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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  Fun car, low mileage - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Mike - November 16 - 5:46 am

  Lots of power and fun to drive. Some noise on window when driving at 45 mph. Very good off road drive Overall a good drive

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  Love My Touareg - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Patty - November 16 - 2:36 am

  All of my oil changes were done by the dealer & only cost $108. This car just spared me and my husband from more series injuries following a near head on crash. Other driver crossed center line. My husband swerved to the right to try & avoid the other car, but the driver still hit us / almost a T-Bone then slide the entire length down our car. Drivers side airbags deployed and spared my 67" husband from serious injury to his head & face. He still suffered 3 broke ribs though.We love our car.

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  The Best SUV !!! Nothing Else Even Comes Close!! - 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
  By vision3 - November 13 - 5:15 pm

  I have owned my Sport TDI SUV since new. I have driven it for 28,000 miles and have not had one problem with it. Truly an outstanding SUV. Build quality is top notch. Feels very solid and safe. Steering is tight, suspension is firm yet soaks up road bumps. Handling on the most curvy roads is amazing. Diesel engine is very smooth, surprisingly quiet and very powerful. Accelerates like a rocket. 80mph feels like only driving 50, without any strain on engine, while getting 30mpg!! I set the speedo alarm at 80mph, and it routinely alerts me. A great feature on this SUV!! Seats are very comfortable, Nav. and voice commands easy to operate. Great sound system. VW hit a home run! Best SUV!!!

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  Have 65,000 miles on, awesome! - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By AWSOME - November 13 - 7:26 am

  I have over 65,000 miles on my v-8 touareg the most of anyone i know of. Best of the best in all, nice price and very quiet. I purchased some 26 inch spinning rims for it and it looks like a beast!

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  Touareg the perfect 10 for midsize SUV - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By gisela - November 10 - 2:56 pm

  This vehicle is a perfect 10. Quality and performance what one expects from a solid, no mistakes superior build german vehicle. I know what I am talking about. I own a collision repair facility. Seing how some vehicles perform in crashes made me look even harder when I decided to by an SUV. I am absolutely thrilled and do not regret buying this vehicle one second. Recommend this vehicle highly. The fuel economy exceeded the posted sticker by far. I decided on the V6 with Pkg# 2, plus Sound System. Thats all I needed. Have several other vehicles, so this one is for my pleasure only. And what a pleasure to drive it is. Advise: Buy it!

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  Awesome - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By solus - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I had tried over 10 SUVs. Surprisingly, I didnt fit in many. Granted I am a big guy, but SUVs should be able to fit larger people. Anyway, Im moving to the snow country and needed a vehicle that could get me around. After being disappointed with many test drives, I tried the Touareg. It was awesome – head and shoulders above the competition. This car is not a pretender like most of the SUVs made other manufactures. Given the standard features included, I decided to go with the base V8 (especially since I found one with a ski sack). I highly recommend anyone looking for a fully capable SUV to try a Touareg. Have fun and good luck with your search!

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  true suv - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By wundercar - November 10 - 10:00 am

  excellent performance a true suv in mink clothing

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  Touareg Tuff - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By dan deere - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is simply a finely engineered vehicle. The ride and handle of a luxury vehicle, space of an SUV, interiors like that of a custom cabin cruiser. There’s a lot to like here. The exterior could use a better shape, however, the available colors do make for a great looking vehicle. The placement of interior components is well thought out and standard features were generous.

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  Its a Lemon - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By adam - October 31 - 2:26 pm

  I loved this truck when I test drove it. Thats when the love ended. From day one of driving it off the lot it has been in the shop for 50+ days for everything from brakes to electrical problems to a dangerous swirving that occurs when going from 1st to 2nd gear. The interior is cheaply made as buttons wear down after only a year. Ive applied for the lemon law. Make sure you get all problems documented. VW gave me hassle. Do not buy this vehicle! It is the worst buy Ive ever made.

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  11 Touareg TDI hits almost all targets - 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
  By tdifor - October 28 - 3:39 am

  We took delivery of our new 11 TDI Lux on 12/9/10, and my wife and son want to drive it more than their own cars (08 GTI and 02 525i wagon). Its quiet, comfortable, beautiful inside and out (what a sunroof!), has a great nav system and electronics package, great power (cant wait til summer to tow our boat), and is getting 25+ mpg! It passed its snow test with flying colors, and the handling is fantastic. The only negatives are price ($55K) and lack of cargo space, but we knew what we were getting into there. Five adults and all their stuff plus some food gets pretty tight, but if you dont mind a car-top carrier it would be a great answer. Check it out if looking for a new small SUV!