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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  Never running out of driving fun - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Mike - February 18 - 4:50 am

  used to trade cars every 1-2 yrs, BMW, Acura, Mini, Honda, MB, but still keeping this car more than 3 yrs. Feeling of very secure driving and confidence. No mechanical trouble so far-very lucky. Nothing fancy or outstanding in the parking lot but never out of style. Liked its different driving settings and plying it all the time. Still very satisfied up to 95% of my expectation.

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  Wacthy out during and after warranty - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Trey - February 8 - 1:43 am

  I have bought new cars for years. Ive never had problems like this. We own two VWs so I feel I am quite experienced to tell you not to buy one. During warranty they will fix everything no problem. Of course you have to take it in tens times. I own a 2005 Passat and a 2004 Touareg each only gets around 14000 a year in milage. Now that it is out of warranty I am shelling out money left and right. Rear window hydraulics gone at 61k miles etc. - transmission has had three repairs and has broken down again today leaving me stranded in the woods with my family while camping with a 5 yo. I will never let the reliability of a volkswagon be the determining factor of my familys safety again.

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  toureg v-8 - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By j bergtold - February 6 - 4:03 am

  i like the color combination- off-road gray and the teak interior,i have over 21000 miles now with zero problems,the 4.2 liter v-8 has more than adequate power for this suv. my previous car was an mb 430 and this suv is much better in every respect.

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  Always fun to drive - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By vwfun - January 29 - 2:16 pm

  Touareg is really fun to drive. I do not drive very much nor do I require extreme performance and Touareg seems to fit my profile extremely well. I want a reliable drive in snow and Touareg is awesome in that respect. I have read about lots of issues on lower VIN Touaregs, but the only problem (which was easily fixed) was fast running clock. So if you are in the market for these I would recommend higher than 65k VIN as I have very positive experience.

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  on first name basis with service dept - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By buttrfli - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought my touareg sept 2 and since then it has been in the shop five times.three for the rear window sensor not locking properly,two for the ESP not operating properly.My touareg has spent a cumulative week and a half in the shop and i havent even had it for a month yet.i wish i had ESP because if i did i would have never bought this truck...

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  Touraeg Luxury SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By mikes - January 11 - 10:43 am

  Ive owned my Touraeg two years and am completely satisfied. Other than its poor gas mileage, this truck is exceptional. It handles like a sports car, has a very firm, comfortable ride, has superb acceleration (with V8), has one of the highest towing ratings in its class, has the interior finish youd expect of a luxury car, interior cabin noise is phenomenal, and the stereo rocks. Plus the body style is one of the sharpest.

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  Over priced with all short falls - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By jarnold - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Good, not great overall. GPS is accurate but has very poor software, lacking information that most other software(DeLorme) offers at a very resonable price. Buy a palm and software from DeLorme for less than half VWs cost and get ten times the information. Problems with rear seat belt and tricky back seats to lay flat. GM is much easier. Go with V8 not V6, more money but much more satifaction. Both engines get poor mileage, under EPA rateings. Premium fuel. Been back to dealer several times, still needs work. Very poor trade in value. How did so many people mistankenly decide this was a supposed outstanding vehicle?

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  a Lemon - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By sierra - January 5 - 10:00 am

  I found it was fun to drive. Very nice interior, I was very happy with the car. Started having problems with suspension, wheel bearings, etc. Total of days in the dealership has equaled approx. 4 months. Egineers from volkswagen have not been able to fix problem. I left the car in the dealership to fix since July 22, 2004, still in the dealership; they have not been able to fix. It is my understanding they had two other cars with the same problem. I am in the process of returning under the "Lemon Law".

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  My first and last VW - 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
  By jmay1 - January 2 - 10:26 pm

  I traded in my 2007 Volvo XC90 for the 2012 Touareg TDI and, 7 months later, I am trading it in with only 8400 miles on it. Since I bought it in September of 2011, I have had it in for service 6 times (AdBlue pump issues, check engine light has come on many times and the brakes squeal when in reverse). I love the styling, comfort and gas mileage, but its just not worth the headache and trips to the service department. I would have thought for what I paid for it, it would have been better in its class. I chose this over the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3 (which cost less) and I couldnt be more disappointed.

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  Best Of The Lot - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By wolfman009 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I researched many SUVs such as Infinity, Nissan, Acura, Lexus, Honda, BMW and Toyota and found the Touareg superior to all of them. VW has done an excellent job with their first entry into the SUV market. This is one vehicle I was really excited about buying. Hope the Touareg turns out to be reliable , if so it will be the best vehicle I have ever owned.