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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  Perfect balance - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Rivers - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I tested the X-5, Cayenne V6, MDX, Honda Pilot, Lexus 330 and decided the the Touareg was the overall best V6 suv out there. The interiors are Jaguar/Bentley quality. Great attention to detail and comfort. The v- 6 has enough power for the daily routine. The color selection is better than any other suv out there. The ride and handling are superior. I considered the X5 but thought the ride was too rough and the suv too small inside. The pricing is ridiculous. The Cayenne v-6 is a joke. Go for the V8 if you have to have the Porsche logo. As for the japanese cars, I just dont like the feel and interiors.

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  dissapointed - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By maukahale - June 1 - 10:00 am

  nice from far but far from nice. im appalled at the 8.5 mpg im getting. brakes constantly wail, clunk on up shift or downshift, leather stiching pulling apart at 3,500 miles and the car has a chime or buzzer for everything, have to pull the fuses to shut it up. should have kept my audi allroad...

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  Our first VeeDub - 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
  By ec374897 - May 29 - 2:41 pm

  Our Touareg was our first VW, but not our first SUV. Previously we had a Ford Explorer and a Toyota Highlander. When looking for our new car, we looked and drove several, including the 4runner, Q5 and X5. The Touareg, hands-down trounced our previous suvs when it came to handling, performance and comfort. Our 06 Highlander drove like a minivan compared to the tight feel and zippy performance from the T-reg. When it came time to choose, the VW experience, and price/feature ratio won out over our other options. 4runner - too much like a truck, and the price point when compared to Audi/BMW was perfect. Overall, this vehicle is fun to drive and gets good mpg for its class.

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  Touareg Review - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Charm - May 26 - 10:00 am

  this is a cool car to own. ive enjoyed driving it all over the place here in california--l.a., santa cruz,san diego-- as well as off-road, through rivers, mud, rocky terrain. it has performed very well. the downside is that it requires premium gas (which does not go very far), and the oil changes are over $100 dollars (every 5000 miles). i would recommend the v8 model because the car is really heavy and the v6 seems to struggle a little b/c of all the weight.

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  Bad Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Evan - May 26 - 7:50 am

  I have never owned a vehicle where I have had more problems than with my 2004 Volkswagen Touareg. Its problems include: a replaced driveshaft, replaced radio head unit 5 times, replaced almost all wood panels on interior, replaced cluster and dash, replaced catalytic converter twice, windshield fogging up constantly, air conditioning flutters, vehicle does not move when started after it has been sitting for two days.

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  Still thinking about it. - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Driver - May 14 - 11:06 am

  The Volkswagen Touareg V6 handles great. It is not affected by high wind and standing water like most cars. Its brakes are a bit grabby, but very effective. The transmission has some slop when starting off from a rolling stop. Its acceleration is very good but has some dead spots unless you use the sport mode or tectonic manual feature. Premium fuel is necessary to maintain performance. I would have bought the V8 except that the price difference was to great. The low range selection is effortless and what a power trip. I love that feature. The seats support 200 pounds without crushing. I have been experiencing some problems with forward vision during turns. The windshield posts get in the way. Im still waiting for all the electronics to stop working; its loaded with them.

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  Stung by the pollen filters and drowning in water - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By blonde53 - May 10 - 4:01 pm

  Its like a death. Or a... divorce maybe? You love your vehicle and then you find out it was all a lie. Beware of the pollen filters! They have a design flaw and they clog so ... when you drive in rain the water will get trapped in your footwell. This is true if you own a Passat or Jetta. They have the same problem. In the Touareg it will cost you 6 grand and that will not be the end of your problem. VW has been aware of the flaw... sued in the New Jersey courts . Google to read lawsuit. Once the water has destroyed your AWD module and started to rust your car and mold begins to grow... your car is really worthless trying to sell it. VW does NOT care about its customers. DO NOT BUY VWs!

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  My First Toureg TDI w/lux package - 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
  By aakdeniz - May 8 - 2:51 am

  I have been driving BMWs for the last 25 years including an X5, I was on my way to get a 2012 X5 and decided to checkout the Toureg on my way to BMW dealership. I am well aware of the latest technologies especially on BMWs. Well guess what? I was so impressed with the Diesel Toureg with Lux package that I ended up buying one that day. Gas milage, technology options, safety features, interior room and the feel of driving is impressive (i am getting 30mph highway, 24 city and 26.7 combined). Make no mistake- for almost $18k less than a comparative BMW X5, this car is the best buy from every perspective. Dealer experience was as good as a BMW dealership. The car is perfect after 2k of driving

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  Go for it. - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Machilles - May 6 - 10:00 am

  This car has grown on me everyday that Ive had it for the first week. Even with just the base model v6, its more vehicle than you could ask for. Quite the nice ride... inside and out! VW has put its mark on this one.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By LARRY - May 6 - 10:00 am

  BEST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED