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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  poor performance - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By David Bos - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Turned car back in to many problems.

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  This Truck is Awesome! - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Joseph - June 10 - 10:46 pm

  Ive had my Volkswagen Touareg for about a year now and I love it! Before I purchased it, I was thinking about the Lexus RX 330. But, then when I look at it, Lexus RX was not macho enough and the T-Reg was more "manly" looking. I love it, its the best SUV out there for the money.

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  Highway to mountains - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By clemmy - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I spent months looking for the perfect blend of "go any where ability, performance handling and speed, towing capacity (business expense), front leg room, and all with a luxury interior. No other vehicle comes close in the price range. The Touareg is every bit the vehicle as the Cheyene S for about $17,000 less. Cant wait to trade mine in for the V10 Diesel.

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  All that AND a bag of chips. - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By YuppieMe - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle, Ive even gotten my staunch BMW neighbor to trade his precious X5. Even though its not classified as a "Luxury" SUV, it made me trade my RX330 for it. It may be the price of most Lux. SUVs but it came with FAR more gadgets and gizmos than my RX, and was just about the same price tag. Its fun to drive, and reasonably peppy for a V6. My expirince was great, from the test drive, to the sign & drive. I would have liked a V8, but after a test drive, I didnt think the V8 was worth the extra cash. Besides I got a loaded V6 for what would have been the price of a base V8. I love it, Its rugged when you want to be, and refined when you have to be.

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  Great interior quality, good looking SUV - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By HS - June 1 - 1:03 am

  Very nice SUV. Interior design and quality, power, handles great.

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  Very Satisfied - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By VWTV8 - May 31 - 7:13 pm

  Have owned many different makes and models including several sports cars, The VW Touareg ranks right at the top for fun, comfortable, capable transportation. It has proven to be perfect mechanically requiring nothing other than routine maintenance and 3 :( sets of high performance 19" tires. This is a heavy, powerful vehicle that is a little rough on the sticky OEM tires. Highly recommend - you will not be disappointed. 17.8 MPG

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  Its better than I thought it would be - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Janekis - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive just had it for a couple weeks, and love it.

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  been lookin for a year - 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
  By parksi - May 15 - 10:00 am

  11/7/10 - For the last three months I have been test driving every mid size SUV from Toyota to Porsche. I test drove the new Touareg last Thursday and drove it home that afternoon! Its like you know when its " right ".... and it was. Its everything that I have been looking for and more. Luxurious appointments, comfortable, and a perfect vehicle for the mountains and city driving. I bought the Lux TDI in Gallapogos Gray with black interior. Its awesome.

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  Wunderbar! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By DMW - May 13 - 3:13 pm

  So far none of the negative criticisms can be found with this vehicle. It meets all expectations. Purchased it as a pre-owned (or pre-loved as they say) and it has had only one visit back to the dealer for warranty work. The rest of its service has been done by and will be done by, a reputable private mechanic. I have had 6 Jettas, 2 Passats and a GTI. We are VW people and realize no car is infallible. Take care of it and it will return the favor. Most people are too reliant on dealers for service and that is not what dealers are known for despite their claims.

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  Nice Boring SUV - 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
  By OCNJ19 - May 6 - 5:46 pm

  I liked this car a lot. The ride was great, very comfortable and a ton of features. My first choice at the time was the x5 but it just came out and it was extremely expensive. I got it all decked out fully loaded nav, rear view camera, better leather, folding mirrors, power steering wheel. I really liked the information display in between the tachometer and speedometer. it gave me a ton of info about my vehicle. Although i liked the car i felt the steering was too loose meaning i had to turn hard to turn especially at low speeds. I also though the design was boring even the rims were boring. I didnt have any technical issues with the vehicle. I just purchased a x5 and its even better