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Photo of a Volkswagen Touareg

Volkswagen Touareg

A ballasted V10 TDI that towed a roughly 155,000-kg Boeing 747.1

Researched October 28, 2026 from 39 sources

Also called

  • TwarrCar and Driver's shorthand for the 2007 Touareg V-6.2

At a glance

0250500
161–456 hpPower
07.515
5.8–13.2 s0–100 km/h
0125250
175–250 km/hTop speed
05001,000
305–900 N·mTorque
01,5003,000
2,097–2,785 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.1479111213

Engine
2.0–6.0 L gasoline; 2.5–5.0 L diesel; Mk2 V6 hybrid, Mk3 V6 PHEV4
Layout
Front-engine, four-wheel drive (4MOTION)4
Gearbox
Mk1: 6-speed manual/automatic; Mk2–3: 8-speed automatic4
Built at
Volkswagen Bratislava Plant, Slovakia; Mk3 CKD: HICOM, Pekan, Malaysia4
Units built
1 million production milestone (ONE Million special edition)10

The story

Volkswagen's 2002 move upmarket brought the Touareg alongside the Phaeton. Named for the Saharan Tuareg people, the first generation was co-developed with the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7.134

2000: AAC points the way in Detroit20002002: Volkswagen's first SUV arrives20022004: V10 TDI: 3,500-kg towing muscle20042006: V10 TDI tows a Boeing 74720062010: About 200 kg lighter, now a full hybrid20102017: Atlas takes over in the U.S.20172018: MLB Evo meets the Innovision Cockpit20182020: Plug-in R reaches 456 hp20202026: FINAL EDITION closes the combustion era2026 Volkswagen AAC concept: 2000Volkswagen AAC conceptVolkswagen Touareg I (7L): 2002–20107LVolkswagen Touareg II (7P): 2010–20187PVolkswagen Atlas (US successor): 2017–Volkswagen Touareg III (CR): 2018–2026CR 200020052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones13457823
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2000Volkswagen AAC concept
2002–2010Volkswagen Touareg I (7L)
2010–2018Volkswagen Touareg II (7P)
2017–Volkswagen Atlas (US successor)
2018–2026Volkswagen Touareg III (CR)
2000AAC points the way in Detroit
2002Volkswagen's first SUV arrives
2004V10 TDI: 3,500-kg towing muscle
2006V10 TDI tows a Boeing 747
2010About 200 kg lighter, now a full hybrid
2017Atlas takes over in the U.S.
2018MLB Evo meets the Innovision Cockpit
2020Plug-in R reaches 456 hp
2026FINAL EDITION closes the combustion era
  1. 2000

    AAC points the way in Detroit

    January's AAC pickup/SUV study makes its world debut in Detroit, previewing the face of the first production Touareg.3

  2. 2002

    Volkswagen's first SUV arrives

    The first Touareg launches with permanent four-wheel drive, low range and a lockable center differential.345

  3. 2004

    V10 TDI: 3,500-kg towing muscle

    For the U.S., the 2004 V10 TDI offers EPA ratings of 17/23 mpg city/highway and a claimed 7.5-second 0–60 mph sprint.6

  4. 2006

    V10 TDI tows a Boeing 747

    A ballasted, near-production V10 TDI hauls a roughly 155,000-kg Boeing 747 over 150 meters, using its standard engine, gearbox and air suspension.1

  5. 2010

    About 200 kg lighter, now a full hybrid

    The second generation cuts roughly 200 kg and adds a full hybrid that teams a supercharged V6 gasoline engine with an electric motor.17

  6. 2017

    Atlas takes over in the U.S.

    The Touareg exits the U.S. after the 2017 model year, replaced by the larger Atlas; its story continues overseas.8

  7. 2018

    MLB Evo meets the Innovision Cockpit

    The third generation brings MLB Evo architecture, the Innovision Cockpit, all-wheel steering and electromechanical anti-roll bars.34

  8. 2020

    Plug-in R reaches 456 hp

    The eHybrid offers 376 hp; the R raises system output to 456 hp. Both plug-in hybrids have up to 47 km of electric WLTP range.19

  9. 2026

    FINAL EDITION closes the combustion era

    Combustion-model production ends in 2026. FINAL EDITION orders run through March, with engraved rear-door window surrounds and a branded gear lever.1

Every generation

  • Volkswagen Touareg I
    7L2002–2010
  • Volkswagen Touareg II
    7P2010–2018
  • Volkswagen Atlas (US successor)
    Volkswagen Atlas (US successor)
  • Volkswagen Touareg III
    CR2018–2026

Power over the years

From 309 hp to 456 hp in 18 years.

0200400600 2005201020152020 hp 2002 · 309 hp · V10 TDI (750 Nm)2003 · 161 hp · 2.5 R5 TDI, low-output tune2004 · 222 hp · 3.0 V6 TDI2005 · 444 hp · MY2005 W12 Sport (500 cars)2006 · 345 hp · 4.2 V8 FSI2007 · 276 hp · 3.6 VR62007 · 345 hp · R50 V10 TDI (850 Nm)2010 · 335 hp · 4.2 V8 TDI (800 Nm)2010 · 375 hp · 3.0 V6 TSI Hybrid (system)2015 · 258 hp · MY2015 V6 TDI2019 · 415 hp · 4.0 V8 TDI (900 Nm)2020 · 456 hp · R plug-in hybrid (system) 456 hp R plug-in hybrid (system) 309 hp V10 TDI (750 Nm)
145111214
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2002309V10 TDI (750 Nm)
20031612.5 R5 TDI, low-output tune
20042223.0 V6 TDI
2005444MY2005 W12 Sport (500 cars)
20063454.2 V8 FSI
20072763.6 VR6
2007345R50 V10 TDI (850 Nm)
20103354.2 V8 TDI (800 Nm)
20103753.0 V6 TSI Hybrid (system)
2015258MY2015 V6 TDI
20194154.0 V8 TDI (900 Nm)
2020456R plug-in hybrid (system)

Versions

9 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    SE / Altitude / Escape (Mk2, UK)

  • Standard

    Sport with Technology / Wolfsburg / Executive

    2017

    280 hp
  • eHybrid

    Standard

    eHybrid

    2020–2026

    376 hp
  • R eHybrid

    Performance

    R eHybrid

    2020–2026

    456 hp

  • Special

    FINAL EDITION

    2026

  • Special

    Edition X

    2012

  • ONE Million

    Special

    ONE Million

  • Special

    EDITION 20

    2022

  • R50

    Performance

    R50

    2007–2010

    345 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • A V-shaped rise along the hood's center sits above broad horizontal grille bars.3
  • Third generation: broad rear shoulders frame an inset glasshouse.22

Year by year

  1. Late 2006

    The first-generation facelift adds a chrome shield grille and darker rear lamps.5

  2. 2010

    The second generation grows longer and wider, with aerodynamic bumpers and a reshaped grille.1

  3. 2014 / 2015 model year

    Second-generation facelift: reshaped nose, fresh wheel designs and standard bi-xenon headlights.415

  4. 2024 model year

    Optional HD matrix headlights arrive; the updated rear gains an LED light bar and a red-lit VW badge.417

Don’t confuse it with

  • Volkswagen Atlas

    Look for the Atlas's taller, longer body; the third-generation Touareg is lower and shorter.8

Against its rivals

  • Mercedes-Benz ML350 (2007)

    Touareg vs Mercedes-Benz ML350 (2007)

    Price as tested lower is better

    Touareg$49,710
    Mercedes-Benz ML350 (2007)$53,045
    2
  • Lexus RX450h (2011 review)

    Touareg vs Lexus RX450h (2011 review)

    Claimed economy

    Touareg34.4 mpg
    Lexus RX450h (2011 review)44.4 mpg
    24
  • Acura MDX (2017 comparison)

    Touareg vs Acura MDX (2017 comparison)

    0–96.6 km/h lower is better

    Touareg7.8 s
    Acura MDX (2017 comparison)6 s
    16

Prices

Value today $9.0K–$25.2K423

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$25K$50K$75K$100K 20052010201520202025 Value today: $9,000–$25,200 2004 · $58,415 · US base, V10 TDI2007 · $38,660 · US base, V62007 · $49,710 · US as tested, V62017 · $50,405 · US base, Sport with Technology2017 · $53,705 · US base, Wolfsburg2017 · $61,105 · US base, Executive2024 · $93,000 · UK Elegance PHEV tested, USD equiv. 2004 · $58,415 · US V10 TDI base price, 2004 model year 2025 · $20,640 · 2015 TDI, 79k miles, BaT2025 · $18,500 · 2016 Executive TDI, 89k miles, BaT2025 · $14,000 · 2015 VR6, 98k miles, BaT2025 · $16,500 · 2004 V10 TDI, 66k miles, BaT2025 · $19,000 · 2012 Hybrid, under 36k miles, BaT2026 · $13,916 · 2006 V10 TDI, 108k miles, modified, BaT2026 · $26,250 · 2007 V10 TDI, 68k miles, BaT2026 · $9,000 · 2017 Wolfsburg VR6, 105k miles, BaT2026 · $15,500 · 2004 V8, 24k miles, BaT $26.3K BaT, 2026
26816313233343536373839
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2004Launch price$58,415US V10 TDI base price, 2004 model year
2004Price when new$58,415US base, V10 TDI
2007Price when new$38,660US base, V6
2007Price when new$49,710US as tested, V6
2017Price when new$50,405US base, Sport with Technology
2017Price when new$53,705US base, Wolfsburg
2017Price when new$61,105US base, Executive
2024Price when new$93,000UK Elegance PHEV tested, USD equiv.
2025Auction sale$20,6402015 TDI, 79k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$18,5002016 Executive TDI, 89k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$14,0002015 VR6, 98k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$16,5002004 V10 TDI, 66k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$19,0002012 Hybrid, under 36k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$13,9162006 V10 TDI, 108k miles, modified, BaT
2026Auction sale$26,2502007 V10 TDI, 68k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$9,0002017 Wolfsburg VR6, 105k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$15,5002004 V8, 24k miles, BaT
2026Value today$9,000–$25,200

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 9 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “A V10 towed a 155,000 kg jumbo jet”
    • “6,081 meters up Ojos del Salado”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 5 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 39 sources
  1. Current Touareg generation ends with a “FINAL EDITION” | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  2. 2007 Luxury SUV Winter Showdown in Michigan's Upper Peninsula caranddriver.com
  3. The first 21 years | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  4. Volkswagen Touareg - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  5. Touareg I (2002–2010) | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  6. 2004 Volkswagen Touareg V-10 TDI - Road Test Review - Truck Trend motortrend.com
  7. VW Touareg II – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  8. 2024 Volkswagen Touareg PHEV Is the One That Got Away caranddriver.com
  9. Electrified SUV flagship models: presales of the new Touareg eHybrid and Touareg R have now started | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  10. One million Touaregs: milestone to be celebrated by special model with elegant extras | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  11. VW Touareg I – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  12. Touareg V8 „Last Edition“ ist ab 17. August bestellbar | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  13. Used Volkswagen Touareg (2nd-gen) review - ReDriven redriven.com
  14. Used Volkswagen Touareg (Mk3, 2018-date) review: a luxurious and spacious SUV | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  15. Used Volkswagen Touareg review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  16. 2017 Volkswagen Touareg Tested: Great Aspirations caranddriver.com
  17. New technologies, more comfort: Volkswagen presents the new Touareg | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  18. Der neue Touareg Edition X - Sondermodell zum 10-jährigen Jubiläum des Touareg | Volkswagen Medienportal vw.media-corner.ch
  19. Happy Birthday, Touareg! – Exclusive special-edition model for the 20th anniversary | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  20. Volkswagen Touareg R50: History, Ownership and Buying Guide vwownersclub.co.uk
  21. Feature: The first 15 years – Globetrotters and world records | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  22. Exterior design – Tailor-made for freedom | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  23. 2003-07 Volkswagen Touareg | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  24. VW Touareg Hybrid Review | First Drive | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  25. Im Rückspiegel: 20 Jahre Volkswagen Touareg - Auto-Medienportal auto-medienportal.net
  26. Volkswagen feiert ersten Diesel-Triumph der „Dakar“ mit Doppelsieg | Volkswagen Medienportal vwpress.ch
  27. 2009-2011 : Quand Volkswagen dominait le Dakar franceracing.fr
  28. Computerized Car Is Champ | STANFORD magazine stanfordmag.org
  29. VW Touareg V6 High Altitude Record Chile - challenge4 rainerzietlow.com
  30. Volkswagen Touareg For Sale - BaT Auctions bringatrailer.com
  31. No Reserve: 2007 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $26,250 on June 25, 2026 (Lot #249,491) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 2015 Volkswagen Touareg TDI for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $20,640 on July 10, 2025 (Lot #199,982) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 2006 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,916 on April 21, 2026 (Lot #238,910) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: 2017 Volkswagen Touareg Wolfsburg VR6 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,000 on September 4, 2026 (Lot #261,509) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: 36k-Mile 2012 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $19,000 on January 16, 2025 (Lot #177,406) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. No Reserve: 24k-Mile 2004 Volkswagen Touareg V8 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,500 on March 28, 2026 (Lot #235,430) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. No Reserve: 2016 Volkswagen Touareg Executive TDI for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $18,500 on October 10, 2025 (Lot #214,263) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. No Reserve: 2015 Volkswagen Touareg V6 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $14,000 on August 4, 2025 (Lot #203,612) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  39. No Reserve: 2004 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $16,500 on March 4, 2025 (Lot #182,398) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • volkswagen-newsroom.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • motortrend.com
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • redriven.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • vw.media-corner.ch
  • vwownersclub.co.uk
  • consumerguide.com
  • auto-medienportal.net
  • vwpress.ch
  • franceracing.fr
  • stanfordmag.org

Photo credits

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