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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  Engine, Electrical & Tire Problems - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By ET - March 11 - 7:16 am

  AVOID ALL TOUAREG VEHICLES. Read the internet on how rotten VW support is. My T is driven gently by my wife. We go through a set of tires every year or so, have had many electrical problems including completely replacing the wiring harness. At 43,000 the engine simply froze. A couple months out of warranty for months owned but within the period for mileage. VW is giving us grief about replacing the engine. I guess they think that it is ok for an engine to blow at 40K. Dealers seem great but you have to deal with VW of America. They are simply terrible. I would look at the internet for VW problems and VWA support before buying ANY VW product. Sorry...I have owned 4 VWs but no more.

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  Not impressed with VW Toureg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Johny25252 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Not really impressed with the SUV for the price tag Acura MDX sounds much better. Brakes touchy, interior too complicated(Control Panel), Not enough storage space, Back seating is not specious as it should be, Trunk is tricky to open, due to its shape and the way of openning. Driving it is comfy but due to brakes being so tuchy it could be less fun on a big stop and go trafic. Not really satisfied with the vehicle

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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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  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.

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  Poor Performance for 310HP v-8 - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By KJ1128 - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Very poor performance off the line for a v-8, Seems to spend most of its energy shifting through the gears (six speed). Leave plenty of room before you pulling out in front of on going traffic!!! Or it can get scary. My Toyota V-6 will run circles around it. No way to open the hatch with a manual key. Hatch locks evertime you close it. If I want it locked, Id like to be the one to do it!! Lose the rear head rest - driver cant see over them. Funky key - should detach the FOB from the key.

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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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  Bad News! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By onebadc4 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Spent over 20 days in the shop first 2 mos. DONT BUY THIS SUV. Heres a list: Broken A.C.;broken stereo; door handles stick open;inside cargo hatch handle broke apart;clock above windshield malfunction;cruise control suddenly shuts off when towing; remote keychain adjusted 3times; loud noise coming from AC vent; MOST OF ALL the V8 has an "inherent" shaking problem they cant fix. You actually shake when sitting in the thing parked with the engine running. Absolutely unacceptable $46,000. VW already paid one of my car payments for the inconvenience. Its going back in the shop again for a squeaky steering wheel. Can you say class action lawsuit?

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  Not Ready for Prime time - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By long time vw owner - March 4 - 3:06 am

  Ive owned about 8 other VWs over the years, and this may be the last. Reliability poor: transmission and running gear replaced. Tire pressure warning system erratic. Eats tires (replaced at 18K). Gas mileage is very poor. Very complex car, lots of electronics, much to go wrong. If you buy this car, be sure to purchase an extended warranty

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  Beware of Problems - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Jac Lavone - February 24 - 12:36 pm

  I have had two Volkswagen Touaregs and had nothing but headaches. VW doesnt want to deal with many of the ongoing issues and they eventually refunded my payments and took back the vehicles. The truck is beautiful until you have your FIRST problem. Then, run!

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  Watch Out - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By MNtracks - February 17 - 10:53 am

  To start with I love this truck! I tis a great design good to drive. The reason for this review is the total lack of any sort of reliability with the unit. Brakes @ $850.00 per axcel I have replace 7 times. Tires maybe 25000 on a good set. Electrical system is absolutely the worst I have ever dealt with. Drive Train, hads to replace the drive shaft linkage at 34500 and the factory wouldnt cover the cost to repair. I cannot tell you how much this vehicle has cost me to own. Never again... Watch Out!