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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  Toureg Tough on Kids - 2010 Volkswagen Touareg
  By McDonald NC - October 11 - 6:20 am

  Ive had the Toureg for 7 months. Great for an individual or for a couple. But, the back seats are very erect and my kids wont get in the car unless were traveling less that an hour. Just not comfortable in the back seat. Also, when I lock the car with the key fob the alarm goes off about 50% of the time -- very frustrating especially when with a customer. Lastly, I am forced to use Flow Volkswagen for service-- Unbelievlably bad service. In summary, a great ride but my kids avoid it, no trunk space, and the local dealer is a nightmare. Will be selling or trading soon.

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  Buy Something Else - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By marlok - September 23 - 4:00 am

  This is by far the best looking SUV on the road and it stops there. VW went wrong or someone did not follow how an SUV is supposed to last. The brakes are a big problem. You will replace them every 5,000 miles and it will cost you $600 or more to have them repaired. An oil change can cost you upwards of a $150 due to the design of getting to the oil pan. Everything goes wrong with this SUV. Stay away from the Touareg.

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  Never again! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By ERIK - August 30 - 2:56 am

  I like this car. Great features, good looks, good performance. What i hate is vw service. I do not think that vw was ready for the luxury level clientel. My car has been in the shop for more than a month in the 15 months ive owned it. Although there is full warranty but most items are not paid for. There have been numerous recalls. Going for a service is worse than going to a dentist. In conclusion although i like this car and enjoy driving it, the pains that i have been through with 4 different vw dealerships in los angeles area has made me vow to never again buy another vw, no matter how good the car might be.

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  Touareg LEMON - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By pe02 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a V6 Touareg last October and have had MULTIPLE problems with it. The keyless entry system does not always work. The homelink has been replaced, the computer board for the convenience menu failed. The brakes sound like an 18 wheeler. I had $400. mudflaps put on that are now stained from the bolts that hold them on that have rusted. The radio has a software problem that I am told that VW has no answers for and the CD player freezes at various tomes and you cannot get the cd out. I have contacted VW many times with no response. DO NOT BUY A VW, THEY DO NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR LEMONS

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  First Year for Touareg - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Mary Lou King - June 24 - 9:16 pm

  For such a bulky vehicle (I have to fold in mirrors to get in garage), I am very cramped with the drivers seat all the way back (64"/230 lbs). It is hard to see left or right rear by turning in the drivers seat. The owners manual does NOT describe how to set the dash clock. I had to go to two dealerships (7 sales persons and three mechanics before the clock could be set). I e-mailed VW about the clock and NEVER received an answer. This truck gets very poor gas mileage (about 13 mpg) for a 6-cylinder. there is no immediate response from the gas pedal when starting out. Access to the engine appears restricted due to the intake manifold (?) covering top of engine. Ill find out for sure when its time to take a wrench to it.

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  My Engine Just Blew - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By V6 2007 Treg - May 31 - 7:40 pm

  Car is at the dealer and waiting for a new engine. 4 months left on the lease and I cant wait to give it back.

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  Too Much for too Little - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By JHK - May 16 - 6:53 am

  This truck is supposedly built on the Porsche Cayenne platform. It is okay, but it came from the factory with alignment problems that VW knew about, ignored, and refused to pay for. This ate up the crappy tires it came equipped with. It also has crappy brakes with poor stopping power despite ABS - Ive had many near misses. Buy a car the manufacturer stays behind. There are better options out there for the money.

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  Fisrt & Last VW - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By FLA.T-REG - May 13 - 4:50 am

  My VW experience has been horrible. I have finally given up on taking it back to the dealer for warranty issues because the problems are always there after the visit. Their response when I asked if they got everything taken care of was "couldnt duplicate the problem" or "onboard computer didnt show any issues." Well, let me tell you something, Im surprised that someone hasnt been killed (maybe they have and Im not aware) due to driving these defective vehicles. Specifically, I refer to pulling / merging into traffic and having it "fall on its nose" when you try to accelerate! This is my biggest issue with the vehicle, however I have also had all the malfunctioning warning signals, etc.

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  2004 VW Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Carrie Rios - March 26 - 10:03 am

  My car has been in the shop for 64 days now. the 2nd field engineer is being sent out to evaluate the situation. I have been told on 3 separate occasions my car is repaired and ready to pick up and when I get there is does not start. AC has been an issue since day 1. Alignment has also. I am not a happy VW Touareg owner!

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  Electrical Junk - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Dave - March 24 - 11:13 pm

  I wish VW would buy this junk car back. I should not be on a first name basis with the dealer service staff with only 6500 miles on the car. The vehicle has more electrical problems than I can stand, rewire the drivers seat, numerous tire PSI computers, and R/C key antenna issues (I could stand next to the vehicle and it refused to lock). Heck, I didnt even make it home from the dealer on the day we bought it before I had to turn around and bring it back for a problem! This is not what I expect from a high end SUV. Shame on you VW!