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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  Very Poor GPS System - 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
  By deh2 - December 23 - 3:39 am

  I have had problems with my GPS since I purchased the vehicle. It often will have you exit & do a U turn only to bring you down the same road,do this a few times in rush hour and see how you feel!! I reported it to the dealer I purchased it from in Georgetown,TX & was told there was no fix yet. I have since moved to Houston,TX took my Toureg in before the warranty went out. They told me that they have heard this numerous times before & could fix it for $200.00 new software. I called the Volkswagen customer service and was told the same thing. 50K vehicle and wont fix the problem that it came with, that way of doing business does not work for me folks!! Imagine a big problem, eh!

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  One of the Best SUVs Available - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Siegfried Grimm - December 13 - 4:03 pm

  The Volkswagen Touareg may not be the fastest in its class, it does not get the best fuel economy, but it is well built and reliable. Those are important features to me.

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  V6 Touareg - Happy Owner - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By peter1438 - December 13 - 2:36 pm

  I would definitely buy another Touareg. It is truly a baby Porsche. For a V6 it has enough grunt and power. The interior is very well done, everything is within reach and the materials are excellent. The tailgate / hatch opens wide and there is enough room for just about anything that you would need an SUV for. After looking at Toyotas and Hondas, I found that for the price of the VW I was getting a much more truck and VW has been around longer than the other two.

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  fun car - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By meg moscati - December 12 - 6:46 am

  Even though the fuel economy stinks, this is an awesome car to drive. Very comfortable inside and handles well. The exterior colors and design make it a really handsome car as well.

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  Excellent SUV - 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
  By krands - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Great ride and handling both on and off road. Decent fuel economy for vehicle capable of towing 7000 lbs.

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  Unbelievable - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By PLEASE READ - December 3 - 7:16 pm

  I bought this SUV in late 2004. It has been the in the shop at least twelve times over the past 36 months. Went through five batteries before a recall came out to fix the battery cables. I was told that I always have to leave my car locked in order to not drain the battery. I went to trade it in and was offered only $21,000. Then I went to CarMax and was offered $22,000. This truck only has 30,000 miles on it and both CarMax and the dealer said it would be rated as excellent, which KBB and Edmunds say the trade in value should be $24000, and that a third party sale would be $28,000. This vehicle is such a loss. I am so disappointed in how this value has dropped so much. It is going to cost me money to get out of this vehicle.

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  V-8 Touareg - One satisfied owner - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By From 54 VW to TReg - November 30 - 3:10 pm

  Car delivered the first week of August 04 - VIN 86xxx with a build date of May 04. Finished in Campy White/Teak - V-8, Premium + and Winter. Replaced 97 LandCruiser. Unlike many reviewers, Ive not encountered a single problem with the Touareg in the first three months of ownership with close to 6k miles. No recalls, no trips to dealer except for oil change at 5k. Traveled to Montana with only 187 miles on the OD and returned with just under 5k and not a single problem. Very quick, nicely appointed, and looks great. Based on my personal experience I would not hesitate to recommend the Touareg to anybody with the need for an mid-size SUV. Negatives - Resale has been hit hard.

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  A Super SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By 04TouregV8 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent SUV. I highly recommend it. Glad I bought the V8. Found the V8 to have lots of "extra little features" that the V6 does not offer, or only offers as an option. I really like having the air suspension as well.

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  my VW Toureg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Jim Rph - November 25 - 3:50 am

  Heavy and secure car. Very comfortable ride. High quality workmanship inside and out. I like the european styling.The the interior is more ellegant then the Japanese cars. Hope to have it for a long time.

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  Amazing! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Curtman54 - November 23 - 2:20 pm

  I purchased (leased) my Toureg in 2004; we are a Volkswagen family. Youll note from my ratings that the car is a performer, fast, solid as a rock, beautifully designed interior and handles like a sports car. It is a beast in New Englands torrid winter weather. This is when the car is not at the dealership taking advantage of a very good warranty. I have been to the dealer so many times for so many things that I am totally disgusted and infuriated by Volkswagens lack of shame. The common reply to my frustrations is: "Well, its under warranty." I do not recommend this car. It is unfortunate because it could have really been my dream. Instead, it has been a constant nightmare.