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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  Disappointed Owner - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Tommy - September 30 - 6:50 pm

  My wife owned a 2001 Jetta & we traded in and bought a new Toureg (V8). Radio didnt work & one problem after another. Toureg has been in & out of the shop for repairs & some repeats. We asked VW to replace the car with a new one. Even the Service Mgr asked. They said NO, they will fix the problems. So our hands are tied, if we sell we lose thousands of dollars on this piece of junk. I NEVER wanted to buy a VW and but my wife liked the it. Now my wife regrets buying this. Im sure other auto makers would have replaced this vehicle if it had so many issues.

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  A Cayenne for $20K less - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By ScuzzyHash - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The SUV is great: Performs well, looks great inside and out. Comfort could be better in the backseats. Front seats take a bit longer to get use to but are very comfortable. Fuel Economy is not good...but whatd you expect, this isnt your uncles Honda...This is still not as bad as a Range Rover or Hummer.

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  Touareg - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By mvbjmd - September 26 - 10:00 am

  have had problems with the fan...even though not on AUTO...still adjust self. For some reason, when you hit AUTO, it sometimes changes to 72 degrees. Do not like that dual control but only one fan speed control. Have had problem with back hatch not unlocking. Seat belt must be on...if not on, even though in Park, bell continues to ring. Have problem with air continually blowing on window. Tends to have condinsation problem at night and in rain. There is a "Rain X" type of solution in the washer fluid that causes terrible glair problems at night when it rain.

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  Very Expensive in Puerto Rio - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Cherry - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Here in Puerto Rico then VW company has a very hight rates in everything, but the local distributor (Autos Vega)that is the owner of VW Frinshise (Euroclass) have the new VW SUV at almost $ 68,000 and this makes it unbuyable for Puerto Rico VW Lovers.

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  Windshield problem - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By riobuenavista - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is fun and comfortable, however we have a defective windshield. The glass is wavy and very hard to see through. Purchased on Sept. 30, it is now Oct. 22 and we have yet to get the replacement. Dual air controls are not working and check tire pressure light will not go out. Gets stuck in soft sand quite easily as well, had to get towed out. Cant wait to try it in water. Back hatch does not alway open with auto key, it takes many tries.

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  Touareg Life - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Joel - September 21 - 3:26 am

  What a brilliant design concept. Positively wonderful engine. Execution, however, and reliability of outsourced components is quite questionable. The transmission (Japan) and its programs are horrid -- herky-jerky. The transfer case is noisy. The rest of the driveline is noisy. The stepper motors have failed, and my dealer refuses to recognize this. Cheap Conti tires are almost worn out. Radio has intermittent connection problems. This past winter, the marginal battery caused computer faults that disabled the differential locking. Outside (heated) mirrors do not demist. Brakes are now marginal, with grinding and scraping sounds at lower speeds. Worst car ever owned (of 18). Never again.

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  Best Real!!! SUV - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Israeli Touareg - September 20 - 2:00 am

  The best SUV for the price. Real off road capability, with good on road ability. Fit and finish is first class. Needs a bit more power, but V-6 is enough for every day use. Great looks, much better looking then a x5. Look no further!!!

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  what a great vehicle - 2005 Volkswagen Touareg
  By rahau - September 12 - 8:36 am

  this is an awesome vehicle... it has a smooth ride and plenty of space in the front seat.. the back seat needs a bit more space but not bad.... great for toting grandkids.....

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  Better have deep pockets for repairs - 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
  By Miles - September 7 - 7:50 pm

  I bought my 04 Touareg with 49,900 miles on it. Good thing I got the extended warranty because at 55K miles, the vehicle completely died in the middle of the road. Turned out to be the liquid cooled alternator. Not kidding, a liquid cooled alternator. That repair was over $1,000 but was covered under the extended warranty. The tire pressure sensors constantly act up and remind you about it every time you start the vehicle. Each tire sensor costs $700 to replace. The headlights were flickering on and off. I had them replaced at a price of $598 for the set! Most places wont change the oil, so dealership it was for me. $$$ To sum it all up, this car costs more to maintain than its worth.

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  Clunky When Changing Gears - 2006 Volkswagen Touareg
  By elvin arvelo - September 4 - 3:36 pm

  I have had my Touareg for two months and I like it, but it makes a lot of noises. When driving along and you take your foot of gas it slows down to 20 miles an hour then when you hit gas it clunks into gear. I took it to the dealer and they say that this is normal. I have had other SUVs and that has never been the case. If i would have noticed that when test driving I would not have bought the truck. Other then that the, Touareg is nice. The clunking gears is what I do not like.