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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  2007 Touareg - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By spike - October 11 - 12:36 pm

  Were thrilled with Touareg. It drives like a car and is solid - nothing is loose anywhere. The doors and sunroof shut tightly and very it is quiet inside. That seems to be the VW trademark, lately. This truck is really well made. Its power delivery is smooth, but its a heavy car. So be patient. Ive had three Japanese cars - a Nissan, Infiniti, and a Lexus and four German cars - a BMW, Mercedes-Benz and VW. Personally, I find German cars to be more sturdy, functional and practical. Some might say Japanese cars are more refined, sophisticated...etc. The Touareg exemplifies all these qualities without losing its German character.

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  Terrible SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Carlos C - October 3 - 1:20 pm

  I recommend everyone to stay away from this SUV. Mine has had many small problems and my dealership has been unable to fix many of the issues with it.

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  What a car! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Gdhr11 - October 1 - 10:00 am

  I have only had the Touareg for a few weeks now but I love this vehicle. I have owned Mercedes, BMWs, Land Rovers, and Audis. This VW stands up to all of them with shining colors! It has that special German road car feel, is very comfortable and fast (V8). It has a comanding view of the road without feeling too large which makes it fun to drive. In my opinion, dollar for dollar, it beats everything else out there like it.

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  I love this truck! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By rbar06 - September 29 - 11:36 pm

  This is such a great truck. I have owned quite a few vehicles including a Tahoe and a Camaro but must say that this is the most versatile, fun, and reliable vehicle of them all. I can fit the kids in it when I need and also use it to go out on the town. Go ahead and buy it - you will not be disappointed! :)

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  Exceeded all expectations - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By aaeaulpa - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought this SUV over the MDX, X5, ML, and XC simply because the VW matches all others in luxury, performance, and quality. Plus it saved me a couple grand.

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  Best in class...period - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By gianboy - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This SUV (Premium Plus V8) is the funnest, most comfortable, sporty, luxurious vehicle I have ever driven. The air suspension is worth every penny, not to mention the navigation system that is integrated into the display between the tach and speedo. The upgraded sound system will make you think twice before shutting off the Touareg. The power is incredible and the responsiveness, especially if you put it into "S" (sport mode) is incredible. The sound of the engine and the higher revving shifting (together with placing the damping control on "Sport") make you think you are in a sports car.

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  Im in love - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Amber - September 11 - 12:46 am

  I bought my Touareg about two years ago after having purchased a flawless Jetta nine years ago (which we still drive and requires very little maintenance.) I love to drive this car- whether down the street to the store out of town for the weekend. The precision handling and comfort have spoiled me, as well as the bells and whistles that come along with a luxury SUV. I have had a few repairs done on the car, but they were all covered by the extended warranty. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a fun ride for themselves and/or family! We have owned a Toyota 4-Runner and a Ford SUV in the past,and they pale in comparison to this car.

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  Mixed Bag - 2013 Volkswagen Touareg
  By cpmariner - September 7 - 1:29 am

  Overall, this excellent car is very comfortable (plenty of room for a 6 4" man), amazingly powerful, highly maneuverable, great fuel economy, and really fun to drive. My wife fell in love with it, and her Lexus 350 GS is rapidly gathering dust in the garage. However, at 3,000 miles Im beginning to worry about reliability. The first to go was the power seat memory -recently fixed. More serious, though, is an intermittent "roaring" noise from under the hood. To me, it seems to be the engine cooling fan running at 100% for no apparent reason. But the dealers techies are sure that its power steering-related and requires no "fix". Sounds like code for "we dont know" to me. Well see.

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  Best SUV Out There! - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By vwdriver - September 6 - 9:43 pm

  The 2006 Volkswagen Touareg V6 has a great ride on city roads and highways. It handles like a car. Its very comfortable for long trips. I havent taken it off road, but I cant wait to see what this baby can do. It also has more cargo space than its competitors! I love its design, this SUV definitely stands out from the rest, its great vehicle.

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  Toureg Disappointment - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By redtoureg - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I saw the Toureg at the auto show and loved the looks. But overall, very disappointing. Mileage has been less than expected. Multiple problems with the electrical system-tire pressure warning light wont go out and sometimes the left side head and tail lights wont go out without turning the car on and off several times. I agree completely with the Edmunds review about the peculiar acceleration of the car and handling. Ive always had Toyota products before and I wish I had stuck with them.