons that are rarely used. Owners manual is poor: some things are at odds with reality and the index is about as useful as LA freeway signs. Few accessories available yet.

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  I like it better than my ML350 and Q5 - 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
  By tvevans1 - March 31 - 11:00 am

  I have about 2000 miles on the vehicle and I am very pleased to date. I hope writing this review doesnt change things! I have owned numerous Audis (A6 and Q5) and still have two Mercedes (M Class and E Class) but this is my favorite vehicle so far. Probably because its my first diesel and I am averaging over 30mph with 70% non-highway and 30% highway driving. The power is awesome and the engine is very smooth. It is unbelievably quiet inside, no road or wind noise. It drives more like a SUV than a crossover but still has a car feel. Steering is very tight, turning radius excellent, handling outstanding. The brakes are good but have a little spongy feel. Not sure on reliability.

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  VW Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By joeynh76 - March 30 - 10:20 pm

  The Touareg is a great SUV! The only problem is that VWs maintenance schedule at 40,000 miles requires a tune up ($500). Also about this time the brakes need to be replaced, which means pads, rotors and sensors (again all according to the dealership). That costs about $1,400. New tires about this time about $600 +/- oh yea and the (synthetic) oil change $80 sooo lets see I have to put about $2,500 in to a new SUV...what the heck?! I can buy a used beater for that money! If VW told me I was going to have to pay this price for maintenance..I would have told them to take a long walk off a short pier! I love my VW and have had no problems with it until this 40,000 maintenance but thats just because of the cost.

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  Steering wheel shake - 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
  By shakes1 - March 27 - 7:57 am

  I purchased a slightly used 2013 VW Touareg VR6 LUX approx. 4 weeks ago. Upon driving home from the dealer I noticed that between the speeds of 60 and 75 mph the steering wheel would shake back and forth. This was confirmed over many miles and all types of road surfaces. The car would also pull to the right as well as exhibit a vibration in the seat. The car has now spent 3 weeks at the dealer and after approx. 20 tires and countless road force balancing the issue still exists. VW, in an apparent attempt to limit their liability, is blaming the tires. They now refuse to attempt any more repairs and have told me to pick the car up. They acknowledge the issue to still to be present.

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  A great vehicle for detail reps. - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By 54implant - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I am truely enjoying my Touareg. 17 MPG is what I am currently receiving, and I think that that may increase over time. I purchased the basic V6 model without any extras, and for a work vehicle, I can say that it is more than I expected. I am amazed about how many other drivers in Houston, are stopping to look at the vehicle. If VW would advertise more, I think that you would see additional Touaregs on the road.