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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  Great SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Steven - March 1 - 12:56 pm

  It is a fun SUV to drive. It handles great and acceleration is also great. I was drivng a CLK320 for a few months and once I started Driving the Touareg the CLK felt like it had slow acceleration atleast from a low speed to a higher speed. The car will fly from 45mph to 80mph in a matter of a lite touch on the pedal and a few seconds. This is the V8 engine of course. People are allways surprised how well this 5,400lb SUV can takeoff. Sport mode and the triptronic tramission really makes the car fly. Off Road ability is the best of any Unibody Truck sold on the market it can match up with Jeep, Hummer, Benz and Land Rover. The interior is great just as good as any Ranger Rover. The Touareg is a great vehicle.

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  Cant go wrong - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Damian Ward - March 1 - 8:53 am

  This vehicle will do everything you ask of it onroad or offroad. Safe, reliable, and plenty quick between traffic lights. Stops really well. great vehicle for long road trips. SatNav system is last generation CD instead of DVD. Air suspension works like a dream. No complaints in 1st year of ownership. This vehicle is the full deal.

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  30+ MPG at 70 MPH - 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Dean - February 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Touareg for work related driving. Smooth, powerfull, and fun to drive. Handles very well for an SUV. Routinely getting 29-31 mpg with the diesel. Tows our sailboat effortlessly. No problems the first 20k miles

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  Fun Drive - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By joek71 - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I just got my Touareg and it is a eye catcher, people look at even poeple from other SUVs. I had fun driving it from the dealer to the house, I loved the interior very comfortable and the drive is great and handles very well on turns. The only thing is a little lack of power on the V6 when you give gas it takes a little longer to accelerate,but I am coming from driving a C-320. The point is that this is a great car. The gas economy could be a little better, but other then that it is worth every penny.

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  Road Beast - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By JimboJones - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Heres the story, this rig is not really about refined elegance, so if thats what youre looking for try a Lexus RX. It makes a lot of noise under throttle. Mine has a big V8 (the only one worth getting since the v6 is a DOG), and you can hear it all the time. Its fast, and pretty, but not totally nimble and quiet. Solid too, without loosing all road feedback.

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  Love this car! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By LoveMyTREG - February 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Touareg after owning an FX35 for three months. The FX35 never felt "right" too sporty in performance and atitude. Test drove a Touareg V6 and fell in love. Great ride - no attitude. Feels solid. Be sure to get the air suspension - makes a big difference in handling/performance. V6 has enough power.

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  2012 Touareg TDI Exec - 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
  By treg23 - February 14 - 2:06 am

  Traded in my beloved "05 V8 Exec on this 2012 TDI Exec in July 2012. Have logged lots of seat time accumulating almost 20,000 Kms. Overall this is a very good and very capable vehicle but this one seems was seemingly built by an Slovakian on a Friday afternoon.

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  Love My Touareg! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By mghartman - February 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my V6 Touareg in Nov 2003 and have around 12,000 miles on it at this time. This is a wonderful vehicle for long road trips in a variety of conditions -- dry, rain or ice. It is also a nice ride in town or on freeways. If I had it to do over again, I would purchase this very same vehicle. I absolutely love it!

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  Volkswagen Touareg V6 - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Kadri - February 9 - 12:03 pm

  The Volkswagen Touareg is a great SUV, an example of this is when I went off-roading with this bad boy. Another great feature that I like is the Tire Pressure Monitior since you can actually check out the pressure of all 4 tires. Also I recently got a trialer hitch attached to my Touareg which can tow up 7,500 pounds. In my opinion I shouldve gotten the V8 since it gives the brawny power of the German cars today, even though the fuel economy would deterioate

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  Fun and Stylish Driving - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By dfhl923 - February 8 - 7:50 pm

  Having owned a Nissan Pathfinder and a Toyota 4Runner, this SUV topped them all. It is well built and has great handing, stylish, luxurious, fashinable, and just down right fun. Two draw backs: no automatic seats (and the crank turn is difficult) and try not to pour or get anything on the console or gear shift area. I had an air freshner attached to my AC vent. It leaked and it took the finish off the mentioned areas. It doesnt look very good. Otherwise, this is a fabulous car.