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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  my great touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By evelyn10 - November 23 - 5:53 am

  I really love this touareg, I bought it 6 month ago with 67000 miles and the car runs great, after cleaning the injectors it needs only 18-19mpg in the city and 20mpg at the highway, in 6 month I had no problem I only checked the car at volkswagen and it was free I payed nothing, this is really a excellent luxury SUV, the best I ever had, and my kids are happy with this car, it is the same base and motor like the Porsche Cayenne

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  Worth the Wait - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Texas T-Reg - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Ordered mine in Oct. 2003 and picked it up on 2-13-04. Have put over 3,000 miles including a trip to the mountains in New Mexico. It is exceptionally comfortable on long trips and handles better than my wifes BMW 325xiT all-wheel drive wagon. It is very stable at high speeds yet performed exceptionally well in the snow, ice, and mud of the mountains. The vehicle has been completely trouble-free from a maintenance standpoint. The V8 performed very well at 9,000plus elevations.

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  Great Job VW - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Dave Gallego - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I got out of my ML lease 2 months early due to the fact that I salivated every time I saw the Touareg. Now that I have it, I cant wait to drive to work in the morning. Its an extraordinary vehicle.

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  T-Reg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Magicman - November 13 - 10:00 am

  Awesome vehicle! I will move up to a V- 8 or V-10 next year for more performance

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  Dream Machine - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Joshei - November 10 - 10:50 pm

  This SUV is really good. I can easily pull my boat with it. Its also very safe. It has lot of space in the interior.

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  VWs Sure Footed Vault - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Two VWs - November 5 - 7:40 am

  After test driving all (except VW) major SUVs with safety, AWD/4x4 drive, and towing capacity in mind, the Toyota Sequoia barely met our needs. Just before the dealership, we passed the VW Touaregs all in a row. After crawling over one inside and out, and driving two blocks, she/we said, "I want this one!". The Tour-pig, as I fondly call it, tows more than other SUVs (two trips with 3,500 lb. trailer - tows great), has neat gadgets (I still havent figured out all the gizmos), is rated highly in safety, has the best workmanship interior of all (love them hard German seats!). The traction on snow/ice is tremendous - rock solid. In short, we (mostly) love it! We own 3 Volvos and 2 VWs.

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  Diesel fan - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Dick Bare - November 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Touareg, first was a gasoline, 2004, had a few problems as it was the first year out, this car is much improved and a rocket ship, faster than the sister Porsche by .6 second, (Cayenne S), no problems so far in 5000 miles.

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  Went for oil changer left w/Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Seth Nissenbaum - October 30 - 10:00 am

  I went to get an oil change for my 2002 Saab 9-5 wagon and I left with a 04 Touareg V6. As much as I love the Saab there was something about the Touareg that I could not keep my eyes off of. So while the Saab was getting its lube I test drove a Touareg V6 and was amazed at the capabilty of the vehicle. As an owner of a 98 Audi A6 I have loved VW/Audi simplistic apporach to design. The interior noise is next to nothing at 70 mph on horrible Ohio roads. I have not figured out the navigation system as of yet and I am sure it is something I do not need, but for the Touaregs price when compared to other premium SUVs it is a steal. I recommend it to EVERYONE

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  whyshouldi - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By somethinorother - October 24 - 10:00 am

  its a superb suv`

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  My nicest VW to date - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Michael - October 19 - 11:53 pm

  Purchased the Volkswagen Touareg V8, as I already drive a Jetta TDI. Its fuel economy has been around 16+ mpg, as advertised. For a 5,300 pound vehicle, I cannot complain. It has massive power, sticky cornering on all its season tires, a great 6 speed tiptronic transmission, and all of the creature comforts that I have never known in a Volkswagen. The best ownership factor is not seeing one every mile on the road, like the Ford Explorer, BMW X5, etc. Always get the "high five" from other VW drivers. I just easily handled 10+ inches of fresh snowfall on back roads of the Eastern Shore of VA. I was the last vehicle into my community before the roads were deemed impassable.