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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  Eight Month Driving Experience - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By nancey boatwright - December 18 - 10:16 pm

  We previously owned a 2004 VW Beetle Convertible and traded into this. We do no off-roading, but loved the body style and needed more room. After eleven months of ownership, I have one chief complaint and that is my Pirelli tires after 17,500 miles are gone. I have been diligent about rotation and inflation, per manufacturers instructions, but this problem really has me on fire. I to replace them after eleven months of ownership with another brand (Michelin), will cost me $1,200. I have been told by tire manufacturers that the most I could expect to get out of a set of tires would probably be 25,000 miles.

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  Great Ride! - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By MATT MCGLASHEN - December 17 - 4:40 pm

  It gets about 15 mpg , not bad for a V8 and heavy vehicle. Great drive, great audio system, very luxurious inside. There have been several reliability issues, but I think after 2004 many things have been fixed. The power window switches are white plastic, painted black, the paint comes off easily. The air suspension had a new compressor put in at 22,000 miles and the tires are getting work out (19" Pirellis), gonna try Michelin next. A seatbelt seized up in the rear, and one headlight had a bad connection. I still love this car! It gets lots of compliments.

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  I just lost $8000...... - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By T - December 12 - 8:42 am

  Dont get me wrong, I love this car. It drives great and is beautiful. But due to having a family of 5, two young hockey players, I had to get something bigger. Heres where I start to hate this car. I purchased it used just a year and a half ago for $21,000. I checked kbb and nada at the time and that was the value. I now owe the bank $18000. And the car is worth $10,000.....oh my lands! Never in my life have I been upside down in a loan. The car is in excellent condition and has half the miles its supposed to, so how the heck did this happen?!!! I will never buy another vw for this reason.

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  My nightmare with the touareg - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By stephanie mahairas - December 10 - 4:23 pm

  My touareg had constant problems. Volkswagon of America did nothing to help us with this brand new automobile. We were stranded for weeks without our new vehicle. We requested a new one but that was in vain since VW of America never returned one of our calls. We thought we would love this car but had nothing but problems. Loud internally and externally!! The 18,000 rental was an easier ride.

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  Fear and Loathing - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By 1stSUV - December 5 - 11:40 pm

  I bought a 2005 Touareg without researching after my first test drive. Nine days later, in the shop, I was given a loaner, and 30 days later a new 2006 model! The 2006 is a big improvement, fun to drive, and very comfortable. Its gas milage is horrible, but shes pretty. I wont buy another, but as long as she runs Ill realy enjoy her.

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  Vdub SUV - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By John Barna - December 5 - 4:20 pm

  The Volkswagen Touareg is one of the best vehicles on sale today!

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  Great buy! - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By fjl-v - December 1 - 7:43 pm

  Was lucky enough to buy a 2005 V6 with only 8000 miles, now up to 12000 miles. Free of any problems so far. I love to drive it; it is luxurious with a quiet ride, has an impeccable interior, great handling, feels solid and very safe, definitely underpowered with the v6, recommend driving in the S mode, transmission and shifting is great, heavy and poor acceleration especially when compared with my 2006 X3. The stereo system is disappointing at any volume above 21 (especially the bass). If economy is not your concern, buy the V8 or V10 diesel version.

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  Poor Mans Porsche...... - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Peter H. - November 19 - 12:20 pm

  I purchased my 2005 Volkswagen Touareg in July of 2005, just before the fuel prices hit the roof. So going into this from a Passat was a wallet killer, but I found if I turn off the anti-slip feature I get about 20-23mpg. I feel that this vehicle sat in the lot for a while, the paint on this vehicle is way below what youd expect for a SUV listing at $39,000 and that the dealership just wanted to get rid of it. But besides the dealer, I am very happy with the vehicle. It does great in the snow and ice and its such a mile eater on the highway I never feel tired after driving a few hundred miles at a time, its very refreshing. I wish it came with air conditioned seats, especially for the summer. Overall this is a great vehicle.

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  Extensive repair time - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By charles gill - November 18 - 9:36 am

  I have had two instances of extended repair time due to lack of parts. The first, two weeks, was due to an air bag fault. Parts were not available. Six months later, another airbag fault, plus repeated fault warnings of various kinds, which disappeared after a short time. It was determined a new alternator was needed, Lowering the engine 6 inches was required to replace the alternator (2 day project). This did not fix the voltage problem and cables needed replacing. The cable need to be manufactured. I lost use of the car for over three weeks. I guess the cost of loaner vehicles is less than the cost of stocking parts. The low voltage, cable situation created the fault alerts.

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  Lives up to the reviews - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Popogigi - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I had been waiting for it ever since car & driver rated it so high...it is all that and more