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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  Disappointing - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By whiskey - May 6 - 10:00 am

  9,000 mi. car has been in shop more than 14 times. CD, NAV, constant problem with warning lights, rear lift keeps opening for no reason. Most dangerous is when driving from 1 thru 2nd car goes to neutral so you are turning into intersection and car does nothing. How many visits. VOA sent me to "Best" dlr. in area - clueless. Buy 2 cars year, never complained about the usual. This truck just has so many and nobody seems to care.

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  Numerous Problems - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By rodenhuis - April 30 - 10:00 am

  The car drives great, but..... I have experienced numerous problems and VW does not appear to be willing to stand behind their product and resolve all the issues. Problems include Steering wheel not straight, tire balance issues, sunroof seal, transmission shifting problems, compass display, window washers, cracked interior trim, etc. I keep wondering what the next problem will be.

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  2004 Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By crispykid1 - April 18 - 5:50 pm

  I love this vehicle. It fits my lifestyle perfectly! Its fun to drive on the street, and it tows my boat with ease! I take it camping and it pulls my dirt bike trailer into the woods easily. My only two complaints are: it has had some trim issues where the seat knobs and levers have gotten loose and the radio speakers get loose and rattle. Fortunately everything has been covered under warranty. The repairs would be quite expensive if my truck wasnt under warranty.

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  Wont buy another VW - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Erica - April 17 - 1:33 pm

  I was initially really excited about my Touareg, but became suspicious after a road trip that included lots of error messages. When I brought it to the VW dealership to have it checked out, they were not willing to take the time to find out what was going on and told me to come back if it happened again. After a short year and a half we had to put $3000 into it for new tires, breaks, rotors, etc. None of which were included in the warranty although it was leased, I should have known, but was disappointed anyway. The lights go out while driving periodically for no apparent reason. The lining on the door handles are also peeling. Fuel economy is poor, but we knew that. The CD player is poor.

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  Worthy of consideration - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Dldean - April 11 - 10:00 am

  There is more to this vehicle than it first seems. I have actually taken it offroad on the old Barlow Trail over Mt. Hood! If not for the support by the folks at the dealer, the little niggley things would drive you crazy, things like missing manuals, wrong size wheel center medallions, and a broken carbon canister for the emissions control system. None the less this is the best, the most fun, the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By dwp121 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  we bought in 10/03...love it. never had an SUV previously because felt too much like a truck. very comfortable, great ride.

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  So Far, so good! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By stacey1213 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  The gas mileage is awful, 15.3 avg. so far. However,it is very comfortable, feels like a Mercedes inside, and I have taken 9 hour trips in it and never felt sore> Love the GPS!

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  Impressive SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Elaine M. - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Lots of power, great road cruiser, nice looking, great interior details, and very stable in bad weather. The seats are uncomfortable, the electronic keys do not always activate the locks, the gas pedal is very sensitive (seems jumpy in first gear, windshield washer fluid leaks from holding tank, and it took three months to get the rear floor mat.

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  wifes truck - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By jburns - March 13 - 10:00 am

  My wife had to have this car,over my objections, as I could have gotten a better equipped Explorer for $7000 less. This has a V6,leather LIKE seats as in plastic, no tow package which only the dealer can install for $1000 and oil changes are way to expensive. Needless to say she wins. Overall I think the car looks great, very nice interior. However, the gas mileage is tough to take & having to use premium feul only is a real bite in the wallet.Its been into the dealership at least 4 times for recalls and a nagging tire pressure sensor that continues to be a problem.Frankly for the size and the utility of this SUV for the cost,there are better values.

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  Should have keep the BMW - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Bluemax - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems from day one. The rear hatch was ready to fall off from the factory. When the hatch was opened it buckled against the roof and bent the roof. There are noises that come from under the dash that the service people have not heard before. Now the display tells me that I have a Break Failure. Would I purchase another or another VW? NO! I have talked to 3 other owners that would love to get out of their Lease. As time goes on it only gets worse..