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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  Awesome - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Alecia Riley - February 8 - 6:46 pm

  I love my Touareg, this is the fifth VW that I have owned. I have moved up a little bit each time. I started out with a Beetle and now own a Touareg. I love to drive it. People stop me all the time and ask if they can look in it. They cant believe that VW makes a SUV that look that good and has so many options standard. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a SUV.

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  VW Problems - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By E. Nepal - February 4 - 10:00 am

  The electronics and programmed systems are a mess and VW has not responded with any real fixes. During the 1st two months of ownership, it was in the shop. I drive it but am still living with the gremlins. VWofA thinks the consumer is incidental and treats us as such. Too bad. Since theyve start feeling it in their sales volumes, you think theyd learn.

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  POOR FUEL ECONOMY - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By JPW1 - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I am getting 14.7 MPG on the highway. The sticker rated the Toureg 15MPG City, 20 MPG Highway. The homelink doesnt work, the multifunction computer required parts that took 2 weeks to get. The two most annoying features are the fact that the trunk locks every time you shut it and the remote is pathetic. I need to be within arms reach of the car to make the remote work.

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  Best so Far - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Tony B - February 2 - 7:23 am

  Had a lot of questions on the Touareg Read all I could find . Went out and test drove the touareg and I was HOOKED, had to have one. Talked to the wife and went out that night and bought my Venition Green with Tan leather... sharp looking combo. V8 runs like a bear. Had a Lincoln LS, performance is as good if not better then the LS. Car is solid, heavy feel, pulls 7700 lbs. I feel it out performs the BMW X5, Benz ML, and Lexus 330. Very quiet on the road and cant hear or feel if the engine is running. Recommend it highly. So far soooo gooood. Mileage could be better, but when you look at the performance, Guess you have to pay for it. Avg. 16mpg. Heavy-foot it and you get 14mpg. Very happy.

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  What an Expensive Piece of Junk!!!!! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By growlingbadger - January 30 - 11:40 am

  2004 Touareg with under 60K miles. I have never had a better maintained vehicle because its in the shop at least once a month! And expensive!!!!??? A key - $75, key with remote - $150. Headlamp replacement is an annual event. They dont last very long and require a mechanic to install and even Factory techs hate replacing them! Cost - $150. It also has issues that the dealers keep blowing off. This is just the cheap stuff! Its a good day when I can get it out of the shop for under $500. Im on a first name basis with the wrecker driver the dealer uses.

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  A very nice SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Jamblastx - January 30 - 10:00 am

  An excellent vehicle for what it is, an SUV (not a big fan of the genre). This is my wifes car and we have been longtime VW owners (we traded in her 2002 Passat 1.8T 5spd). We almost did not get it and went with the BMW X3 because VW does not offer the Touareg in the US with a manual transmission (for shame!). This was a disappointment for my wife but not a deal breaker (it would have been for me) and she does enjoy the Tiptronic automatic but would still prefer the manual.

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  Yuck - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By walter clayton - January 13 - 11:20 pm

  Having come from four GMC Denalis (01 through 04) I thought I was getting a baby Porsche at a great price. What I have is a vehicle in search of a gear and with lousy torque. This V8 and six speed transmission acts more like a rubber band unwinding when you have to boot it at any speed above 30 mph. The sport selection helps some but it just wont get out of its own way. Lets talk about the wonderful auto lock that locks all the doors whether you like it or not; or how about the lag in opening the locks from the keyless remote. Finally you have to love the feature where you unlock the car remotely and it relocks itself about 30 seconds later. Whats up with that? Mine has no satellite radio and the ties were gone in 15,000 miles.

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  Couldve been great - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By SyrNY - January 10 - 1:26 pm

  I was initially very pleased with my Touareg, but poor reliability, $99 oil changes, and many many invasive warnings are starting to wear me down. Recalls and expensive maintenance aside, its actually the overengineering thats causing me the most frustration. The warnings are loud and intrusive. Pull into a parking lot and undo your seat belt to prepare for a meeting, and the warning beeps for 5 minutes every 30 seconds or so. Outside temp drops below 40, ding, low fuel, ding, tire pressue drops, ding. The range on the remote is also very poor. Just another nit pick, but all of these collective items make it very difficult to recommend this vehicle

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  LOVE IT!! - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By cbridges - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about my Touareg except for one thing. The gas mileage. It kills me(and my wallet!) every time I fill up. It gives the word "guzzler" a whole new meaning! However, it is so much fun to drive and I love it so much that I have decided to overlook this one flaw. Also, I receive comments, questions and compliments on it everywhere I go. My Touareg receives more attention than any other vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  Worst vehicle I have ever own - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By maczya - January 10 - 4:35 am

  You will get a love hate relationship with this SUV. It drives great, great in the snow, has great power. It is fun to drive and looks nice. The SUV has some stupid build designs, like the battery is under the drivers seat. Lets talk about how expensive it is to own this vehicle. Replaced thermostat $1200. that right $1200.00 the front part of the car has to be taken off the thermostat is in the front of the engine, so you might as well replace water pump and belt. Your going to have problems with the airbags, the tire monitoring system. The worst part is the battery drain as I hate a car that wont start. So it gets expensive to own the vehicle. Oh and the brakes that was another $1100.